For the best quilting results, please follow the guidelines below:

• Cut loose threads. This prevents threads from showing through the quilt top.
• Mark the head of the quilt top and back with safety pins. This is important so quilt designs will be stitched in the correct direction.
• Press all seams on the quilt top and back. This will improve the quality of seams that are stitched in the ditch.
• Do not pin or baste your quilt together. The quilt top, back, and batting are loaded onto the longarm machine separately.
• The quilt back and batting should be at least 4 inches bigger than the top on all sides. The extra back fabric and batting makes it easier to stitch close to the edges without hitting clamps and leaders.
• Square your quilt top and back so the quilt will be correctly aligned when it is loaded onto the longarm machine.  This is important for keeping quilt designs straight, and preventing puckers.
• Remove selvages from the seams. However, they can be left on the side edges. Quilting over selvages can cause puckers because selvages have a tighter weave than the quilt fabric.