Long Arm Quilting
Quilts that capture memories, crafted with care
Do you have a stash of completed quilt tops just waiting to be finished? You have come to the right place!
For those who prefer the joy of piecing over the stress of quilting, I'm here to help bring your quilts to life with professional long arm quilting services. Each quilt entrusted to me receives the same level of meticulous care and attention to detail that you would give it yourself.
When you entrust your quilts to me, it's truly an honour. Each quilt is treated with the utmost respect and care in my smoke-free, pet-free home studio.
I understand that every quilt is unique, which is why I work closely with you to select the perfect thread and designs that complement your quilt's style and theme. Whether you prefer to be involved in the process or trust my expertise to make the decisions, my ultimate goal is to deliver a finished product that brings you joy and satisfaction.
Choose from a variety of quilting options, including both hand-driven and computer-generated designs. With over 3,000 computer designs to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect pattern to suit your quilt's style and personality.
With Gail Berry's Long Arm Quilting Services, you can rest assured that your quilts are in good hands, receiving the attention to detail and love they deserve. Let's collaborate to create quilts that exceed your expectations and become cherished heirlooms for years to come. Read below for some of my top tips on preparing your quilt for long arm quilting.
Preparing Your Quilt Top for Long Arm Quilting
Congratulations on completing the hard work of choosing fabrics, piecing, and pressing your quilt top! Now it's time to ensure it's ready for the next stage of its journey.
Here's a helpful tip: While you wait for your quilt to be quilted, why not get a head start on prepping your binding? By cutting and preparing your binding now, you can streamline the final steps of your project and have everything ready when your quilt returns.
Take a moment to press your quilt top, ensuring it's smooth and free of wrinkles. Use this time to trim any loose threads and inspect for any seams that may need reinforcement.
Measure your quilt top both in height and width to ensure accuracy during the quilting process.
If your quilt top is directional, mark the top center with a safety pin and a note to ensure it's oriented correctly during quilting.
By following these simple steps, you'll be well-prepared to send off your quilt top for long arm quilting, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.
Preparing Your Quilt Backing For Long Arm Quilting
When it comes to selecting your quilt backing, the options are endless, and your local quilt store is likely stocked with a variety of fabrics to choose from. If you opt for a wide back fabric, consider purchasing a bit extra to account for any imperfections in the cut—it's challenging for shops to keep wide fabric perfectly aligned.
Your backing should be at least 4 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides, providing ample room for the long arm quilting process.
If you're piecing your backing, aim to use a 1/2-inch seam allowance pressed open. This ensures a smooth finish and reduces bulk, especially if your quilt has a horizontal orientation.
I'm happy to quilt various fabrics, including minky, fireside, flannel, and cotton. However, I recommend avoiding bed sheets, as not all 100% cotton fabrics are created equal. Additionally, for fabrics other than cotton or flannel, it's best to use a single, wide piece without piecing to avoid thick seams that can affect the quilting process.
Before sending off your backing, double-check that you have enough fabric for the job. If you prefer a directional backing, mark the top center with a safety pin and a note to ensure proper alignment during quilting.
By following these guidelines, you'll ensure that your quilt backing is well-prepared for the long arm quilting process.
Now What? Your Next Steps For Long Arm Quilting
Batting: You have the option to purchase batting directly from me at competitive rates, or you can provide your own quality batting. I typically stock Hobbs, Warm & Natural, and Pellon, though availability may vary based on the supply chain. All options are high-quality 80/20 blends. If you're supplying your own batting, please ensure it's the same size as your quilt for optimal results.
Thread: As part of my service, I'll supply the thread for your quilt. My preferred choice is Superior Thread, but I also offer Wonderfil and Glide options. I'll select the colour and style that best complements your quilt, ensuring a professional finish.
Quilt Design: Your quilt design will feature an all-over edge-to-edge pattern. I can either choose the design I believe best suits your quilt, or I can consult with you and provide a selection of options to choose from.
To assist in selecting the perfect design, I'll ask you to share a bit about your quilt. Whether it's a gift for a gardening-loving aunt or a graduation quilt for your nephew, knowing the intended recipient and purpose of the quilt helps me tailor the design to match both the quilt and its intended use.
By collaborating and sharing insights about your quilt, we'll ensure that the design selected enhances the beauty and sentiment of your project, resulting in a beautifully finished quilt that will be cherished for years to come.
FAQs
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Long arm quilting involves using a specialised sewing machine mounted on a frame to quilt larger patterns and designs on a quilt top, batting, and backing.
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The backing fabric should be at least 4 inches larger than the quilt top on all sides. Be careful when buying wide back fabric to ensure that you get ome extra to allow it to be squared up.
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The time required depends on the size of the quilt and complexity of design. I will discuss a pick up date for your quilt prior to drop off.
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I will choose an all-over edge-to-edge pattern for your quilt. You can either let me select the design I think best suits your quilt, or I can consult with you and send a few options for you to choose from. With thousands of designs available, there's something for every quilt.
To help me choose the perfect design, I'll ask you to tell me a bit about your quilt. For example, a quilt for an aunt who loves gardening might have a very different pattern than a quilt for a nephew graduating from high school. I always strive to match the design to both the quilt and its intended purpose.