Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

[Marty]

I finished the top to my first large quilt. It’s 75” x 93” inches so I’ve decided to send it out for machine quilting (something I’ve never done before). It’s a disappearing nine patch made with lots of browns and blues. Busy prints. Not a lot of negative space. The quilt is going to end up in the TV room where there are lots of boys and lots of dogs so it will be washed fairly often. I want an overall edge-to- edge design but which one? So many options, so many questions…

Thread color? MSQC doesn’t offer beige or brown. I think blue would be wrong. When in doubt do I pick white? I want a beautiful quilt design but I don’t want it to look like I’ve scribbled on it.

Is there a general rule of thumb about picking the quilted design or can I use any motif or pattern I like? The safe pick would be a simple stipple pattern but I think the Fleur de Lis would look nice with the material.

Any tips on sending it out. What is the best way to avoid wrinkles? It seems odd to just stick it in a box and mail it. What do I do?

[Navy Wife]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I press mine as best I can, paying attention to the seams to make sure they are flat and going in the right direction. Clip off as many thread ends as you can. If the fabric ravels a little that OK. Fold carefully and smooth it out as much as you can.

Ask your quilter for suggestions about thread and design. She has done this a lot and has better knowledge of what looks good. Tell her your ideas about the fleur de lis design. Sometimes a variegated thread is the best choice.

[sassygranny]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I've only sent out one quilt, and I had NO idea what I wanted to do with it. The quilter took photos and sketched on those, giving me some ideas. She was willing to do a lot more than I was willing to ask her to do. So, I ended up with a win, for sure. Your quilter will have tons of experience to draw on. Let her take a look at it before you make up your mind. She may see things you don't.

[Bubby]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

Press your top and make sure the seams are lying flat on the back. Clip anyhanging threads. I made a D9P with wild colors and had it quilted with off-white thread. As a general rule of thumb, If a quilt top has lots of angular lines (like a D9P) I choose a quilt pattern with round motifs. I do the reverse if I do a top with lots of flowers or a rounded pattern like a Dresden plate.
D9P.jpg

[New York Sue]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I've sent out three quilts for professional quilting. I selected the pattern, but defer the thread color choice to the long armer. I figure they know best, right? I have never been disappointed.
The last quilt went out to someone local, and was I able to ask what I could do to make her job easier. She replied 'snipping loose threads and pressing seams to one side or the other.'
Seams that are pressed open 'bugger' her up. (But thanks to Jenny, I've always pressed to the dark side!)

[K. McEuen]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I would suggest calling MSQC and talking to them about the quilting. There is a good chance that all their thread colors aren't listed on the site. I would imagine for sure they have a cream or natural color and probably even brown. They can answer all of your questions and they do a great job on the quilting.

[Sharyn J]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I've had two D9P quilts done by MSQ* recently and they did an awesome job! The cost is good and the batting is included in the price. I usually have to pay for batting when I have something done locally. White thread and the large meandering pattern was used on the D9P with green border. Aqua thread and the G'Daisy pattern was used on the other.

I snip all threads, inspect seams and repair anything, then press. MSQ requires at least 4" larger backing. Some require 6-8" over.

[Hulamoon]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

Can you find someone local? I go to someone's house and she sit's and draws the designs in front of me. I picked up business cards at my local shops. I can't ship, it would be way to expensive from where I live.

[Simply Quilting]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

When you mail it, make sure that you have a tracking number.

If you have questions, just call the M* they would be happy to answer your questions when you send it in.

[johowton]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

The first thing is press. Cut off loose threads. Have backing at least four to six inches larger than your top. Include the batting about an inch smaller than the backing if your including it. Some people give me the thread they would like to be used, others say you can figure it out. Call your quilter and have a phone or go have a face to face meeting with them. We discuss what the quilting design would look like, I show what I am capable of doing, you ask all the questions you can...I will ask them of you also. If you mail it, insure it. Signature required. That way, if there is a problem with the shipping you have the receipt for the shipment.
Take a picture before you seal that box. Be patient, sometimes we get backed up. But most of all, have faith in your choice of quilter. They love what they do and it shows in the final product.

This is how I do my quilting for a few people. Hope I helped some.

Jo

[kensington]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I'd surely go with a quilter who has a website I can go to see the all over patterns and their pricing.

I send mine off to someone who furnishes the backing, the batting, the binding and does the quilting and binding for me by hand for one price. Unless I want a specific back, and then I can ship my backing fabric to her. She has dozens of all over quilting patterns to choose from at various prices. If I have any specific needs or questions then I call her. Otherwise, I just put in a note that includes my instructions and it comes back done.

[Marty]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I've had two D9P quilts done by MSQ* recently and they did an awesome job! The cost is good and the batting is included in the price. I usually have to pay for batting when I have something done locally. White thread and the large meandering pattern was used on the D9P with green border. Aqua thread and the G'Daisy pattern was used on the other.

I snip all threads, inspect seams and repair anything, then press. MSQ requires at least 4" larger backing. Some require 6-8" over.

I love the colors of your D9P. Fantastic!! I like the close up photo because I can see the quilting.

[chelea]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

You can't go wrong with sending it to M*QC. I've sent 6; from crib to queen size. They do beautiful work. I almost always ask them to choose the thread color and it's been perfect every time. The first time I was speechless when I opened the return box - I sent them a limp little top and it came back a proper quilt.

[Genny]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

I've had two D9P quilts done by MSQ* recently and they did an awesome job! The cost is good and the batting is included in the price. I usually have to pay for batting when I have something done locally. White thread and the large meandering pattern was used on the D9P with green border. Aqua thread and the G'Daisy pattern was used on the other.

I snip all threads, inspect seams and repair anything, then press. MSQ requires at least 4" larger backing. Some require 6-8" over.

This quilt is beautiful!

[Marty]

Re: Sending Out for Machine Quilting - Many Questions

Update... I called MSQC to ask some specific questions about my quilt. The girls were very nice and extremely helpful. Thought I would share:

There are more thread colors than listed on the web page. If you have something specific in mind just ask, or list it in the comments section of the order form. Quilters choice is a always a good option.

Once you make your choices for thread, pattern, batting, and backing material you put the order in your cart. Once you check out (pay for everything) an email is generated from MSQC telling you where to send everything.

Turn around time is currently 6-8 weeks.