OPTIONS
understand the lingo and what your options areQuilting Options
Heirloom Design
All of the kd dids quilting is done in my home studio which is smoke and pet free. I use one of the best longarm quilting machines in the industry, a 2017 APQS Millie with Quilt Path - a computerized quilting system. Millie can sew up to 3500 stitches per minute! Don’t let that make you nervous, however, this girl has the industry’s best stitch regulator ensuring that stitches are perfect, even at top speeds. My extensive experience with long-arm quilting and meticulous craftsmanship combine with the most advanced technology to produce expert quality quilting on each and every project.
Custom Design
This option is an excellent choice for those who want the quilting to reflect the unique and beautiful design of their quilt top on a budget. The quilt blocks will receive a customized design repeated over each block. It also allows for stippling, a very tightly quilted meander that becomes the background and makes the surrounding areas come into focus. This option also allows for a custom border design.
Pantograph & Meander
Pantographs are patterns that are generally 5” to 18” tall and repeat over the entire quilt from edge to edge. The patterns vary from simple to intricate and geometric to floral.
A meander does not use a pattern, but the quilter uses random and organic curves and circles that rarely overlap.
Backing Options
Size
When choosing a backing for your quilt, make sure you purchase enough material to add at least 6"-8” on each side of your quilt, or 12-16” extra length and width which allows for any shrinking which may occur during the quilting process
Material
If you decide to choose a material other than cotton fabric for the back, please know that this will likely require an extra charge. Fabrics such as knit or minky will shrink and stretch at different amounts than the quilt top and therefore require additional time and finesse to ensure a quality stitch
Assistance
If you are having trouble choosing a backing, or if you are looking for a professional opinion, I would be happy to assist you with selecting a backing and provide a consultation on preparation in addition to your quilting package.
Batting Options
While you are welcome to provide your own batting, I have batting available for purchase with pricing comparable to your local quilt shop. This means you will only be paying for as much as you need and therefore may be the more economical and convenient choice. These battings are the ones that I personally recommend because they quilt nicely, allowing for a smooth and even stitch. They are also durable and hold up with washing and lots of love.
Quilter’s Dream Select
100% cotton | 90” wide | 0.25 inches thick
Batting that is 100% cotton does tend to shrink slightly in the wash, giving your quilt a little bit of a bunch look which is great for snuggling up, but may not be what you are looking for if this is a wall hanging. 100% cotton is also stiff in the beginning but will loosen up with snuggles and washing. Quilter’s Dream is known for using high-quality materials and being soft and silky.
Quilter’s Dream Poly Blend
100% cotton | 90% wide | 0.23 inches thick
Cotton batting tends to shrink slightly in the wash, giving your quilt that loved-on, lived in look. This is great for snuggling, but perhaps not best for display quilts. This batting also tends to be stiff in the beginning, but loosens up after washing. Warm and Natural is a more economic option for cotton batting while still using high-quality materials.
Wool
100% wool
My wool batting is fluffy with a higher loft, meaning that the quilting stitches will be more visible. It is also very warm and resists fold lines and creases, even after being folded for months at a time. Wool generally tends to beard, meaning that fibers will often come through the quilt fabric. This is a great option for quilts that use tightly woven fabrics and those that choose a quilting option that is close together.
Warm and Natural Cotton
70% cotton and 30% Poly | 121” wide | 0.27 inches thick
A poly blend batting is sometimes better for those with allergies and are low maintenance. They don’t change as much in size after washing and therefore tend to be better for display quilts. This particular blend has a high loft, meaning that it is my thickest option. In terms of quilting, the stitches will compress the quilt and the space between will be thicker, giving the quilting more definition and making the stitches more visible.
Thread Options
Unless you request something different, I use the highest quality Aurifil 100% cotton thread for quilting. It is both soft and strong and allows for no stretching while quilting, which means that it won’t lose its shape. It also has the best color collections, so matching colors with your quilt is a breeze. Other thread options include:
Variegated Thread
These threads have two or more colors that change in a repeating pattern. They create visual interest with the quilting because they tend to draw your eye to various places on the quilt. Even if there are two nearly identical quilt blocks, the variegated thread will often give them quite a different look
Metalic Thread
This thread is great if your fabric choice uses a lot of metallic elements because they play off one another and emphasize the fun and modern look of the quilt.
Binding Options
The binding is the strip of fabric that is used to hide the raw edges of the quilt. This fabric can match the backing or the last border of your quilt, but is just as often a completely different material. There are a variety of ways to hide the raw edges of the quilt, but by far the best choice is using a bias binding. You have three choices for binding your quilt
Self Binding
No charge
I will trim the edges of your quilt and prepare it for binding but the rest is up to you including cutting and sewing your binding to the quilt
Partial Binding
0.15 cents per inch
I wil bias cut, piece and machine stitch the binding to the front of the quilt, leaving the hand stitching to the back of the quilt up to you.
Full Binding
0.25 cents per inch
I wil bias cut, piece and machine stitch the binding to the front of the quilt, then hand-stitch the binding to the back of the quilt with mitered corners
Additional Options
Hanging Sleeve
After quilting, a strip of fabric is sewn to the backing of the quilt to allow a rod to thread through the sleeve so the quilt can be hung on the wall.
Self Binding
0.15 cents per inch
I wil bias cut, piece and machine stitch the binding to the front of the quilt, leaving the hand stitching to the back of the quilt up to you.
Full Binding
0.25 cents per inch
I wil bias cut, piece and machine stitch the binding to the front of the quilt, then hand-stitch the binding to the back of the quilt with mitered corners