Prepping your quilt for longarm quilting - Watch & Learn Quilting Show Episode 20

On today’s episode, Kelly and Kristina share the most important tips you need to know to prep a quilt top for longarming and finishing. Whether you are taking your quilt to a longarm quilter or doing it on your own, there's a few things you can do to ensure your longarming experience goes smoothly. We'll talk about pressing your seams, folding your tops, proper backing trim, wandering threads, seam orientation and a whole bunch more!
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The quilt pattern is Crystal Prisms from McCalls Quick Quilts Aug/Sep 2019.

Пікірлер: 107

  • @angielovett4159
    @angielovett4159 Жыл бұрын

    I learned (the hard way) that you should be VERY specific about what your ‘vision’ for the quilting is. You need to know that it IS ok to ask very specific questions and make sure you discuss every detail until you both understand. That is not ‘being picky’ that is communicating. Scale and density of quilting should be part of the discussion as well, because those things can drastically change how the quilt looks. Thank you for such a helpful video!

  • @tnt9238
    @tnt92382 жыл бұрын

    I am fairly new to longarming and really enjoyed and learned a bunch from this video. Especially about the backing seam running horizontally, along the bar instead of the other way. Please keep sharing your knowledge with us. Thanks again for all the info

  • @kgollsneid3460
    @kgollsneid34603 жыл бұрын

    Kelly mentioned that she's not fond of torn backings and I've heard that from many of my customers too, but if they've given me the extra backing I need, then there's really no problem. Any distortion or waviness the tearing causes only goes about 1/2" into the fabric, so it won't affect where I'm quilting at all. I'd rather have square with frayed edges than not square. I've seen cut wide backs that are as much as 9" different from selvedge to selvedge after tearing to straighten.

  • @marthamurray9855
    @marthamurray9855 Жыл бұрын

    This was such a great tutorial. I especially liked your backing tips. I will keep them in mind as I prepare the batting for my latest quilt.

  • @dianam.9554
    @dianam.9554 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, I'm a first time subscriber and I want to Thank you so much for all the information from seams to the backing of the quilt before taking the quilt to a longarm quilter to be quilted. I have never taken my quilt to a longarm quilter and I wanted to learn what I can do to make it easier for her and you showed me how to prepare my quilt so we both can have a wonderful experience.

  • @cathymontowski1263
    @cathymontowski12632 жыл бұрын

    Great tips/suggestions.

  • @lauriehermundson5593
    @lauriehermundson5593 Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful. Thank you.

  • @228gaby
    @228gaby2 жыл бұрын

    Very comprehensive tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • @shirleythompson2041
    @shirleythompson20413 жыл бұрын

    Would you address the question of borders and how to have them ready for the long arm, as well as how to finish them after that process?

  • @gwenmadeline54
    @gwenmadeline542 жыл бұрын

    Such a wonderful video. I just got my Moxie and this is so helpful.

  • @esperansaloughran693
    @esperansaloughran693 Жыл бұрын

    Very informative. Thankyou.

  • @helenburke5267
    @helenburke52673 жыл бұрын

    Thank you ladies as always enjoying learning

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Our pleasure!

  • @scharleybailey7522
    @scharleybailey75223 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this film. It was very informative. It answered a lot of questions I had.

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @deannaelsen4665
    @deannaelsen46653 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for sharing the information. 🌼

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    You are so welcome! Thanks for watching.

  • @thepinkstockbrokers
    @thepinkstockbrokers Жыл бұрын

    I enjoy watching your videos

  • @jeanhartwig3282
    @jeanhartwig32823 жыл бұрын

    Great, Great, video. Super informative. Thank you!!!

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @ronsmith9225
    @ronsmith92253 жыл бұрын

    This video was so informative. I had no idea!

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @ShadowMoonFarms
    @ShadowMoonFarms2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @sandan2358
    @sandan23583 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tutorial ladies! For my long arm quilter I mark my top and back the center and which is top on each.

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great tip!

  • @sherillnekuda8701
    @sherillnekuda87013 жыл бұрын

    Very informative for anyone creating a quilt. I learned several tips even when I use my domestic machine to quilt a quilt.

