New customers often call with questions about what’s needed to drop off their quilts. We have a  quilt drop off list on the web site that covers the basics. Or just continue reading below!

What to do before dropping off  “quilt by check?” Your quilt drop off check list:

• Don’t baste the quilt layers together! We pin the quilt layers to the frame individually, so you don’t need to climb all over your living room floor, basting a quilt sandwich.
• Press your quilt top one last time so it’s ready to be quilted.
• Cut away loose threads… those pesky threads always show up, but one last tour with your scissors will snip away a few more.
• If piecing your quilt back, remove any selvedge edges from the seam allowance. Press seams open, or if you prefer, to one side. Selvedge edges on top or bottom of backing don’t need to be trimmed.
• Your batting and backing should be 6 – 8″ larger than the quilt top. Batting not big enough? Never fear, you can purchase batting by the inch from us. Laurena stocks cotton, blends and wool in white, natural and even black batting.
• Try to make the quilt back as square as you can (Did you see my post on squaring a quilt back?).

Once the top is done, sit back and admire your work. Consider just how your want this top quilted.

Who will use it? This helps guide your theme or perhaps even your batting choice!

At your quilt drop off appointment, you will choose the pattern and thread color for your quilt. Let us know the styles that appeal to you to whittle down the pattern choices. Do you want the thread to blend with the back? How densely do you want the quilting? Spend some time looking at other quilts to learn which  motifs or patterns attract your attention.

Even if you’ve never visited the studio before, know that we’re excited to turn your top into the best quilt possible. If you have a quilt top and would like to “quilt by check,” call 781 – 229 -0734 to make your quilt drop off appointment.