Layering, Basting, Quilting, Binding

Layering & Basting
Your quilt top & back will be expertly pressed to remove wrinkles and insure the layers are nice and smooth. We will also remove stray and frayed threads to insure they do not show through to the right side.

After pressing, we're ready to create the quilt "sandwich". The quilt back, batting (if used), and quilt top are layered & prepared for quilting.

Smaller quilts are layered & pin-basted. These quilts are finished on our standard machine. The quilt can be removed from the machine after each quilting session and set aside for further work, freeing the machine to be used on other projects. Larger quilts are layered in the long-arm quilt frame, with each layer on independent rails. Once the quilt is loaded into the frame, it must remain there until the quilting is complete. This is what causes the lead times to vary significantly on larger quilts; if another quilt is already on the long-arm, your project must go into queue after piecing until the previous quilt is complete.

At this point, full-sized photographs cannot be taken of the quilt, but we will take pictures of the quilting stitches if there is anything remarkable to note!

Wall hangings are art pieces are typically finished using the pillow case or knife-edge finish. This is when the quilt is layered right sides together, and sewn along 3 edges before being turned right side out. This is most often used when there will be minimal quilting on the top and the piece will not be handled frequently.

Quilting & Binding
There are so many quilting stitches to choose from that we couldn't possibly cover every variation. There are a few techniques that we use pretty consistently, and we try to choose stitches that will compliment the overall design and feel of the quilt. For the most part, we use machines to do the quilting, although we may incorporate free-hand techniques for more intricate details.

The simplest quilting stitch requires hand work, by using yarn, thread, or ribbon to hand-tie the quilt every 3-4 inches. It is usually only done with smaller quilts or those which use a high-loft polyester batting to give the quilt a fluffy look.

Next up in the arsenal is stitch-in-the-ditch, where we use thread or ribbon along the major seams of the quilt to secure the layers. This technique is typically used when the individual blocks in the quilt are smaller, or if the quilt is composed of many prints which might make a decorative quilting stitch too overpowering for the quilt.

Other quilting techniques, such as echo quilting, can be used to enhance the design. This is used to highlight a design element, such as a shape within the block. It typically starts with stitching in the ditch, and then the shape is "echoed" a set distance from the original quilting lines.

Lastly, a free-motion quilting technique is used to achieve some of the more intricate quilt work. Shapes such as flowers, vines, geometric patterns, and random all-over designs are possible using a machine.

Your quilt may use one of these quilt stitches exclusively, or we may combine techniques for maximum effect. We typically do not commit to a particular style of quilting until the quilt reaches the layering stage; we appreciate your flexibility and allowing us to exercise our creativity during this step!

If the quilt was finished in the pillowcase style, binding is not necessary. This is because the edges have already been secured.

For all other quilts, binding is applied to the outside edge to encase all the raw edges. The most common edge technique we useis the double French-fold binding, which provides the most durability and secure finish for most quilts. It is possible to do more decorative bindings, such as prairie points and curved edges, which add interest & whimsy to your quilt project. If we anticipate that your quilt would look best with a decorative binding, we'll discuss this with you during the design phase and help you make the right choice.

 

 

If you are ready to get started with a free quote for your project, click the Start Inquiry button below:

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LoveBug Studios is a pet-free, smoke-free environment.