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @terribishop5313
    @terribishop53133 жыл бұрын

    Thank you this was very helpful and answered several questions I've had about taking my quilts to a quilter for the first time.

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @judithkois1892
    @judithkois18923 жыл бұрын

    I quilt for people also and, every thing that you are commenting on, I have experienced. It seems like people do not like to give me extra backing on the edges. I've also gotten seams that have holes in them. It's amazing, you have hit everything that I have had!!! Thank you so much!

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @nancyg1786
    @nancyg17863 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for all the helpful hints. The quilt behind you pieced by Kim does look like it was quilted with an edge to edge pattern until you take a second look, very clever! I love the dark background too. I'd like to see a picture of the whole quilt but I didn't see a link to the pattern.

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Isn't it a fun quilt?!?! There is not a link to the pattern. The pattern design is Crystal Prisms form McCalls Quick Quilts Aug/Sep 2019.

  • @kayleenrich5411
    @kayleenrich54113 жыл бұрын

    I’m a brand new quilter I purchased the new moxie and I love it and all of your videos I watch over and over to learn all I can! Thank you so much please keep them coming!! I have found that there is much more information with having a prosticher computer etc. than free motion please share how you learned to use rulers and designs to free motion! I’m definitely going to get the add on of computerized when it’s available for the moxie! I love HQ and all the suggestions

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful! Thank you so much! We'll keep working on well-rounded videos. We really appreciate your support. -jb

  • @juliesheetz1
    @juliesheetz1 Жыл бұрын

    Hello from a new long arm old lady! Haha ! Could you recommend a video of how to take the quilt off the long arm and the best way to square it up and other tips ? Thanks in advance. Ps this video was great ,all the tricks were awesome!

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    Жыл бұрын

    kzread.info/dash/bejne/da6oj9x7YKurf5s.html At about 15:30, we talk about basting the bottom of the quilt top so that you can remove it from the leader. Using a laser square is great from squaring up/trimming your quilt after you have removed it from the longarm.

  • @beverlyterpstra3404
    @beverlyterpstra34043 жыл бұрын

    I have really enjoyed this video! Thank you both so much!! Quick question for clarification - when you are trimming the edge straight are you cutting the selvage edges or the torn edges or do you end up doing both?? Sure this is a pretty dumb question??!!

  • @karencapen8037
    @karencapen80373 жыл бұрын

    I have a suggestion for a future class. I own a 5 foot frame. I make and quilt large quilts. Could you share tips for loading, re-loading, moving the fabric around on the frame, securing the unquilted portion as well as the quilted portion. I have my own work-a-rounds, but I am sure there are other techniques I would enjoy learning.

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Are you using the Little Foot Frame? That is a great suggestion. I have added it to our list!

  • @karencapen8037

    @karencapen8037

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013 Yes, I am using the Little Foot Frame. Thank you for adding it to the list.

  • @sandragallo2283
    @sandragallo2283 Жыл бұрын

    I love the large flying geese in the background (in the circle). Do you know the pattern ?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    Жыл бұрын

    The quilt that is in the bubble does not have a pattern. It was a unique design just for that quilt.

  • @PenClapp
    @PenClapp3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the informative video. I am just beginning to quilt for other people. I was wondering if you have any tips on how you would do an edge to edge within the borders, and then custom on the borders. I have a hard time ending the edge to edge in the right spot within the border when at the back of my machine. I always seem to over step that border seam some how.

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Penny - I don't think we have any videos or tutorials for that - but you can give us a call and we can walk you through how we would do that. 877-697-8458.

