What is long arm quilting?
Long arm quilting is the process in which a quilt top, batting and quilt backing are loaded on a large frame to complete the quilting process.
Quilting is done by machine, either manually for custom quilting or guided by a computer. Finishing a quilt on a longarm can save time and avoids having to wrestle a large quilt on a domestic machine.
Working with a trusted long arm quilter will ensure that you quilt has the perfect touch and free you up to start your next project!
Aly Wilson Quilt offers computerized edge-to-edge quilting. Sorry, I do not offer custom quilting.
I can accommodate quilts up to 120″ on my Bernina with Q-Matic.
All information about my quilting pricing and offers can be found in my Long Arm Informational Packet, here.
Please review this information to ensure I am a good fit for your quilting needs.
Below you will find information and tips to ensure you have a smooth quilting process!
Current quilting turnaround time is approx. 3-4 weeks from time of receiving.
Holiday season quilts must be received by Thanksgiving for completion by December 15th.
Quilt Pricing
Pricing for longarm quilting can vary. Factors that determine this pricing are style, size and density. Some designs are more detailed than others.
To determine the price of your quilting you must first determine the size of your quilt top by measuring the width and height.
Multiplying these dimensions will give you your square inches.
Ex: 60″ width x 80″ height = 4,800 square inches
Once you know your quilting per square inch cost, you can estimate your cost.
Ex: $0.02 per square inch x 4,800 square inches = $96.00 for quilting
Pricing for longarm quilting can vary. Factors that determine this pricing are style, size and density. Some designs are more detailed than others.
To determine the price of your quilting you must first determine the size of your quilt top by measuring the width and height.
Multiplying these dimensions will give you your square inches.
Ex: 60″ width x 80″ height = 4,800 square inches
Once you know your quilting per square inch cost, you can estimate your cost.
Ex: $0.02 per square inch x 4,800 square inches = $96.00 for quilting
Quilt Top
- Ensuring that you have prepared your quilt top for long arm quilting helps to make the process smoother.
- Your quilt top should be as square as possible. Uneven tops and borders can result in puckers and wavy quilting.
- Give your top a good haircut. Clip all loose and excess threads from the back. Dark threads will show.
- Measure your top’s height and width in inches.
- Give your top an all over press, paying attention that bulky seams are as flat as possible.
- If your quilt is directional, safety pin a note to indicate the top of the quilt.
Quilt Backing
- In order to load the quilt onto the frame for quilting, your back must be at least 5 inches larger than your top side on all four sides.
- For example: If your top is 60” x 80” your backing should be 70” x 90”.
- Backings smaller than requested may not be quilted or a charge may be added for the additional steps it will take to load it on to the frame.
- Backing should be squared up. Uneven backings will not load properly onto the frame. This could result in
distortion of the quilt and will require additional prep work to ensure this does not occur. - Seamed backings should be done horizontally if possible to decrease bulk on the frame.
Quilts with a vertically seamed backing may be loaded horizontally and this may effect your desired quilting design. - Give your backing a good press and trim.
- If your backing is directional, safety pin a note to indicate the top of the backing.
Thread, Batting and Edge to Edge Pantograph
- Matching Glide thread is used on the top and bottom of the quilt. There is not a charge for standard thread and
needles. This is included in the minimum quilting charge of $40. - I offer a variety of packaged Quilter’s Dream batting at a cost, or you may choose to provide your own batting.
- Batting should be at least 2 inches larger than your quilt top on all four sides.
- Check out my current edge to edge pantograph collection!!
- Shipping is the responsibility of the customer, to and from Aly Wilson Quilts.
Please reach out prior to shipping your quilt to ensure that I am ready for it!