For preparation instructions, see: Preparing your Quilt for Machine Quilting.
- Why should I get my quilt long-arm machine quilted?
- Why should I send my quilt to Lisa?
- How long does it take?
- Does Lisa do "rush" jobs?
- How is my quilt handled?
- What kind of quilting is offered?
- How big can the quilt be?
- How are the quilts attached?
- What batting should I use?
- Who provides the backing and/or batting?
- Will Lisa do binding?
- Will Lisa do a T-Shirt quilt?
- Will Lisa quilt denim or double-knit?
- How much does it cost?
- What is included in the charge?
- How is payment made?
- How should I send my quilt?
- What kind of machine does Lisa use?
Why should I get my quilt long-arm machine quilted?
While hand-quilting is lovely and traditional, machine quilting has been around almost since the invention of the sewing machine, and can produce designs in an equally beautiful fashion. It also produces a much stronger stitch that allows washing and holds up better over time.
Long-arm machine quilting has certain advantages over regular machines, in that it saves much time and trouble - it does not need to be basted or marked. In addition, like a large hand-quilting frame, the long-arm machine allows the quilter to see much more of the over-all pattern, and therefore enables them to better determine how to fit the designs to the pattern of the quilt top.
Why should I send my quilt to Lisa?
There are many machine quilters. Many are very competent, and a number are fine artists. Their prices vary, but it is our experience that "you get what you pay for." When considering who to send your quilt to, you should ask a few questions:
Is the quilter a full-time, award-winning fiber artist and professional with over a decade of experience in machine quilting?
Does the quilter operate a licensed business and belong to recognized professional associations?
Does the quilter do the work, or send your quilt out or have employees do it?
What is and isn't included in the charges? Are they clearly stated and accurate? Are there any hidden "extras"? Do "shipping and handling" charges reflect real costs or are they inflated?
What environment is your quilt going to be in? (Lisa offers a smoke, perfume, and pet-free studio to accommodate clients with allergies or other respiratory problems.)
Does the quilter absolutely guarantee 100% satisfaction?
Lisa can meet all these standards and more, if you choose to use her service.
How long does it take?
Since there is only one person working on the quilts on one machine, Lisa can only do one quilt at a time. The plus side is that each quilt receives her full attention.
If you are certain that you will have a quilt ready by a certain time, you can contact her and put your name on the waiting list. Thus your place in line is reserved, and your name is moving up on the list while you finish the quilt.
Turn around time varies depending on the number of quilts of ahead of yours. Please check ahead of time if you need your quilt done in a hurry.
Does Lisa do "rush" jobs?
Yes - but there is a minimum charge of $25 extra, and they will be charged at a rate of $25 per hour, as it will be done on an overtime basis after normal hours. After all, you wouldn't want your quilt "bumped" would you? (Exceptions will only be made in the case of a quilt for the seriously or terminally ill, or critically injured.) Lisa can't do rush quilts from October thru December.
How is my quilt handled?
Lisa personally handles all quilts. She does not send your quilt out to a sub-contractor, or have an employee who does the work. She does all work herself, in her own smoke, perfume, and pet-free studio, from pinning it on to quilting, and from taking it off to shipping it.
Some companies send quilts out, or use employees. You should make certain, no matter who you use, who is actually doing yours, and what their skill levels are.
What kind of quilting is offered?
Lisa offers a variety of choices. Edge-to-edge (pattern, freehand, or combination of the two) is less expensive, and best for "working" quilts. Custom freehand is for those quilts intended for display or use, which are high quality. These would be heirloom or art quilts, and/or those intended for juried shows. Here is a description of the types of quilting available:
Edge-to-edge
Edge-to-edge (also called "overall") can be done with a pantograph pattern. The patterns run in rows across the quilt, from side to side, or top to bottom. The "row" effect can be made less obvious by the use of very wide patterns, and by occasional additional freehand. The quilting pattern doesn't necessarily follow the pieced pattern, though it is chosen to complement it. These are usually best for "every day" quilts that will receive a lot of use, and quilts that are made of "busy" fabrics that wouldn't show up custom quilting. It is cheaper than custom quilting, and Lisa's skill and experience make even simpler quilts sparkle!
