Frequently Asked Questions
How can I contact you? I cannot wait to talk with you! You can contact me using the tabs at the top right of this page via Facebook or Email. I will get back to you as soon as I can and arrange an appointment to talk or meet to discuss your possible project.
Longarm Quilting Services - FAQ
I like to make my own quilt tops, but I'd rather have someone else do the quilting. Can you quilt my top for me? Certainly! Lefty Quilter offers longarm quilting services providing Edge-2-Edge digital designs using an INNOVA Longarm quilting machine with Lightning Stitch to ensure high quality, consistent stitching. Hundreds of designs to choose from (click on Longarm tab at top and select Digital Designs from the menu to see recent additions)! Please add 10" to the length and width of your backing. All extra backing fabric and batting will be returned to you.
I'd like to provide my own batting. Is that ok? You may provide your own batting. Please be sure to add at least 8-10" to the length AND width.
Additional options available:
I'd like to provide my own batting. Is that ok? You may provide your own batting. Please be sure to add at least 8-10" to the length AND width.
Additional options available:
- Piece your backing fabric
- Attach the binding to the front of your quilt
- Attach & hand stitch binding
- Batting available on site Warm & Natural, Quilters Dream and Hobbs (brand subject to availability)
Memory Quilts - FAQ
How do I pay for my custom designed quilt? Once we have agreed upon the final price, a contract and invoice will be emailed to you. I accept 1/3 down, 1/3 when top is completed (a photo will be sent to you), and balance due before quilt is shipped or picked up. You may also pay half down & half upon completion. I accept checks from local banks only. Payments are also accepted via Paypal and the final payment will have a 2.9% fee added for processing. There will be a $25 fee added for all returned checks.
Is there a shipping charge? Shipping & Insurance charge of $25 will be added to each order unless local pickup has been arranged. If you're not necessarily local, but live within 75 miles and would rather not have your quilt shipped, I will meet you half way for $25.
Why are the prices listed as estimates or base? This is because your memory quilt is custom designed. The final price will be determined once size, fabrics, added options, etc have been chosen. Your quilt will be handcrafted, quilted with an edge to edge digital design, and hand stitched binding to last for generations.
Why aren't prices listed? Because a memorial piece will be a one of a kind creation which will be designed based upon the type of quilt you wish to have made, size, materials, complexity, etc. a standard price cannot be given.
What type of fabric do you use? Because your quilt is sure to become a family heirloom, only the highest quality fabrics are used. This is to ensure durability and longevity. Cotton fabrics that are carried by Walmart & most of those at Joann Fabrics are not a tight weave or have a wax type overlay and will not hold up over time. I purchase fabrics from the top quality manufacturers, such as Hoffman, Moda, Timeless Treasures, RJR, Blank and Kaufman to name a few.
Can I provide my own fabric for the back of my quilt? Of course! If you wish to provide the fabric for the back of your quilt, an adjustment to the final price will be made. I would suggest waiting to purchase until the actual size of your quilt has been determined. Please be advised that fabrics should be high quality. I cannot guarantee the finished look or durability will be to your satisfaction if low quality materials are purchased.
How do I care for my quilt? For a wall hanging, I suggest taking down every 2-3 months, take outside and give a good shake. If your wall hanging contains buttons, beads, etc., place in a zippered pillowcase before machine washing on a delicate cycle. For wall hangings containing tie fabrics, hand wash only. For a lap or bed quilt, you should launder only once a year unless they become soiled. For a baby or crib quilt, launder as needed. Because your quilt is made with new fabrics, use a delicate setting with cold water and regular detergent. If you use Deft for baby clothes, you can also use for baby/crib quilt. It's best to hang dry, however, use a medium or low setting on the dryer. I would suggest using at least 2 Tide Color Catchers the first time you wash your quilt.
What is Sashing and Borders? Sashing is the fabric sewn between quilt blocks and usually 1 1/2" - 2" wide. A border is the outer fabric surrounding the quilt blocks and can range from 2" - 6" wide, depending on the fabric design and final size of the quilt.
For t-shirt quilts, sashing is a 1" frame around every shirt. Sashing especially enhances a t-shirt quilt when many of the t-shirts are the same color. I will use a tone-on-tone or small print fabric in a co-ordinating color (depending on the shirt graphics). I create only the highest quality t-shirt quilts, therefore I don't recommend creating a t-shirt quilt without the sashing fabric. The sashing fabric also provides more stability to your t-shirt quilt and is more aesthetically pleasing.
