What You Need to Know About Longarm Quilting

At Lake Bend Quilting, we offer longarm quilting services. We currently run an APQS Millie equipped with the IntelliQuilter computerized system. We offer hundreds of all-over (edge-to-edge) quilting patterns.

Lead Time

Our lead time is around 4 weeks. This time frame is flexible and greatly depends on how many quilts we've taken in recently. 

Quilt Size

We can easily accommodate quilts up to 100 inches. 

Backing 

We ask that you bring us your quilt as a separate top and back.

Your backing fabric must be at least 8" larger than your top. For example, if your top is 60" x 70", your backing must be no smaller than 68" x 78". If you have extra fabric, you don't need to cut it off.  We can just roll it onto the machine and it's not in the way.  We request that the edges of your backing are as straight as possible to facilitate the loading process.

Square & Fullness

We ask that you ensure there is minimal "fullness" in your borders and your quilt is a square as possible. To check for fullness, spread your quilt flat on the floor. If there is a wrinkle that you chase around and can't get the outside edge to lay flat, then you've got a bit of a fullness issue.

In some cases, if your quilt is not square, it can lead to wrinkles, folds, or waves in your quilt top. A quick check to see if your quilt is fairly square is to fold it in quarters and see if the outside edges line up well.   

Iron

Please press your quilt so that there are as few wrinkles as possible and your seams lay flat. When you bring your quilt to us, we will hang it on a hanger to keep any further wrinkles from forming. If you would like to bring your quilt on a hanger, we will make sure your hanger is returned. 

Batting

We prefer that you let us provide the batting for your quilt. We offer Tuscany Cotton Wool. This is a lovely blend of 80% fine cotton and 20% super-washed wool, designed to resist bunching and fiber migration. Wool adds loft and lends a nice drape and softness to the quilt without compromising stability. 

Patterns & Thread Color

We have over 500 designs from which to choose. If we don't have the perfect pattern in our library, we know of several websites to which we can direct you.  If you find a pattern, let us know and we will purchase it at no cost to you.

As for the thread, we have a variety of colors. If we don't have the perfect choice, we will purchase thread for you. The purchase cost becomes your thread fee. When we return your quilt, we will give you the spool with the remaining thread.

Binding

Yes, we will bind your quilt for you. We machine sew the binding to the quilt and finish either by machine or by hand.

We can also prepare your binding--cut, join, and press--regardless of whether we bind your quilt or you do.