1. ✅ Complete and Press Your Quilt Top

• Trim all loose threads from both the front and back. Stray threads can show through after quilting.
• If adding borders, measure the length of your quilt down the center and cut border strips to match.
• Pin the center of the border to the center of your quilt top, then pin the ends.
• Ease or lightly stretch fabric as needed while sewing to ensure a flat, square top.
• Thoroughly press the quilt top once complete.
  

🪡 Taking these steps helps prevent wavy edges, ensures accurate stitching, and makes your quilt top easier to load and quilt.

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2. 📐 Prepare Your Backing Fabric

• Remove all selvage edges, especially at seams — they don’t stretch the same as the rest of your fabric and can cause tension issues.
• Press all seams open and give the backing a good overall press to eliminate wrinkles.
• Ensure your backing is at least 8 inches larger (total) than your quilt top — that’s 4 inches of extra fabric on all four sides.
  • Example: If your quilt top is 60” x 80”, your backing should be at least 68” x 88”.
• Make sure the backing is square and even along all sides.
  

🧼 Need help with this step? See our Backing Prep Service — we’re happy to take care of it for you.

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3. 🛏️ Choose the Right Batting

• If you’re bringing your own batting, please ensure it’s at least the same size as your backing.
• We also offer high-quality batting for purchase — see our Pricing Page for details.

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📩 Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help guide you through the process. If you have any questions about preparing your quilt, backing, or batting, feel free to reach out before your appointment.

Request a Quote ➤ or email nancy@needledance.com

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