A little prep goes a long way.
These steps help your quilt load smoothly and come back its very best. Longarm quilting can't undo wonky borders or short backings — but good prep lets us make the most of your beautiful work.
Hummingbird fact
Hummingbird nests are tiny, soft, and built with incredible care — the same care every quilt deserves.
The #1 rule: backing & batting size
Your batting and backing each need to be at least 5" larger than your quilt top on every side (about 8–10" bigger in each direction). For example, an 80" × 90" top needs roughly a 90" × 100" backing and batting.
Batting should be the same size as the backing. Don't center the top on the backing — leave about an inch at the top and let the extra fall to the bottom, where the longarm needs it most. Need us to seam your backing? It's $10 per seam.
Hummingbird fact
Hummingbirds are drawn to bright, saturated colors — our kind of fabric palette.
Don't baste or pin the layers
Please don't pin or baste your top, batting, and backing together — we load each layer separately on the frame.
Save any embellishments (buttons, beads, dimensional appliqué) until after quilting.
Quilt top
- Press neatly and clip all threads — top and underside (stray threads show through light fabric).
- Check for holes, cuts, and loose seams.
- Square it up: 90° corners, equal measurements across and down.
- For pieced edges without borders, stay-stitch 1/8" from the edge so seams don't open.
- Mark the top with a safety pin if your design is directional.
A note on borders
Borders that aren't measured and cut to fit can ripple and wave. Measure through the center of your quilt, cut borders to that measurement, then pin, stitch, and press.
It keeps your edges flat and your quilt square — the secret to avoiding the dreaded wave.
Quilt back
- Press, clip threads, and check for holes or loose seams.
- Piece backing with a ½" seam pressed open; remove selvedges from seams.
- Square the backing so it loads without slack.
- Mark the top of the back with a safety pin if the fabric is directional.
Clean & ready to ship
- Make sure the top is clean and free of pet hair.
- Include your completed intake form with the quilt.
- Wrap everything in plastic (a 2-gallon ziplock is perfect) before shipping.
Quick prep checklist
- Backing & batting at least 5" larger than the top on every side
- Batting and backing are the same size
- Top pressed; all threads clipped (front and back)
- Top squared — 90° corners, equal measurements
- Pieced edges stay-stitched (if no borders)
- Backing pressed, squared, selvedges removed from seams
- Layers NOT basted or pinned together
- Quilt is clean and free of pet hair
- Completed intake form included
- Everything wrapped in plastic for shipping