Border Issue	Example:  Border does not lay flat on the longarm and needs to have fabric removed to do so.  We do not currently remove the quilt from the longarm to starch the quilt into submission.    Please note that we receive all different skill levels of quilt tops.  It is a pleasure to work on projects that people sew, because we know it provides happiness!
Piecing Issues	Example:  Open seams that need to be closed.  We want to have these closed so that the foot of the machine does not get caught.
Backing to small	Fabric needs to be a minimum of 4" extra on each of the 4 sides.  If a large design is selected, it could require up to 6" on each side.  If you do not include enough fabric to mount on the longarm, you run the risk that the extra fabric added does not match the remaining portion of your fabric back.
Other Issues	There may be situations that occur as a result of something unique in your quilt, that can result in an extra charge.  Example:  machine has to be slowed down in order  to help preserve the quality of the stitch based on unique fabrics that are not customary with quilting. Basting may have to be slowed down for curved borders.
Unfinished back	$12 per seam to piece fabric back.   This is a case when the full complete yardage is dropped off, however, the LOF (length of fabric) is not cut and/or sewn.  This can be requested by the customer when the quilt is dropped off.
Trim batting/back	This is a $15 charge to trim off the batting and backing after the quilting is completed.   This is generally done while the longarm is on the machine.   We may not square off your quilt.   Trimming is requested by customers when they do not have the cutting table space at home for large quilts.   Customer needs to indicate if the trim should be 1/8-1/4 inch away from the border.  Otherwise, trimming will be up to the edge of the fabric.
New design	If you request a new design, there may be a charge of $10-$15 dollars to acquire that design.  This covers an administration fee and the actual cost of the design.

What happens when I put blocks into my backing?  A:  You can get creative with your quilt back, we will try to arrange your quilt back as you wish.  However, you need to communicate your preferences when you leave the quilt with us.   To center a quilt back with a vertical stripe is easier, than the horizontal stripe.   Especially since quilting can actually cause the quilt top to shrink during the stitching process.   We may start as centered, but not finish as centered, because stitching can cause the fabric top to become smaller.  

Can you put your own fabric for leaders on the back?  A:  Of course you can!   Just tell us if you want us to not quilt over that fabric.  If we do not see any comments left during the intake process, we may assume wrong.   Remember, we get all types of fabric combinations and backs from customers. 

Can I bring you a quilt back that has a border?  A: Yes, however, these types of quilt backs may not produce the results that you want.  However, we are going to do the best that we can, and depending on how much the quilt top shrinks during the stitching process, your border may be bigger on one side compared to the other.  For example:  A simple meandering that is medium to larger in size will not result in the top shrinking as much with a thin batting.  However, a poly puff batting with a dense pattern is going to shrink the top during stitching.   There are so many factors involved in the process that impact the results! 

How long does it take for E2E quilting?  A: It depends on the longarm queue.  We have white boards that we keep track of the customer name, date and size of quilt.  We also keep a separate board for custom, which require more time because of limited staff that can perform this function.   Quilting is done as first-come first-serve basis, except for rush quilts and important deadlines.  Rush and important deadlines are periodically an exception, because we normally only get these requests every 3-4 weeks.   

Can I get the rush quilt done sooner?  A:  Yes.    The definition of a rush quilt is one that will be put on the long arm within 2 business days (or sooner) of receipt.  There is a $45 charge for rush on Throw size and bigger quilts.   There is a $25 charge for rush on a baby quilt.     We realize that life happens, and important projects don't always get sewn in time for special events, so we ask that people are accepting of these requests.  In addition, we ask that quilters do not take advantage unnecessarily to get to the head of the line.  The rush fee is not refundable.  

Can I get a quilt done sooner without a rush fee?  A:  If our queue is taking longer than anticipated when you dropped off a quilt and there is a special event deadline coming, please let us know.  Since unforeseen situations can occur, we want to help you make those events special.  This situation is evaluated on a case by case basis.  We will charge $10 per each week that the quilt is moved up in the queue.  A rush fee is $45 and we normally are running at a 5 week turnover, so if the quilt is asked to be done 3 weeks in advance - a rush fee of $30 will be added to the bill.  Note:  These requests occur under various circumstances, however, they tend to occur more often during the holidays and before customers are leaving for the season.  Please note: that we have to increase hours for our staff to cover these situations.

Can I get in the queue before my quilt top is done?  A:  Yes.  This is a reserved quilting spot.  There is a $25 fee charged, which is not refundable.  This gets you on the white board early.   However, please let us know when approximately you will be bringing in your quilt.   If we do not have your quilt top when we get to that date, we may proceed onto the next quilt in line.  We will only hold your spot for a few weeks, and will attempt to call you to check on the status of the quilt.   This policy changed the summer of 2024 based on evaluated the time and effort to manage this queue.  

Do you offer a binding service?  A:  Yes.  We offer the following - a) attach to front only;  b) machine applied to both sides; c) machine applied one side/hand sewn down on the back.   The most common requested is machine binding both sides, for .20 cents per linear inch.   The hand binding is .30 cents per linear inch.  Scalloped borders are .40 cents per linear inch hand binding.    We request 2.5" strips, so please provide enough fabric to cut the number of strips needed.

