Textile Traditions

Make Quilts - Make History

APQS Quilting Studio

Brenda loves to quilt! The newest addition at Textile Traditions is our APQS (American Professional Quilting Systems) long arm quilting machine. This great system enables us to creatively finish your pieced works in a short time. We do hand-guided, free motion quilting--no computers or stitch regulators used. Our quilt artists work with you to get exactly the look you want for your quilted treasures.

We specialize in overall designs that can be completed quickly, insuring that you get your quilt back in record time, usually in one week. We can do meanders, vines, and specialty border treatments. For more information on quilting options and prices, check our printable order form.

Preparing your quilt correctly is vital to acheiving a smooth, even application of quilting stitches. The guidelines below can help you through the process, or download our printable guide to quilt preparation.

Our order form and quilt preparation guidelines are available in pdf format for your convenience:

Quilt Preparation Guidelines

You can save time & money and get the look you want by preparing your quilt properly. You’ve put a lot of time and materials into you quilt, and we want to insure the quilting is worthy of your effort. Don’t hesitate to call us at 530-623-6454 with any questions you may have.

Prepare your Quilt Top:

It is essential that your quilt top be squared up to insure quality quilting. Most quilters square the quilt top before adding borders—measurements from side to side and top to bottom should be the same in the middle and both ends of the quilt. If not, trim to fit. Check again after adding borders and trim if necessary. All edges should be trimmed perfectly straight.
Iron your top smooth—some starch or Best Press helps keeps the top wrinkle free and adds body. Be sure you do not stretch the top while pressing.
Trim all loose threads from the top and underside of your quilt top. Threads on the back side will show through the top, especially on white or light-colored quilt tops.
Pieced borders or borders done on a bias should be stay-stiched along the edges to prevent stretching on the frame
If you want custom designs, you may mark the quilt top yourself—talk to your quilt artist for more information.

Prepare your Backing:

Cut your backing 4-6-inches wider (8-inches max.) and longer than your quilt top, and be sure the backing edges are cut evenly.
Your backing must be square to load on the machine properly.
Iron the backing to remove wrinkles-a bit of starch can help
Pieced backings are fine, but remove the selvages from backing pieces before joining. Take care to insure that the backing lies flat. All edges of the backing must be cut perfectly straight and the backing should be square to load properly. Be advised that pieced backings are prone to puckering, and as the backing is on the bottom it is impossible to adjust during the quilting process.
Sheets do not make good backings—the thread count is too high. The machine’s needle will create holes in the backing as the threads refuse to separate due to the tight weave.

Prepare your batting:

Be sure to trim your batting 4-6-inches wider and longer than your quilt top-it should be the same size as your quilt backing.
We usually have Warm & Natural, Hobbs Heirloom 80/20, Quilter’s Dream and polyester battings available at the store. If you purchase your batting from us, we will trim it for you at no charge
You are welcome to provide your own batting. If you purchased batting in a bag, you will need to press the batting smooth before bringing it in. Be aware that some battings are not suitable for machine quilting—if in doubt ask us. Any batting by Fairfield or Mountain Mist are examples of batting not suitable for Long Arm quilting.

Bring in your top, batting and backing folded neatly in a bag or folded over a hanger to reduce wrinkles during transport. Do not baste or pin the layers together—they must be loaded onto the machine separately.

Call us if you have any questions at: (530) 623-6454 or email sue@textiletraditions.com