Measure your backing and batting 4” larger than your quilt top in both width and length.  For
example: if your quilt is 20 x 20, cut your backing and batting 28 x 28.
Please make sure that all sides are straight for the top and backing.  An easy way to do this is to
fold your quilt top or backing in half and then in half again.  If corners do not line up, it is not
square.  Use a rotary cutter and a good ruler or square ruler to trim the edges.
Press your quilt top and backing fabric well.  If you have seamed the back, trim off selvages so the seam will
lie flat.
Preparations
Piece accurately (especially when adding the borders) to make your quilt lie flat.  I cannot quilt
out puckers, tucks or wavy borders that have been sewn in.  Find the side dimensions of your quilt
by measuring through the quilt center, not along the edges, since they may have stretched. Take 3
measurements and average them to determine the length to cut your borders.  Attach side borders
to quilt center by pinning them at the ends and the center, and easing in any fullness.  Do the
same to find the top and botton dimensions of your quilt by measuring across the quilt and side
borders.
If you use a sheet for your backing, all hems must be removed.  Remember that sheets are tightly woven
and can cause uneven stitches.
Trim points and clip threads so they don’t show through your quilt top.
All seams should be sewn closed.  If a seam is not sewn together securely, the presser foot of my
machine may catch and rip the fabric.  I will not be responsible for any such damage.
Do not pin or baste your top, batting and backing together.
If you have a border on your backing, I cannot guarantee that the back will be centered, but I will get it as
close as possible.
Do not embellish with beads or buttons until after the quilting is done.
If you would like for me to do any of the preparations for you, see the preparation fees under pricing.
The first three preparations are the most important.
When mailing, please make sure box is big enought to return finished quilt in.  Also, wrap in
plastic for extra protection.