11-Step Guide to Becoming Best Friends with Your Longarm Quilter

We are so grateful for longarm quilters, right?! Not only do they help take our quilt tops to the finish line, but they do beautiful work along the way. You might have some questions on how to make this a successful experience for you and your longarm quilter (LAQ)... so we asked our longarm quilters here to put together an 11-step guide on how to prepare your quilt, what questions to ask, and how to become besties with your longarm quilter! 

1. Please ask questions, all the questions! It is easier to answer a question than fix a problem. Don’t be afraid to ask anything, even if it feels a little silly. The LAQ may be able to suggest creative ways to quilt that table topper, placemat or other project.

2. Do I need my backing and batting larger than my quilt top? Clients always ask why their backing and batting need to be bigger than their quilt top. The minimum is 6”- 8” wider and 6”- 8” longer than your quilt top. The layers are loaded onto the longarm frame individually using pins or a clamping system. That uses up some of the length of your backing. There are also clamps on the sides of the machine that help keep the backing taut/flat. The machine throat needs to go to the edge of the quilt top and that’s why extra fabric is needed on the sides. It’s also nice to have a little wiggle room in case your top isn’t perfectly square/rectangular. Don’t sacrifice the front to accommodate the back. Think of it as cheap insurance!

3. Have measurements ready when asking for a quote. Most LAQs charge by the square inch. Saying you have a twin quilt doesn’t tell the LAQ the exact dimensions to do the math. Your quilt may be going on a twin bed, but if you’ve added a huge amount for a pillow tuck and drop, you may get sticker shock when your dimensions are closer to a king than a twin!

4. Ask what other services the LAQ offers. Your quilter may do more than just quilt your quilt and give it back to you. They may do all the things you dread doing, like binding!

5. Turnaround times. Each LAQ has a method for running their business. Always ask for an expected return date. If you need a rush job, be prepared to pay a rush fee. Schedules might open up unexpectedly and your quilt can be returned sooner than expected. It’s always appreciated when a client informs the LAQ of deadlines before agreeing. Especially if it is for an event such as a birthday, wedding, new baby, etc. Think 3 months ahead for holiday rush times.

6. Pay/pick up promptly. Everyone enjoys being paid when they complete a job. Communication is key! Please notify them if something comes up.

7. Refer your LAQ. If you love your LAQ, refer them to friends! Building their client base allows them to maintain consistent turnaround times and keep their skills sharp.

8. Compare apples to apples. Many people only ask for a “per square inch” price and think one quilter charges too much based solely on that one figure. Many LAQs have lowered their per square inch pricing and made up the difference by adding in different fees. Here at my Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe, our regular fees include: quilting per square inch, batting by the yard, and thread per bobbin.

9. Is the backing directional? This will require some thinking and possibly extra fabric for piecing. Notify your LAQ that you have a directional backing and even pin a note to remind them. For specialty fabrics (minky, fleece, velvet, fabrics, pieced backing) it’s best to add 10” to both the width and length. Stretchier fabrics tend to “hourglass” on the longarm frame. Make sure to trim the selvage edge in the middle seam(s) of any backing, but it is NOT necessary to trim the outer edges as it keeps those straight.

10. Gratuity. Your LAQ is a professional who has charged you an appropriate fee. A gratuity is entirely up to you. From rounding the change to a percentage, or even just a thank you card, your LAQ will greatly appreciate your business!

11. Feedback is greatly appreciated! Lots of care goes into a quilt, even a picture of the project in your home or with the recipient will have your LAQ grinning from ear to ear!

We hope this 11-step guide is helpful as you prepare your next visit to your longarm quilter! Remember, it never hurts to ask questions! Happy sewing!

Want to learn more tips and tricks all about longarming? Join a community of like-minded quilters in our private Facebook group found here!

Find even more long arming content and videos in our Longarm and Loving It Education Central online portal found here! (Psssst! The entry level of these online courses is FREE!)