BACKING

1. Although we seldom have tension issues we prefer that you choose the same or blending color thread for the top. We allow you to choose a different color thread for the back. However, if you use a lot of solid fabric in either the top or the back it is wise that your top and back threads blend or are the same color as it is impossible not to have an occasional pokie, when the thread peeks through to the other side. Please consider this when choosing your fabric. Also, if you simply want a pantograph or other edge-to-edge design, a print works best for the backing as we may secure the stitches with tiny back tracking which might show on a plain fabric. For custom level quilting, we always bury the thread as you would when hand quilting.

2. The quilt backing needs to measure 8-inches longer and 8-inches wider (4-inches larger on all sides), after it's been squared up, than your top. For example, for a 60-inch x 80-inch quilt top, the backing should measure 68-inches x 88-inches. We will not accept backings that are short.

3. Remove all selvages or they will shrink, drawing up the seams.

4. Seam quilt back with 1/2-inch seam and press open.

5. To avoid an extra charge, make sure your back is cut square. See Squaring Up Your Back.

6. We prefer that you do not use a sheet for your back. Tight weave or heavy thread count can cause tension issues. Plus our needle size might break threads and cause holes. If you do use a sheet, you MUST wash it twice or more.

7. If you piece a back other than in strips, we cannot guarantee centering a design on the back. In the process of rolling a quilt onto the take-up roller there is generally some shifting. It is also difficult to guarantee that the back won't have puckers as a pieced backing can stretch in a different direction than the top which often cannot be seen until the quilt is removed from the frame after the quilting has been completed. Although there are methods for keeping a two-sided quilt aligned, you don't want to pay the price unless it's for a show quilt.

8. Piecing your backing can be economical and can be pretty, BUT you must cut the fabric along the grain lines. If you don't, places on the backing may sag, not visible when quilting, which can cause tucks to be quilted into the back of your quilt. Better yet, use a wide backing fabric, but beware, some out there may be inexpensive but their weave may be loose and stretchy which will sag on the longarm. We are Longarm Batik Associates with SewBatik. We have samples of the 104"/108" wide batiks that can be ordered for the backs of your quilts. For ordering information: See Services and Pricing.

9. If there is one, indicate back top edge with a pin.

10. Trim threads. Remove pet hair. Press.

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