Quilting Basics

What is Professional Machine Quilting?

* There are two different kinds of professional quilting machines - free-hand and computerized. Free-hand machine quilting is done by a professional quilter (that's me) on a long-arm quilting machine. This means I carefully attach your quilt (quilt top, batting, and back fabric) to my long-arm quilting frame, then I guide the machine to quilt the pattern of your choice into the quilt. I can also do a custom pattern on your borders or on each individual block. Computerized machine quilting is a similar process, but the machine is programed to quilt by itself, repeats every 18 inches, and limits the designs you can choose for your quilts. Free-hand is simply more unique and personalized. 

What Do You Need to Do Before You Drop Off Your Quilt?

*  Your quilt should be carefully pieced together and pressed, it quilts so much better when it is pressed.  Please make sure you clip loose threads on the top of your quilt. 

*  The backing should be at least 4" larger on each side than your quilt top. (For example, if your quilt top measures 60" x 60", then the backing needs to measure at least 68" x 68", giving me 4" of fabric on each side to attach to my machine.)

*  Batting:  I have high quality, 80/20 batting available for purchase.  If you bring your own batting it must be at least the same measurements as your quilt back or bigger.

How Much Does Free-Hand Machine Quilting Cost?
This all depends on what design you choose for your quilt. Prices range from 1 cent per square inch to 2 1/2  cents per square inch. To view sample quilting designs and pricing, see the tab named "Design Options and Pricing."

To figure your estimated cost for quilting, simply follow the formula below:
1. Measure your quilt in inches. _______(length) and _______(width)
2.  Now multiply the two numbers together to give you the number of square inches for your quilt.
 _______(length) x _______(width) = __________ (square inches)
Multiply your square inches by the price of the quilting you choose. For example, if you choose 1 cent per square inch, multiply that number by $.01. If you choose 1.5 cents per square inch, multiply that number by $.015.

Example:
Quilt top measures 45 inches x 60 inches.
45 x 60 = 2700 square inches.
(I choose 1 cent per square inch) so, 2700 x $.01 = $27.00

What Do You Do After Your Quilt is Quilted by Kellie?

When I'm done quilting your quilt, I carefully take your quilt off the machine and bring it back to you. Your next job is trimming the edges of your quilt and then binding your quilt. If you've never bound a quilt before, here is a helpful link for beginners. Binding basics from Old Red Barn Co.  Or if you would like this service provided for you, Susanne Lawerence will hand bind your quilt. Contact her directly @ 801-787-9804 to discuss pricing.