Getting ready
Your pre-drop-off checklist and prep guides -- everything you need to get your quilt ready for the longarm.
You've done your reading — now it's time to prep. This page is your go-to when you're ready to get your quilt top, backing, and batting ready to send our way.
Have questions while you're preparing? Our FAQs have answers to just about everything.
Read These First
New to longarm quilting, or want a refresher? These three guides walk you through the most important prep steps in detail.
How to Press Your Quilt Top
Read this before you get the iron out -- pressing for longarm quilting has a few nuances worth knowing.
How to Choose Your Batting
Cotton/poly, poly, bamboo, wool — if you're still deciding on batting, start here.
Backing Fabric Basics: Sizing, Squaring, and What to Avoid
The most common place first-timers run into trouble — and the easiest to avoid with a quick read.
Pre-Dropoff Checklist
Run through this before you head our way. It takes about two minutes and will save you from any last-minute surprises.
QUILT TOP
[ ] Quilt top is pressed and lies flat
[ ] No seams are folding over on themselves
[ ] No open seams in the piecing (now's the time to catch those!) Stitching ¼” away from the edge of the quilt top on all 4 sides is a great way to prevent those seams from coming undone.[ ] Dark threads on the back of light fabrics have been trimmed
[ ] Selvage edges have been removed from all fabrics in the quilt top
[ ] Top edge of quilt is labeled with a note
BACKING
[ ] Backing is squared -- edges are reasonably straight, not wavy or stretched
[ ] Backing is sized correctly -- at least 4 inches larger than the quilt top on all four sides
[ ] Backing seams (if pieced) are pressed and lying flat
[ ] Selvage edges removed from any seams in the backing fabric; Fine (in fact, preferred) to leave for top and bottom edges of the backing
[ ] Top edge of backing is labeled with a note
BATTING
[ ] If providing batting, it is sized correctly — at least 2 inches larger than the quilt top on all 4 sides; OR
[ ] 'Starshine will provide' is noted on your confirmation email / quote if ordering from us
ADMIN
[ ] Intake form has been submitted and order confirmed
[ ] Drop-off time at the studio or local meet-up confirmed
PACKING
[ ] Quilt top, backing, batting, and any notes are gathered together for drop-off / mail-in. If mailing, be sure to place these items in a plastic bag to protect them on their way to the studio
MAIL-IN
[ ] Address and send your quilt project to the studio. You’ll receive shipping information once your order is confirmed.
TIP: Your quilt project is precious. We recommend using a carrier with tracking (USPS, UPS, or FedEx all work well.) A large flat-rate priority mail box from USPS is a popular and cost-effective choice for most quilts. It comes with $100 insurance. Additional insurance can be purchased for an additional cost.
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If you haven't booked yet, start with your intake form.