Frequently Asked Questions
Whether this is your first quilt, the first quilt you are having machine quilted, or you've been at this for years, you may have questions. These are some of the most frequent questions I am asked:
(if you don't see your question here then send me an email - I am happy to help).
Custom Machine Quilting FAQs
Do i need a reservation?
No, you don't. I work on a FIFO (First In, First Out) schedule so I do not take reservations. You are welcome to contact me anytime by phone or email and I'll let you know how my schedule is running, but with two machines I can offer fast turnaround time. Keep in mind that my schedule creeps out in the weeks proceeding major holidays.
What do i need to do before i bring or send my quilt top?
First, you'll need to press your top so that it is as flat as possible. Check that the seams don't have any folds in them. This will also give you a chance to make sure you've caught both sides in the seams. This avoids the chance of my machine's hopping foot getting caught in an open seam and tearing your quilt top. You do not need to baste your layers together. All three layers are loaded separately. Second, if you have had to piece your backing, make sure you trim the selvages off of the seam so that only a 1/4" remains. Leaving the selvages on can cause it to bunch up and not lay flat. There is no need to trim the selvages on the outside edges. Wrinkles from folding the quilt top will not be a problem the way poorly pressed tops are. The more careful you are in preparing your top, the better the end result.
Do you supply batting?
I carry Hobbs Heirloom in 94" and 120" widths. I have customers all over the world and for shipping considerations it may be more practical for you to purchase batting for your project from me. You may provide batting as long as it is NOT Mountain Mist. Mountain Mist is much less stable and durable than most other batts.
How much batting do i need?
If you do choose to provide your own batting please include batting that is the same size as your backing.
How big does my backing need to be?
Your backing should be at least 8" larger than your quilt top (4" on each side). This is the most frequently made mistake by those new to machine quilting. If you have questions, please contact me.
How much is this going to cost?
This is the most frequently asked question by far and the answer is always different! There are many factors involved, the most important being the size. I do have a minimum of $60 for any project. From there we work on stitch density and intricacy of the work involved. Even pantographs can be in the same range as custom or heirloom quilting if they are very dense patterns. If you know all the measurements for your quilt you can get a rough estimate by looking at my pricing page. If cost is a concern, let me know what your budget and quilting tastes are, and I can make recommendations to satisfy both.
Can you do rush jobs?
Yes, I can do rush jobs for an additional charge. This rush fee usually runs around $50, but can increase depending on the intricacy of the work and time-frame involved. If you need your quilt to be quilted as soon as possible, please call me first and I'll do my best to work your quilt into my schedule. If you do not call ahead with your request for a rush job and only tell me when you are dropping it off it will be more difficult for me to accommodate your schedule.
How do i pay?
All orders picked up directly from my studio are pay-at-pickup. All orders delivered by mail must be paid for in advance. I accept cash, check or money order and I can accept Pay-Pal with a 4% service fee. Credit or Debit cards have a 3% service fee.
Do i need to supply thread?
Usually no. Thread is included in the cost of the quilting and I have a variety of threads and colors from which you can choose. I can purchase a specialty thread, but it will be more expensive to reflect the higher cost of the thread.
Do i have to give you a design?
I can follow your design instructions, create one of my own, or use a pantograph. Many of my customers leave it up to me to decide what design will compliment their quilt pattern.
T-Shirt Memory Quilt FAQs
How do i order a t-shirt memory quilt?
You can contact me via email or phone, or you can print up the order form and mail it in with your t-shirts. If you have any questions during the ordering process, please contact me so that we can make sure your quilt is exactly the way you want it.
Can i choose the layout of my shirts?
There are customized layout grids for each t-shirt quilt size available. All you need to do is print out the grid, mark the shirts on the left sleeve with the number on the grid that corresponds to where you would like the shirt, and then mail everything to me and I'll take care of the rest. You can find the layout grids on the order form for whichever size you choose.
Can I use the backs of my t-shirts?
Absolutely. If you would like to use the back of a t-shirt, simply mark the right sleeve with the number on the layout grid that corresponds to where you would like the shirt back to be used.
Can i use sweatshirts, jerseys, or ties?
Yes. These are your memories! I've created squares from many types of material and can even use your letterman letters as embellishments for your memory quilt. Contact me to discuss your customization ideas. Additional fees will apply for ties since they will need to be pieced together.
Should I cut my own t-shirts?
No. In addition to our awesome scissors we also add stabilizer to the back of each t-shirt square to lengthen the life of your quilt. The quality of the quilt is therefore much higher when we do all the cutting.
What is included in the price?
Everything! I don't believe in paying extra to make sure the job is done right. The cutting of your t-shirts, stabilizer, heirloom batting, premium fabric, and the highest quality long arm machine quilting are standard!
Can I send my own fabric?
Absolutely! While I am happy to choose fabric that will compliment your t-shirt memory quilt, if you've already found the perfect fabric then I can certainly use that. The layout grid for each quilt size lets you know how much material you will need to include for your quilt. Any and all left over fabric will be returned to you with your new quilt.
How long will it take to make my quilt?
Generally you can expect your quilt back 3 weeks after we receive your t-shirts. If you need an exact time frame, please contact me and I can let you know when to expect your quilt.