julie

What do I need to do to prepare the quilt before taking it to be quilted? Do I pin baste or thread baste? The last time I took a quilt in, I had used basting spray, and they weren't very happy about it, said they would have to take it apart and re-baste with pins. Is that normal? Also, I used a pattern from a book, but I made some modifications ( added a border to bring out the colors more). I think I need to acknowledge the pattern and the creator, can I say something like "Quilt Block from quilt book by Jane Doe, with variation."
Thanks.

quiltinghere

I suggest you contact the longarmer directly to see what they want you to do with the quilt. Almost all longarmers do not want the top, batting and backing attached together in any way because each layer is loaded on the frame separately.

I really don't have any recommendations on what to place on the quilt label other than it's really a personal decision.

Nan - IN

crashnquilt

If you are taking your quilt to a longarm quilter, you do not need to put the layers together. The quilt and backing will be loaded onto a frame. For preparation you should trim or remove all loose threads, and press the top. When pressing the top, make sure you don't have any tucks at the seams. Have your seams pressed to one side if possible. Press the backing fabric. Be sure to remove any fold lines in the fabric. If you furnish the batting, and you are using packaged batting, take it out of the bag, unfold it and let it "breathe" for a couple of days. On the label that is up to you. Unless you intend to enter the quilt in a show, it isn't necessary to list any reference materials. If you do intend to enter the quilt into a show, be sure to tell you longarm quilter and find out what her requirements for show quilting.
Hope this helps.

PaperPrincess

never heard of a long arm quilter wanting the layers sandwiched. You usually bring the top and backing separate and either purchase the batting from them or also bring it separate. They layer and pin everything to the frame.

Nammie to 7

That is the beauty of taking it to the LA - you don't need to layer the quilt!

soccertxi

what she said! :

Peckish

"Re-baste"??? Are you taking it to a hand-quilter or a machine quilter? Machine quilters usually will not want any basting at all, especially if they're putting it on a longarm frame. I second the suggestion that you contact your quilter directly for specific instructions.

In my opinion, if you are making a quilt for entry into a show, you can state on the entry form where you got the pattern for the quilt. I don't believe it needs to be on the label, though.

grammysharon

All you need to do is make sure your top is pressed and all the loose threads cut off. The backing should be several inches longer and wider than the top and well pressed also! Some LAQer's want you to bring the batting or they have it on a roll and will include it in the price of the quilting.

topstitch

It is very important to square up your quilt backing!!!!!!!

ckcowl

each long-arm quilter has their own (policies/specifications) so you need to contact the long arm(er) and ask ...but when long-arm quilting each part is loaded separately...the backing, then the top-then the batting floating between- the sandwich is not basted together first-the parts are loaded onto roller bars.
normally your long armer will want the backing and batting a few inches larger than the top all the way around- the top and backing will need to be pressed nicely- squared up, loose threads trimmed- if there are alot of seams along the outside of the quilt sometimes its a good idea to run a (stay-stitch) all the way around the quilt to keep those seams from pulling apart when loaded. also, (i always ask) that if a person is piecing their backing they have the seam horizontal across the backing- not vertical...when it is horizontal it lays nice & flat, smooth along the bar when loaded- when it is vertical is builds up, 4 layers at a time with each turn of the roller---so you have large bulk in the center and 'floppy' edges...makes it more difficult to keep everything smooth as it is quilted---but you need to talk to your quilter to see how they want things.
you also may want to check out a long arming video (handiquilter has some good ones-among many others) so you can see just how it looks loaded & how it's done- then it may make more sense to you.