Keep layers separate, no pinning or basting.

  Batting & Backing must be 4 inches wider on all sides of your quilt top.

  As you sew, backstitch any seams that are on the outer edges so they won't come loose.

  Trim any loose threads on the back of the quilt top so they won't show through after the quilting is done.

  If your quilt has bias pieces on the outer edges, please stitch 1/4 inch around the perimeter to prevent stretching.

  Check that the top is square and straight. 

  Watch for flared borders as puckers or tucks may occur in the quilting process. To make a border with straight-cut corners:

    1) Measurements should be taken across the center of the quilt in two or three places for both the width and length.

    2) Determine the length of the quilt border by averaging the two or three center measurements of the quilt body.

    3) Cut two borders that length and pin them to opposite sides of the quilt. Match the ends and centers, then gently ease in any fullness.

    4) Pin, sew and press.

    5) Repeat for the top and bottom borders measuring the width, averaging, etc.

  If your quilt has a definite direction to it or you want one edge to definitely be the top, pin a note to the edge.

  Press the top and watch the directions the seams are pressed.

  Do not add embellishments such as buttons, beads, ribbon to the quilt top prior to the quilting process as they may get in the way of the needle. 

  The flatter the top is from the start, the better the quilting job will be!