  • @cindyvogel4775
    @cindyvogel47753 жыл бұрын

    Great advice. It would be wonderful if this information were shared at guilds. Pressing is so important. SID is difficult when seams are pressed carelessly. I piece and longarm. At times even as careful as I am I will have joints flip. A good steam or product press will minimize the inevitable. Those that flip in the middle make our job harder and the end result possibly not as good as it could have been. Trimming frays oh my wonderful before the top arrives. Seams pressed open in the backing priceless. I didn't know about paying attention to grain. I don't think a quilter understands how important it is to prepare the backing fabric properly. Wide back fabric may be a 3 yard cut but the shop rarely cuts the fabric straight. I like 'design as you see fit' too but the top creator may have chosen that pattern for an element I didn't see or love feathers or cross hatching. Their love may not be practical or fit the top design but a chat is ever so helpful. Thank you gals for super info!

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Please feel free to show this video at your guild meetings!

  • @LaurelRussellRanchGirl
    @LaurelRussellRanchGirl2 жыл бұрын

    What is the best batting to use for showing off the quilting?

  • @happytraveller8953
    @happytraveller8953 Жыл бұрын

    Good evening! If you use a starching agent like Best Press on the quilt top, does it gum up the needle on the longarm machine? Thanks! Another quick question: if you have to use 'frankenbatting' for a quilt does it matter which way most of the seams are aligned?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    Жыл бұрын

    Starching agents do not gum up the needle. Sticky stuff such as on Steam a Seam will. Franken batting can be put together in whatever way is needed. No need to align seams.

  • @brendapowers7024
    @brendapowers70243 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for your help and teaching...I am confused on what is a super leader?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Our Super Leader comes with the Gallery 2 frame, or you can purchase it separately. Our regular leaders are 17" deep. The Super Leader is 27" deep. It makes it easier to load the quilt from the front. handiquilter.com/?s=leaders&post_type=product

  • @sunflowerbaby1853
    @sunflowerbaby18533 жыл бұрын

    Great video. In order sometimes to make a quilt back a little larger I will add a long row of flying geese or similar blocks from the front. Is that a problem for you? Also I like to pre attach the quilt label sew it ends up quilted in. Any recommendations on how to help you keep it lined up straight?

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Adding extra blocks to the back is great. However, don't expect your quilting to have the backing lined up perfectly with the top. Things shift as you quilt and it is very time consuming and often frustrating trying to get it all lined up. As for the label, if you are needing it in a specific location, I would recommend doing it after the quilting.

  • @sunflowerbaby1853

    @sunflowerbaby1853

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013 I understand. Thanks .

  • @jonseiberlich-wheeler7115
    @jonseiberlich-wheeler71153 жыл бұрын

    I just got my first longarm (Moxie!). Should I iron the backing before quilting? Is it OK to have some creases in the batting? If not, how should I flatten the batting?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    HI Jon - Most people recommend pressing the backing before quilting. I would press it as best you can before loading it on your frame.

  • @samanthagenice
    @samanthagenice Жыл бұрын

    I really learned alot from this video. Thank you!! I am really confused when it comes to choosing the batting. What quilt batting do you recommend for a quilt that is used and washed regularly. Cotton, an 80/20 blend, wool, polyester?? And do you prefer Quilter's Dream, Hobbs, Pellon?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    Жыл бұрын

    Batting is mostly personal preference. All of the brands are great. I use Quilter's Dream at home and Hobbs in the office. A quilt that is going to be washed a lot can have any of the battings. I usually use an 80/20 because that is what I have on hand and it is more economical than a wool.

  • @samanthagenice

    @samanthagenice

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @cblnewlondonoffice6201
    @cblnewlondonoffice62013 жыл бұрын

    Please where is the pattern for the quilt on the wall available? Thanks. Terrific video.

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    The quilt pattern is Crystal Prisms from McCalls Quick Quilts Aug/Sep 2019.

  • @timc7219
    @timc72193 жыл бұрын

    I obviously need more classes

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    We all do!!! Learning is an ongoing process!

  • @VTorrance

    @VTorrance

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same.

  • @janicecarole5013
    @janicecarole50133 жыл бұрын

    Will the seamed back running horizontally with the frame want to pull apart at that seam

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    3 жыл бұрын

    It shouldn't be a problem. I sometimes will top stitch the seam on the back, but that can be unsightly sometimes. We do suggest a 1/2" seam.

