Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to stitch together the quilt of your dreams? Get in touch with us! We're thrilled to chat with you and guide you through the process of working with a longarm quilter. From quilt patterns to fabrics to thread, we'll help you select the perfect combination of elements to bring your vision to life.


And hey, if you used a Sweet Little Quilts Pattern or participated in a sew-along, you're in luck! We're offering a sweet discount of 25% off our edge-to-edge longarm quilting services for any Sweet Little Quilts Pattern quilt, and 15% off for any sew-along or block-of-the-month program quilt. Just be sure to share your participation on Instagram, mention it when booking, and send it for quilting within 30 days of the sew-along or BOM completion. Let's get those quilting needles moving!

Welcome to the fun part of the project! Choosing the perfect E2E quilting design, also known as E2E pantographs, is usually the first thing on the agenda. We bet you've already scrolled through countless photos and websites showcasing these quilt-tastic designs. But here's the scoop: there are thousands of designs to choose from! We've got a list of hundreds in our system, and we're constantly adding more. So, take your time to scroll through them and take note of anything that catches your eye.
Now, let's start chatting about the style and vibe you envision for your quilt. We want to make sure everything comes together seamlessly to create the quilt of your dreams! In our experience, it works best if we collaborate as a team, with your full input, design ideas, questions, plans, and pantograph ideas. So, don't hold back! Let's work together to make your quilt shine.

How to Prep Your Quilt for the Longarm: A Handy Guide

First things first, give your quilt top a good press with seams either open or to one side, depending on your preference. Make sure those seams are secure, too. If your quilt edges have lots of seams, stitch around the perimeter about 1/8" from the edge to keep everything in place.

If your quilt top has a directional pattern, mark the top edge with a safety pin for loading. Do the same for the backing if needed. It might seem like a no-brainer, but after handling tons of quilts, this little detail can be easy to miss.

Now, onto the backing. Press it with any piecing seams pressed open or to the side. Be mindful of the fabric thickness and use a half-inch seam allowance if you're piecing the backing. Remember, the backing will likely only have a few seams, so a little extra width in the seam will help.

Clip any stray threads to prevent them from peeking through your quilt top. Trust us, it's worth the extra effort! And while we're on the topic of seams, make sure they're all sewn together. Unsecured seams might seem like a small detail, but they can cause major problems for the Longarm machine. We're talking recalibration, broken metal feet, and damaged quilt tops. Yikes! We'll do our best to fix any minor misses, but multiple or dozens of unsecured seams will result in additional charges.

Follow these tips for a smooth Longarm experience and a beautifully finished quilt!



Let's talk thread!
When it comes to quilts, we usually match the thread color to the lighter areas of your masterpiece, but hey, it's your quilt and your call! We use the same thread on the back to avoid unsightly speckles, but if you have another preference, holler at us. Don't worry, we won't charge extra for thread or bobbins - they're included in the standard price!
We're huge fans of Glide thread for its gorgeous results and consistent stitching with a hint of shine. But, if you prefer another type of thread, we're all ears!


So you're ready to back your quilt and wondering what size it should be?
Here's the 411: make sure your backing is at least 4 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides. This gives us wiggle room to adjust and clamp it onto the machine. If you're using Minky or Cuddle, make sure you get a quality product and choose a similar color to your quilt top to avoid any unwanted surprises in the stitching. Also, keep in mind that Minky can be quite bulky, so plan for a horizontal seam if needed.

Got batting anxiety? Fear not, we've got your back! We stock batting that is available to purchase at an added cost. Not only will it save you a smidge on postage, but it also works out cheaper for you. We know you might have a batting BFF, so feel free to send in your own batting instead.


Now, let's talk fees. Our standard prices cover quilting, thread and everything in between. However, if we need to put in extra elbow grease to prep your quilt top, we may add a fee at our discretion, but we'll always chat with you first. Situations that might warrant extra fees include extending backing fabric size, repairing loose seams, and excessive thread trimming. Oh, and if you send in fabric yardage that needs piecing, we'll charge $10 per seam. Need your quilt back in a jiffy? Expedited return postage is available for an extra cost.

Hey there, quick question: How long do I have to twiddle my thumbs before you can work your magic on my quilt?
We aim to get your quilt back to you in a jiffy, around 2-3 weeks to be exact. But if you have a specific deadline, just holler, and we'll do our best to make it happen! Listen up, folks! Just a friendly heads-up that we can't predict how many quilts will come our way each week. Brace yourself for a flurry of activity during holiday season (October-December), the aftermath of sew-alongs, and the merry month of May. We're hustling to make sure your special occasion and holiday quilts are back in your arms in time!


If you're in a super rush, we've got your back with our priority service for an extra $50. That's right, we'll have your quilt ready and shipped within 7 days from the moment we receive it. And what about shipping fees, you ask? We've got a flat $15 shipping rate per quilt, with an additional $5 for each extra quilt. We'll pick the most efficient shipping method unless you have a preferred carrier. Need it even faster? No problem. We can expedite it for you at an extra cost.

How to Safely Pack Your Quilt and Get it Ready for Shipping

It's important to wrap your quilt securely to ensure it arrives in tip-top shape. First, give it a good press and fold it neatly. Then, pop it into a waterproof bag along with the backing fabric and batting (if using your own). Pack it all up in a sturdy box and voila! You're good to go.

Hey there, stitching superstar! If we're handling your binding, don't forget to pack up your fabric or prepared binding with your quilt top. Before sending it our way, snap a quick pic of everything and shoot it over our way. This way, we'll both be on the same page, and we can double-check for any hiccups during transit. Plus, it's always handy to have a backup plan in case we need to make an insurance claim. We've safely shipped over 600 quilts, but on the off chance a quilt takes a little bit longer to reach home, don't fret! Only one has been lost in the shuffle.

Now on to the fun stuff. If you're a hand-quilting master, we've got you covered. We'll set you up with a perfectly basted quilt on our trusty Longarm, with horizontal lines or a swanky up-and-down design. We use a large stitch length that makes it easy for you to remove as you go, or you can leave it in place as a cool grid. If you have any specific requests, just let us know.

Hate the hassle of binding your quilts? No problem! We've got you covered. Opt for our 2-¼ or 2-½ inch non-bias quilt binding with snazzy mitered corners, cut straight as a die. Or, if you're feeling fancy, we can add a quilt facing instead. Got something else in mind? Let us know and we'll work out the details.


Not in the mood for sewing? No worries! We can either machine stitch the binding to the quilt so you can finish it off by hand or we can do the whole deal for you. Yep, you heard us right! We'll send you back a finished quilt, complete with either machine or hand stitching on the back. Take a peek at the Longarm/Finishing Services Page for the full pricing rundown.

Got more questions or thoughts popping up? We're all ears!