Do you sell batting?  A: Yes, we sell Quilters Dream Cotton.   The following lofts are available:  Request; Select; Deluxe; Poly; 80/20; Wool; Bamboo; Poly Puff.  White and natural batting comes in most batting types.  

Can I use non-quilting material for my quilt back?  A:  Ideally the answer is "No".  We prefer 100% quilting cotton, minky or batik fabrics for the backing.  Please do not bring in knit fabrics or sheeting.  We may call you and ask that the backing material be replaced.    Please note that we want to provide consistent stitch quality and the thickness/quality of the fabric and batting has an impact.  

Can I provide my own batting?  A: Yes, you can provide your own batting.  Make sure that the batting is large enough and provides an extra 2-3" on each side compared to your quilt top. If the batting is poor quality we may call you asking for you to have the batting replaced.  You may be called regarding replacing batting dropped off that is in poor condition, or will provide an extreme uneven loft result.   Lower quality batting may be used, however, it will impact the quality of the stitching.  We test every new bobbin that is put on the machine.  If the batting is low quality and the fabric back is low quality or too thin, we will have to do a lot of testing to get the tension set as best as possible.  

Make sure that your sides are as close to the same width along the entire length of the quilt top.  If you have pieced your quilt top accurately, properly squared it up, and calculated the length of your borders correctly, it should like flat and be free of waves/puckers.   Waves will show up when the quilt top is placed on the long-arm and rolled.  Rolling of the quilt should show the quilt continues to lay flat.  If the quilt does not lay flat, it can pucker.  Extra fabric may need to be removed.  Setting triangles can cause the quilt to not lay flat as well.

Borders
Borders are calculated correctly when you properly cut and measure your quilt top sides.  In addition, you can use sewing pins to lay the border flat against the quilt piece before sewing on.  Borders should fit the quilt.  This is important!  As you prepare to apply your borders, take three measurements through the centers of your quilt top.  Use the average of the three measurements and cut the corresponding borders equal to the average of measurements.  Mark the borders and quilt edges in eighths and work in or "ease" the borders to your quilt.    

Issues will result in charges to your bill
Any inconsistencies with the quilt top will not be "quilted out".  Delays will result in additional charges on your bill.  

If you have bias seams or a lot of seams along the outside edge of your top, stay stitch the seams to prevent the edges from stretching and to keep the seams from coming apart. 

Embellishments 
Do you keep any button or other embellishments on the quilt, which will cause a needle to break.   If these are on the quilt, we will be cutting them off the quilt and return them to you when you pick up the quilt.  Buttons and other hard embellishments can cause damage to a long arm.  

Unfinished Edges in applique 
If you have unfinished edges in applique and the fabric can be turned over, the long arm will not necessarily be keeping the fabric for the applique laying flat.  This would require custom work to long arm and additional charges apply.   We will not risk damage to the machine by holding the edges down, and we will not risk injury to the employee. 

Trim & Press
Trim all the loose threads that are on the top of your quilt.  Press your quilt top well and fold it carefully.  All seams should be pressed flat.  Please do not layer top, batting and backing before folding.  Fold each piece separately.    Do not baste or pin your layers together.  

Orientation 
If your quilt top has a specific orientation (the top is different from the bottom), mark the top of your quilt with a piece of paper indicating "TOP".  Attach the paper to the top of your quilt with a safety pin, not a sewing pin.  

Backing 
Your backing should be 100% cotton.  Poly/cotton blends and 100% polyester will stretch differently and could cause tucks and puckering when quilting.  Please - no sheets.   Minky or Shannon Cuddle is fine with a loose design.  Please do not use a Sateen fabric with T-Shirt Quilts.

Use a 5/8" seam allowance for the back seam(s) and press open.  Selvages are OK on the outer edges only.  We will press your back before going on the machine.  Quilts dropped off with a scant 1/4" seam on the quilt back needs to be secured stitches.  Be safe - use a larger seam allowance.  

If you add a border to your backing, please only have 1 border.  When working on quilt, we measure the top and back.   X = back, Y = quilt top 
X-Y = difference Z.   Z divided by 2 = " of inches that we start from the top.  We will do our best to center the quilt on all 4 sides.  A dense quilting pattern can cause the top to shrink, so it might have been centered to begin with - but not at the end of quilting.  Uneven stitching down seams in the back can change the results (e.g. back doesn't lay flat in the middle, but it did at the top and bottom).  Excess fabric in the borders can change the results.  Etc....  We will do the best that we can with what we are given.

Your backing and batting should be at least 4" bigger on all sides.  Example:  If your quilt top is 60 x 80, then your batting and backing should be 68 x 88.  If you request a trim, we will be returning your extra fabric when you pick up your quilt.   Note:  this is a regular problem that we have with quilts dropped off.  At least one time a week this occurs and slows down our queue plus the time needed to finish your quilt.  We may end up sewing a leader fabric on, just to proceed. 

If the quilt is folded in half and laid on a flat surface, you should see 90 degree corners.  This ensures the backing goes on the machine quilting frame straight and is important for keeping the design straight with your top.   If you quilt is not squared, the quilt design may look tilted.