Freehand
Lisa's customers agree that her freehand quilting is the best. Many have told me that they love the way she blends her art with theirs, not overpowering their piecing, but enhancing it. Your special quilts and art quilts should be done using the custom freehand option. Freehand can be used in combination with patterns, and borders can be given separate treatment where appropriate.
This generally complements the quilting best, as Lisa can work to "blend" the quilting with your piecing. It is also good for your more decorative quilts that will still be used, washed, etc.
Custom freehand is the best choice for your finest quilts - display pieces, "heirloom" art, juried show quilts, etc.
How big can the quilt be?
The quilt cannot be wider than the leaders that hold the quilt on the machine. Quilts up to 120 inches wide can be handled. Length of the quilt is not important - it is rolled up as it goes along - but about 10 yards would be maximum.
How are the quilts attached?
The backing is pinned at the top and bottom to canvas "leaders" on the machine. The top is pinned to a leader at one edge only. All four edges of the quilt will be sewn to the batting and backing as it is quilted. The top and backing can be tightened (not stretched) independently to smooth the quilt and eliminate tucks. The clamps are applied only to the backing fabric and pulled gently, to keep the quilt tight side-to-side. There is no stress applied directly to your quilt top. The process does not stretch your quilt - it pulls it only enough to keep it taut for the quilting process.
What batting should I use?
Lisa recommends either the batting she offers or the same type. The best choices are: bonded and/or needle punched polyester, cotton with scrim binder, or bonded cotton-polyester blends. Battings suitable for machine quilting are made by Hobbs (poly, wool, cotton and cotton/poly blend), or by The Warm Company (makers of Warm & Natural).
Do not purchase "unbonded" batting. It is fragile and cannot be put on the machine. Quilter's Dream low loft is also too fragile for machine quilting. Unacceptable battings will be returned unused.
Factors to consider: What is the purpose of the quilt?
If the quilt will be displayed over a rack, use a batting that drapes well and doesn't hold a sharp crease, such as Hobbs wool or cotton/poly.
For wall-hangings, consider Hobbs cotton with scrim or Warm & Natural cotton. These are very stable with a scrim binder and they will hang straight. For an old fashioned look, use a 100% cotton batting. For a smoother look even after it's washed, use 100% polyester.
Tablecloth? 80/20 Cotton/Poly is probably the best choice - it will lie flat and is easily washable.
All these battings can work in a light to medium weight quilt. For a heavy weight quilt use Warm & Natural cotton batting. For warmth, use Hobbs 100% wool batting. If you want the quilt to seem a little more like a comforter, consider using the Hobbs wool batting which puffs out nicely, but isn't excessively lofty, or Hobbs poly-down batting.
Who provides the backing and/or batting?
Lisa has muslin in stock at a competitive price for your convenience. Please see the Prices and Information page for costs of a seamless back; Lisa has 108 inch wide bleached and unbleached high quality muslin.
Lisa carries batting at competitive prices. 100% cotton; 100% wool; cotton/poly blend in white or black - (80% cotton/20% poly).
Lisa does not charge extra to use your materials. However, if you use your own batting and / or backing, you must be sure to make your backing and batting 3-4 inches larger on all sides (i.e., 6-8" O/A) for loading onto the machine.
If you seam your backing, please square it - i.e.; make sure it is trimmed even and straight on all edges so that it can be pinned to the canvas on the roller, which is a straight edge.
Make sure you cut the selvages off the seam allowances that are going to be inside the quilt, because they can pull the backing unevenly and cause puckers during the quilting process. You may leave the selvage on the outer edges as it makes a very stable edge to pin to the canvas, and it will be trimmed off later when you put your binding on.
