Quilt Preparation
The three layers of the quilt will be loaded on the Statler independently of one another. Please do not pin or baste the layers together.
The batting and backing should measure at least 6-8 inches longer and 6-8 inches wider than your quilt top.
For example, if your quilt measures 70” x 90”, the batting and backing should measure a minimum of 76” x 96”. This allows for 3” on top, 3” on bottom, and 3” on each side to use for pinning to the machine canvases and for the clamps on the sides that hold the backing in place under the quilt top and batting.
Measure your quilt horizontally across the top, bottom, and center. All measurements must be the same to ensure puckers do not occur in the quilting process. If they are not exact, I will average the measure of the left, right and center edges to relieve as many of the tucks, pleats or fullness as possible.
Prepare your Quilt Top:
If your Quilt does not have an outside border, I recommend that you stay stitch slightly less than ¼” around the edge of your entire quilt to ensure the seams do not stretch or pull apart. This stitching will be hidden once the binding is on.
Mark the top of your quilt and top of the backing fabric with a safety pin with a penciled note indicating “TOP”.
Press the seams well with seams open or to one side. Trim all loose threads. The quilt top should be trimmed down to the final finished size. We will not cut or trim your quilt top unless we are putting on the binding.
The top must be free of embellishments such as buttons, charms, sequins, couching, beads, crystals and other embellishments.
Square your quilt as much as possible to prevent wrinkles, folds, or waves in it. Press it, and trim stray threads.
Quick check for square:
- Fold quilt in quarters and see if the outside edges line up well or,
- Place a square edge (ruler or piece of paper) on the corner.
Batting:
If you send batting, check the package to be sure it is suitable for machine quilting. I do not stock a large batting inventory, but offer some of my favorites if you would like to purchase batting from me.
Checklist: 
| Top: | |
| ______ | Loose threads trimmed |
| ______ | Well pressed |
| ______ | No wavy borders |
| ______ | Squared corners |
| ______ | Stitch all outside seams 1/4" |
| ______ | All repairs done, no open seams |
| ______ | Mark "TOP" with safety pin |
| ______ | No embellishments |
| Batting: | |
| ______ | Proper type for your quilt |
| Backing: | |
| ______ | No sheets please |
| ______ | Colors match quilt top |
| ______ | Selvages trimmed or clipped |
| ______ | 1/4" seams pressed open |
| ______ | Ends squared |
| ______ | Mark "TOP" with safety pin |
| ______ | At least 4-6" larger than top |
| Binding: | |
| ______ | Supply 3/4 to 1 yard uncut fabric |
NOTE: All prices are subject to variation depending on what the customer wants.