  • @jeannettedestrake3136
    @jeannettedestrake31363 жыл бұрын

    It was mention could get a copy of the pattern for the quilt behind the ladies doing the video. They said it was in the comments are ? could you send me the info.

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    The quilt pattern is Crystal Prisms from McCalls Quick Quilts Aug/Sep 2019.

  • @Nannette555
    @Nannette555 Жыл бұрын

    Ii'm wanting to learn how to do free hand quilting on my long-arm. I've done E2E and want to learn more. I'm confused as to whether to begin quilting in the center of the quilt and work outward OR to work the larger less stitched areas first then stitch the smaller tighter stitched areas. What would you suggest? What's your rule of thumb that guides you?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    Жыл бұрын

    Each quilt is different. I usually don't start in the center unless I am doing a mandala though. Most of the time, I will start with the thread color that I plan to use the most and work through one throat space at a time. If there are areas that I am not stitching in, I make sure to baste it to hold the layers in position.

  • @lizzicondon589
    @lizzicondon5893 жыл бұрын

    Have you ever turned away a quilt given to you? I just turned one away as they tried to give me a bag of poly batting from Joanne’s. Since I have worked with this batting before I know it does not lay flat nor does it quilt up well.

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Lizzi, I really don't like to turn people away but it is going to happen. You need to remember that when the quilt leaves your studio, your name is attached to that quilt! If you don't feel like what is given to you is going to allow you to do your best work, don't do it. (That's my personal opinion anyway!!)

  • @teririos4736
    @teririos47365 ай бұрын

    I’m considering buying a long arm, the new Moxie XL, but I have a question about the leaders. In a few videos I keep seeing it being mentioned to line up the centers of your quilt with the center la of your leaders. But how do You know that the center of your top leader is in line with the center of your bottom leader?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    5 ай бұрын

    You mark the center of your leaders and then line those up with the center of the pole so that everything is lined up. With the Moxie XL on an 8' loft frame, the section where the poles meet is actually the center of the poles so you don't even have to measure them!!

  • @jodypaine7074
    @jodypaine70743 жыл бұрын

    I would like to ask if you have a preference to using your own batting or if your customers bring their own batting to keep cost down? Does it actually decrease the cost?

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    I let my customers make that choice. The cost would depend on how much the customer can get it from a store vs. the longarmer.

  • @jodypaine7074

    @jodypaine7074

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013 thank you

  • @oanapopescu6640
    @oanapopescu66403 жыл бұрын

    👍💐

  • @jeannettedestrake3136
    @jeannettedestrake31363 жыл бұрын

    I sent a previous question on the quilt hanging behind the educators. I would like to know the name of the pattern, the replay wasCrystal prisms from McCalls quick quilts aug/sep. That is not the same quilt. could you please check again for the name of the pattern. thanks Jeannette

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    The quilter that made the quilt hanging in the video just showed me the pattern from the magazine. She did adjust the layout a little to make it the size she wanted and the quilt is hung up in a different orientation than what is shown in the magazine. Pages 8-11

  • @marystaley524
    @marystaley5243 жыл бұрын

    I am noticing the height of the quilt table/frame in regards to the quilter standing by it. Any suggestions as to the proper hieght?

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Here is a video that talks about the frame height. kzread.info/dash/bejne/eKZ30ZmwZNywlrg.html The height will also depend on what kind of quilting you are doing. If you do a lot of ruler work or microwork, you might want your frame higher so you aren't leaning as much to see what you are doing.

  • @dodge10P1N
    @dodge10P1N Жыл бұрын

    So i dont need my quilt sandwich at the longarmer? I just bring in all my pieces separately?

  • @HandiQuilter

    @HandiQuilter

    Жыл бұрын

    For the rolling system, you will load each piece separately. There are other frame systems that you can get that require you to baste the sandwich prior to loading it.

  • @elizabethmulkey6426
    @elizabethmulkey64263 жыл бұрын

    If you turn the quilt sideways. Then how do you turn the quilting pattern or do you just quilt the pattern.

