Quilt Prep Check List – Part 2

The Quilt Prep Check List – Part 1 is about the quilt top, backing, and batting. This second part is a discussion on quilting design, thread choices, and binding.

Choosing your quilting options is where your Longarm Quilter’s knowledge will be most helpful. Many quilters get stuck on the “Quilt as Desired” phrase at the end of their pattern instructions. So, what are your options?

Type of Quilting

The least expensive and quickest quilting option is an overall edge to edge design, also known as a pantograph design. This design starts on one edge of your quilt and ends at the opposite edge. Originally, this type of quilting tended to look like a mattress top. Today’s designs are much prettier and no longer look like a mattress top.

The next category is sometimes called border to border, whereas the overall design stops at the border, with a special design in the border like feathers. This is a step towards custom quilting without the cost of custom quilting.
What is custom quilting? Custom quilting can range from simple to intricate block designs, unique designs in the sashing and borders. It can be feathers, lines, stitch in the ditch, ruler work. The sky’s the limit. Or should I say, your budget is the limit?

Custom quilting is the most time consuming of all quilting options. Because of this, it is the most expensive option. If the quilt is for a special occasion or intricately pieced, many opt for the custom option to coincide with the quilt’s significance to the quilter. If you have spent hours and hours piecing a very intricate quilt, custom quilting may be the way to go. Many LAer’s have a sliding scale of custom quilting from simple to heirloom. If you have a budget and want your quilt custom quilted, talk with your LAer about options in your price range.

Thread

Do you want the thread to blend with the quilt top? Or do you want it to stand out? Neither is wrong, but a matter of choice.

Do you want a solid color thread or a variegated (multicolored) thread? Again, it is a matter of choice.

If you are opting for custom quilting, you may opt for a variety of thread colors, different colors for the different areas of your quilt top.

Style of Quilting

Do you like a specific style of quilting? Do you like feathers? Geometric designs? Maybe florals?

Not sure.

Is there a style of quilting you just do not like? Some do not like stippling or overly tight quilting design. Knowing what you do not like can be just as helpful and knowing what you do want.

Sometimes the fabric in the quilt will dictate the quilting design.

The more information you give your LAer, the more your LAer can guide you in your design choices.

Binding

Once your quilt is quilted, you need to finish the edge with binding. Many LAers offer some form of binding service. You can opt for the binding to be attached only or attach and finished. You can make up the binding or just give yardage to your LAer to make the binding. It all depends on your budget as to what binding option you choose.

Many of my customers prefer to have the binding attached to the quilt. Then they do the final finishing by hand or machine. I attach all my quilt bindings on my longarm. It is much easier than using my domestic sewing machine.

Now you know all your quilting options when bringing your quilt to a LAer. Even if you still do not know how you want your quilt top quilted, knowing your options is a start.

What did you find most helpful? What would you want me to cover more in-depth?

Let me know.