We are lucky today to have so many wonderful longarm quilters at the ready to turn our tops into masterpieces. Of course, our tops have to be “ready to quilt,” too. And, from talking with longarmers, the tops don’t always arrive in that condition. They might have wavy borders, threads or open seams. How can you expect your longarmer to create a masterpiece when she starts with something less than perfect?

In the Spring issue of The Professional Quilter, Mindy Caspersen discussed the problems that the longarmer must address when the quilt top needs work. And to guide the piecer, she included tips for preparing the top, back and batting.

Here are Mindy’s tips for preparing your top:

• Piece accurately.
• Choose a neutral thread color for piecing.
• Remove any stray threads, especially those that might show through light-colored fabrics.
• Secure seams, especially on pieced outside borders. These may pull apart on the machine frame.
• Press carefully. Make sure your seam allowances are pressed well and do not flip back and forth. (This is extremely important for stitch in the ditch work.)
• Attach borders properly so they are not wavy.

To read the rest of Mindy’s article and her tips for preparing your batting and backing, see the Spring issue of The Professional Quilter. If your membership is not current, you can join or renew here.

The International Association of Professional Quilters offers resources and networking opportunities for you to create a success from your quilting business. Learn about all the benefits of IAPQ membership and join here.