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    The ability to turn the quit depends on the quilting pattern. If the pattern is directional and has to go one way then you can not turn the quilt. Most quilting patterns can go either way on the quilt top. In that case, you can turn the quilt sideways. Ex: A woodgrain pattern should go the direction of the trees. In that case you wouldn't rotate the quilt top.

  • @lindajennings275
    @lindajennings2753 жыл бұрын

    I have a problem with Omni thread on my Bernina longarm. The thread on the back sews straight instead of sewing stitches. I turned the tension up to 5.5 but the thread keeps breaking. I turn it back to 5.25 the breaking stops but still does not stitch right.

  • @kimsandberg1364

    @kimsandberg1364

    3 жыл бұрын

    It sounds like you are having a tension issue. Your tension in your bobbin is probably too loose -I would recommend tightening it. As for you top thread breaking, that is often an indication that you have a needle that is too small for your thread size. When quilting with Omni (a 40 wt thread) we recommend using a size 18 needle. If you are still having issues, we recommend you contact your Bernina retailer. (Or you could trade in your Bernina and get a Handi Quilter! ;)

  • @terrimattingly7890
    @terrimattingly78903 жыл бұрын

    Do you stay stitch the quilt if it’s outer edge is only borders?

  • @elizabethmulkey6426

    @elizabethmulkey6426

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sometimes I sew just a few inches. Some people sew with a larger stitch than I do,

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not usually.

  • @sandymitchell8496
    @sandymitchell84963 жыл бұрын

    Do you prefer us to sew around the quilt before you quilt it?

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Do you mean the stay stitching or serging that we talked about? If yes, that is definitely an added bonus. I rarely have quilt tops brought in with this step done. It makes my end so much easier!

  • @happytraveller8953

    @happytraveller8953

    Жыл бұрын

    @@kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013 good evening; may I ask you to expound on this comment? Do you mean that quilters should baste around the entire quilt edge before sending them to a longarmer? How does that improve the overall end result please?? Thanks!

  • @lacesq1167

    @lacesq1167

    Жыл бұрын

    @@happytraveller8953 go to 6:22 in the video

  • @carolepp7468
    @carolepp74683 жыл бұрын

    I am brand new to quilting on a longarm. When you talked about squaring up the back, you mentioned that that particular backing was almost three inches off which you would have to square off. Does the four inches extra around the whole quilt backing allow for this or should you have even more fabric to square it up?

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    The 4" on all four sides is for the loading process. I the backing needs to be squared up, you will need additional fabric.

  • @loribrothers5551

    @loribrothers5551

    3 жыл бұрын

    Omgosh. This was just what I needed to to be able to recommend to my customers. Thank you both.

  • @Crafty-n-Krazy
    @Crafty-n-Krazy2 жыл бұрын

    What is stay stitching???

  • @nickyg-uk5055

    @nickyg-uk5055

    2 жыл бұрын

    Stay stitching is just a normal straight stitch which just goes around the outside edge of the pieced patchwork top, it helps to stop/minimise the edges from stretching (either bias fabrics or seams coming undone), keeping your quilt top flatter & easier to longarm. If you can, stitch it within 1/4 inch from the outside edge, then after its been quilted & trimmed, the stay stitiching will be inside the seam allowance for the binding. Stay stitching is also used in dressmaking.

  • @happytraveller8953

    @happytraveller8953

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nickyg-uk5055 so it's basically a basting stitch all around the edges, yes?? Thanks in advance!!

  • @judithzeoli4791
    @judithzeoli47913 жыл бұрын

    What about borders?

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    Can you be a little more specific on your questions?

  • @judithzeoli4791

    @judithzeoli4791

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013 I am having trouble with rippling borders that don't lie flat. Especially on large quilts.

  • @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    @kristinawhitneyhqstudioedu7013

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@judithzeoli4791 For piecing the borders, make sure that you measure the size of the quilt in multiple locations prior to attaching the border. If you make the border the smallest of the measurements, it will help prevent the rippling.

  • @jefferyyasenchok3521
    @jefferyyasenchok35213 жыл бұрын

    When referring to longarm quilter you say she. Not only woman quilt, there are alot of guys out there that quilt also.