BACKING

How big does the backing need to be ?

-the backing should be 8" bigger in both directions, so an extra 4" on each side to properly secure the top and quilt from E2E.  

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What if my backing is smaller then the needed extra 8"?

- If this happens and I feel that the extra backing doesn't allow to properly secure the backing to the top' bottom and sides I will have to sew extenders to each side to lengthen the backing.  I charge $10 per seam for each extender. The extra width is necessary to keep the backing straight and taut during the quilting.

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Which is the best way to piece my backing, with a vertical or horizontal seam?

-Either way is always accepted! I always recommend piecing your backing seam to go horizonal along the back of the quilt.  This way when the backing is pinned to the front and back bars the tension is even as the design is advanced.  However, if you are keen to print match you're backing, or have a directional print and need to put a seam vertically that is fine as well, I have tricks to manage it.

-When piecing your backing no matter which direction I recommend you remove the selvedge before piecing the backing together.  The selvedge can cause sewn seam to ripple under the quilt after finished. 

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Can I send a backing that is pieced with multiple seams?

Yes, you can, but the less the seams the better.  Backings with lots of seams in multiple directions can cause tension issues, thread breaks and make it harder to get a design to match up/align nicely. 

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What type of backing's can I use?

- I accept flannel, minky, and 100% cotton backings.  I can use cotton sheets or flannel sheets as long as the thread count is not too high. Backings that are full polyester may not quilt correctly and I advise against using them.

-Printed fabric backings don't selfheal the same as standard quilting cottons and when quilted will create white spec's all over the backing from when the needle punches through.  These should go away when washed but it's not a guarantee and a risk when using these fabrics.

THREAD

What type of thread do you use?

-I stock Trilobal Polyester glide thread in a 40 weight for the top in various colors. For the bottom I have carry magna glide pre-wound basics in 60-weights.  I also have a selection of magna glide delights in various colors, which are a 40-weight thread. I only use pre-wound bobbins to ensure complete consistency.   

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Can I send my own thread? 

-I do not accept other thread brands as my machines are set to the current type of thread and each brand has it's own unique variables.  

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Do my top and bottom thread have to match?

-The top thread and bottom thread need be in the same color tone, not necessarily match. So, a light blue on top with a light gray on the bottom can work. However, if you use a dark thread on the bottom, you need a dark thread on top.  The reason for this policy is the that the tension is set at the bottom third of the quilt sandwich from the start, however as the machine shifts and tension is put on the thread, especially on curves, that tension will adjust up and down in the sandwich. Longarm needles are much thicker than standard sewing machines needles and you will see that bottom thread through the hole even if it's buried at the bottom of the sandwich either on the quilt top of the quilt or the back. Keep this in mind when selecting your quilt backings.  Pick dark backing with lots of prints or color variations to help minimize the bobbin thread if your quilt top is light. Often pastel colors work great on light tops and can pair well with a colored bobbin on the back, which I keep several colors in a range of pastels in stock. 

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Do you accept t-shirt quilts or memory quilts?

- I do accept t-shirt quilts as long as the shirts have been stabilized before being sewn together. Also please note that shirts with vinyl designs instead of being printed can cause issues such as skipped stitches. 

 

-I also have quilted a number of memory quilts. I won't accept memory quilts with buttons, open pockets, crochet or hard details such as puff paint or sequins. If these are on the quilt, I will have to navigate the design around the detail and I do charge an extra fee.

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Do you attach binding only or will you so it completely to the back for a full finished quilt?

-I can attach binding to the front of the quilt before shipping the quilt back so that you can just stitch it down once the quilt arrives home.  I also offer Full-Binding services which means I will sew the binding to the front of the quilt and then wrap it around the back and adhere it in place along the seam with washable glue.  I then stitch in the ditch along the front of the quilt to catch the binding along the back.  

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Do you prep the binding, or should I send it already prepped?

- I ask that all binding please be pre-prepped and sent ready to attach when the quilt is finished.  Please send your binding at 2.25-2.5" width.  If you are planning to use wool or a thicker batting the 2.5" binding is ideal. 

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Do you stock batting or should I send my own?

-I keep several types of Quilters Dream batting in stock on a roll in varying lengths from 93" 120". All types and prices are listed on my longarm page.  Batting is cut with an additional 6" of width from the quilt top width.   If you would like to send your own batting that is perfectly fine.  However, package batting vs purchasing off the roll doesn't always lead to the most cost effective. When purchasing a pre-packaged batting you are assigned the available sizes the brand offers. Cutting from the roll leads to less waste or extra batting in sizes that are not sufficient for another project. If you buy batting from a big box store brand, please check the batting before sending it in as I have gotten batting with missing sections on the scrims,  damaged in other ways or not properly cut to size.

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Rush Quilts! Do you take rush quilts? and what is considered a rush quilt?

- I usually book out 3-4 weeks in advance.  My booking time period is always listed on the top main page of my website to give clients an idea of when the next available days are. If you have a quilt that needs to be turned around sooner than the next available day there is a $30 rush fee, and the quilt will be quilted and back out within 10 days of receipt. I only do rush quilts for standard throw sizes and smaller. Please note that when quilts are rushed that means bumping other client quilts back and so I prefer not to rush quilts and only if there is a specific need/event. If my calendar is open and I am running less than a two week turn around I won't charge a fee for the quilt.  Please email me directly at threebirdsandstitches@gmail.com if you have a quilt that needs to be rushed.

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Do you have a minimum charge for smaller quilts and projects?

-I have a $45.00 minimum charge for smaller quilts and projects as each project does take a bit of time to load properly.

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Do you make commissioned quilts, from start to finish?

-making a quilt top takes a considerable amount of time and cost, to keep quilting enjoyable I do not make quilts on a commissioned basis. I currently only offer longarm services. 

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Do you ever sell your quilts?

- I do list quilts for sale in my Esty shop.  The quilts listed are from sew-alongs, or my pattern samples.