Lisa prefers seams in a backing to run across to give a more even pull to the seam during the quilting; however, she can accommodate either seam direction. If you run out of backing fabric and do not have the required extra 3-4 inches in either direction, it is best to add a "racing stripe" of 8-12 inches of a different fabric in the center of the back.
See:Preparing your Quilt for Machine Quilting.
Will Lisa do binding?
Lisa does not normally bind quilts other than those she makes and sells, or those she does on commission. If you cannot do binding, she recommends that you contact a local quilting guild or business to find a reliable local binder. Lisa recommends using only bias binding.
Lisa recommends Liz Porter's unique Lumpless Finish method for making and applying bias binding:
See: http://www.fonsandporter.com/storefront/pbcard.html
If you cannot find a local binder, Lisa will try to help you locate a reliable binder.
Will Lisa do a T-Shirt quilt?
If you are doing a T-Shirt quilt, use any good light-weight, fusible interfacing (iron-on) stabilizer on the back of the shirts. Always use a pressing cloth, and fuse the interfacing to the back of the design before trimming the design to the desired size. Lisa recommends an over-all treatment on them.
Will Lisa quilt denim or double-knit?
Lisa will not quilt any denim or double-knit polyester. Cotton-poly blend fabric is acceptable, but not recommended or preferred.
How much does it cost?
The base charge is $22.50 per hour, with a one-hour minimum charge. A lot can be done on a long-arm machine in an hour! As in most other areas of life, you often get what you pay for - with Lisa, you will be getting work from a noted fiber artist who gives even the simplest quilts 110% of her care, effort, and attention.
What is included in the charge?
The quilting charge does not include batting, backing fabric, thread charge ($4.00) or other extras, although the estimated costs in the table in Prices and Information are fairly accurate. (The estimates given include using our batting, and the thread charge.) Shipping is extra.
How is payment made?
All prices are in USD, customer pays postage. Postal Money Orders and Cashier's Checks are preferred for first orders, though personal checks will be accepted by prior arrangement. Paypal is also currently accepted. International orders must be pre-paid by International Money Order in USD, or by Paypal - Lisa will give you an estimate when the quilt is received, and an invoice when completed.
How should I send my quilt?
Please read Preparing your Quilt for Machine Quilting. before you ship.
We have found USPS Priority Mail works fine, but UPS or FedEx are also an option. Contact Lisa for shipping address when using this option - UPS and FedEx don't deliver to P.O. boxes.)
Finished quilts will be returned by US Priority mail unless otherwise specified. All quilts will be sent with delivery confirmation and insurance, and we recommend that you ship it that way. UPS or FedEx automatically issues tracking numbers.
USPS usually charges $10-15 US Mail in the US, but rates will differ depending on weight and distance, and out of the US rates can be quite high. UPS / FedEx is usually more expensive. For other methods of return such as next day, etc., please contact the Post Office or shipper for cost of return postage. Customer is responsible for shipping charges both ways.
Lisa is not responsible for quilts lost or damaged during shipping, though she does purchase insurance, and recommends that you purchase it as well. Please do not write "quilt" on the outside of the box when shipping your quilt. Address for USPS:
Lisa Taylor
P. O. Box 337
Seal Rock, OR 97376 USA
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What kind of machine does Lisa use?
There are many long-arm quilting machines available. Lisa uses the Gammill Optimum, used by many top long-arm professional quilters, including Linda Taylor. Linda is also a Gammill dealer, for any of you Texans! (And no relation - honest!).
Lisa's machine is equipped with a stitch regulator, overhead light bar, hydraulic lift, "Leisure Sew" and other special features.
She purchased her present machine from Jack Boersma of Boersma's Sewing Center in McMinnville, OR. We have found that Boersma's offers excellent sales, installation, and support. Jack will deliver to most locations, and sets up and installs the machine personally.
