Frequently asked questions:
DO YOU MAKE commissioned QUILTS?
I do not make complete commissioned quilts for others in my business; I partner with you to complete the quilting process from the tops you provide.
Do you accept online/ internet orders?
Because I wish to remain local, and to establish personal relationships with my customers, I do not accept internet orders from distant customers. I am located in the Baltimore area.
What is your pricing structure like?
Pricing depends on a number of factors, including size of quilt (I generally charge by the square inch) and complexity of quilting (I charge differently for edge-to-edge, semi-custom, custom, show/ heirloom quilting). I also offer optional services such as a variety of binding services, piecing backing, and obtaining specialty quilting patterns.
Do you offer computerized (robotic) quilting designs, or free-motion quilting?
I can provide either free-motion or computerized (robotic) quilting services. I am growing in my proficiency with free-motion quilting.
What is edge-to-edge quilting?
Edge-to-edge (e2e) quilting is the most economical way to have your quilt finished. It uses one pattern over the entire quilt top. It is also the fastest to complete.
What is custom quilting?
Custom quilting is where different areas of the quilt top are treated with different designs. A semi-custom design, for example, may use an overall design for the main part of the quilt with a separate design or treatment for the borders. A full custom design might employ different quilt designs on different blocks, with yet another design for the border. Custom quilting is more detailed, more time-consuming to quilt, and requires more time to plan and design than e2e.
What is free-motion quilting?
Free-motion quilting (FMQ) is hand-guided quilting without the use of a robotic or digitized quilting system. FMQ designs can be as simple as a stipple meander or as complex as using rulers (also known as “ruler work”) to achieve designs, to stitching fancy background fills and free-form feathers. FMQ is regarded as custom work.
How is the quilting design determined?
My process is very interactive with you, my customer. This is your quilt, and we will partner together to complete your masterpiece. I have an extensive, and growing, library of quilting patterns. We will first need to determine whether you wish an overall (edge-to-edge) design or if something more custom or individualized will meet your needs. I am willing to acquire additional digital designs if I do not have something in my library, though there is an additional charge.
How long does it take to complete the quilting?
This is a complex answer; there are many factors that can affect the time needed to complete a quilt, including “life happens”. There is also the matter of how many other quilts may be in my queue. When I accept your quilt top to be quilted, I will give an estimated completion date, and I will always try to overestimate that date to avoid disappointment. Six to eight weeks is not uncommon for a wait date, but I typically have tended to be able to complete within a month.
How big does the backing need to be?
Backing should be a minimum of 4” larger than the quilt top on each side (so, 8” longer and 8” wider). After quilting, the backing and batting will be trimmed, and any excess backing will be returned to the customer.
How big does the batting need to be?
Batting also should be 4” larger than the quilt top on each side (so, 8” longer, 8” wider than the top). Again, after trimming, large remaining pieces of batting will be returned.
Do you supply batting?
I do not supply batting at this time, but I am exploring that possibility in the future. I will be pleased to recommend appropriate batting.
Do I need to baste or layer the quilt sandwich before bringing it to be quilted?
No! This is the best part of sending your quilts out to be quilted on a longarm. You do not need to baste—that gets done on the frame—and you do not need to layer the quilt sandwich. Just leave that batt in the package when you bring it to me!
Do you provide binding services?
I can provide binding services for an additional charge. If you provide the prepared binding (strips cut, pieced together, pressed and ready to attach to quilt), I can attach the binding to the quilt top while in the frame; then you would hand-turn the binding once the quilt is returned to you. I can also do the handwork to turn the binding. If you wish me to make the binding from fabric you prepare, I can do that also. It is entirely up to you. There are several options.
Do you piece backing fabric?
I can piece backing for you, for an additional per-seam charge.
How do I prepare my quilt to be quilted?
I am glad you asked! I have prepared a tip sheet just for that purpose. Please see the link provided. In brief, trim your stray threads on the back as well as on the top (pay attention to threads on the back of your quilt top—they will shadow through the finished quilt), and check for any remaining pins and loose/ missing/ popped seams. Give your top a good press. It should be as squared-up as possible. Backing seams should be pressed open, with any seams on a selvage edge extra-wide so you can trim that selvage off (if the selvage is left on, it will curl and pull at the seam when you wash the quilt). Backing also should be squared off.
What about thread? Do you charge for thread?
We will select a thread and thread color as part of the design process. The cost of the first color of thread is included in the cost of quilting; additional colors can be added for an additional charge. I carry some frequently used colors in my stock, but I can always order a color I do not already have.
Suppose I want a specific pattern you do not own; can you acquire it?
The short answer is yes! There is an additional charge for this option if I do not have it already in my library, but I have thousands of patterns in my library already, and I am adding more all the time. Not all patterns are suited to all quilt types; for instance, a block pattern may not be appropriate for an edge-to-edge quilt. The universe of digital quilting patterns is infinite, however.
What is your process for setting up quilting designs?
We will start by having an extensive conversation, including by email if appropriate, to determine what you wish in a quilting design. If you are able to provide me with a full photo of your quilting top, along with dimensions, I can use that photo as a backdrop to create a mock-up for proposed designs so that you get an idea of what it would look like on your quilt top. Based on our discussions, I will prepare several designs from my library, and email them to you for your feedback. Once we reach an agreement as to design, a plan with specific dimensions and technical specs, along with thread color choice and any other additional services will be sent to you, complete with costs. Once you have approved the plan, and signed the agreement, we will figure out a date to have you drop off your materials (quilt top, backing, batting, binding if you wish it to be attached), and away we go!
Do you provide pick-up and/ or drop-off services for your work?
I do not, generally; you would drop off at my home and pick up there as well. If you have extraordinary needs, we can talk about that possibility.