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Do not baste your
quilt.* |
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Identify the head
of quilt top and head of back, if necessary. |
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The quilt backing
and batting should be a minimum of 4 inches wider and 5 inches
longer than quilt top. |
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Measure the center
of the quilt top vertically. Then measure the outside edges
vertically. If there is more than a 1-1/2 inch difference,
it is possible that your top will have tucks when quilted. Do
the same measurements horizontally. The most common reasons for
measurement differences are stretched bias edges and mitered
corners that leave extra fabric on one or both sides of the
miter. Too much easement when piecing blocks can result in
small tents or puckers, which will cause tucks when the quilt is
quilted. |
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There should never
be loose edges, unless you plan to have the quilt custom
quilted. Also, the quilt top should be free of
embellishments, such as buttons, charms, pins, etc. |
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Check quilt top for
seam breaks. Old quilts and hand stitched quilts are prone
to seam breaks. These can cause tearing of the quilt top
and sometimes the back. |
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The quilt top and
backing should be clipped of loose threads, both front and back,
that can cause snags and uneven stitching. On lighter
fabrics, loose threads on the back side of the top will show
through. |
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Top and backing
should be pressed with seams pressed open or to one side. |
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Be careful with
sheets for backs. Take them out of the package, remove all
hems, wash and press, and measure them against your quilt
top. Sheets often run short or narrow compared to quilt
tops. |