What is Backing and Binding? Backing is the fabric on the back side of your quilt. Binding shows as a 1/4 inch border around the edge of the entire quilt. I will select a co-ordinating tone-on-tone back and binding fabric to match the front of your quilt. If you wish, you can choose the option to select the color backing and binding or request a novelty fabric. You may also use your own fabric (see question above). I will provide you with the necessary measurements.
For t-shirt quilts, sashing is a 1" frame around every shirt. Sashing especially enhances a t-shirt quilt when many of the t-shirts are the same color. I will use a tone-on-tone or small print fabric in a co-ordinating color (depending on the shirt graphics). I create only the highest quality t-shirt quilts, therefore I don't recommend creating a t-shirt quilt without the sashing fabric. The sashing fabric also provides more stability to your t-shirt quilt and is more aesthetically pleasing.
What is Backing and Binding? Backing is the fabric on the back side of your quilt. Binding shows as a 1/4 inch border around the edge of the entire quilt. I will select a co-ordinating tone-on-tone back and binding fabric to match the front of your quilt. If you wish, you can choose the option to select the color backing and binding or request a novelty fabric. You may also use your own fabric (see question above). I will provide you with the necessary measurements.
I've ordered my custom designed quilt...now what? Once a design has been agreed upon, the contract signed and the first payment is received, the fun begins! Fabrics are purchased specifically for your quilt. Most clients prefer that I select the fabrics I feel work best with the clothing. However, if you have requested final say in fabrics for certain areas (example - border or back of quilt), I will let you know in advance what day I will be shopping to ensure your availability to receive photos via text for your approval. As your quilt top is being created, photos are sent to show you the progress, ensure it is falling in line with your vision, and possibly to discuss a change that I feel may enhance the design. When the top is completed, a full picture will be sent to you along with the request for 2nd payment. When payment is received, the top will be "sandwiched" and the quilting begins. Once quilting is completed, the binding is attached and it is finished. A request for the wording you wish to have printed on the label that's placed in the back lower corner is sent along with a photo of the completed quilt and a request for final payment. Final payment will include any shipping/insurance charges, upgrades added after initial agreement, and/or credit card processing fee of 2.9%. Once final payment is made, the quilt is picked up, delivered, or shipped to it's new owner to become a family heirloom!
What do you mean by wording for a label? A computer printed label is included with each quilt to establish ownership, document a person's life, celebrate or honor a special event,etc. It may include whatever information you wish. You can even include photos for an additional cost. Here are some examples:
If I order a signature quilt, can I use my own pens? Of course! I can provide the fabric friendly pens for "rent" or purchase (see pricing for info) to ensure signatures are permanent and will not bleed. However, if you wish, you can use ULTRA fine tip Sharpie pens which are permanent and come in great colors, but be aware that Sharpies can bleed. Please DO NOT use regular ink pens because the ink will fade and a good portion of the ink will wash away when laundered.
Is there any way a signature quilt can be completed BEFORE the event? Absolutely! Once you have selected the design, colors & number of signature blocks you will need, I can complete the entire quilt making process. You can have the finished quilt at the event and everyone can sign. Please be aware that using this process I cannot remove any squares from the quilt and you may not be able to control where your guests sign and the pens may bleed into the backing if not fine or ultra fine tip so I would recommend a dark fabric for the backing just in case.
How do I determine the quilt size I will need?
Suggested Quilt Measurements for Standard Bed Sizes
Use this information as a guide to planning a quilt for a particular bed. Factors to consider are the mattress size, the mattress thickness, the amount of drop you desire, whether or not to include a pillow tuck, desired distance from the floor, and “take-up” caused by the quilting itself.
Approximate Mattress Sizes for Common Bed Sizes
Crib 26" x 48" crib sizes can vary by manufacturer
Twin 39" x 76" The smallest mattress
Twin X-Long 39" x 80" Found most commonly in college dorm rooms
Full/Double 54" x 75" Shorter in length than queen size.
Queen 60" x 80" Wider and longer than full/double
King 76" x 80" The largest mattress
Cal-King 72" x 84" Narrower and longer than king size
Mattress Depths
Standard 7" - 9"
Deep 10" - 15"
Extra Deep 15" - 22"
Suggested Bed-size Quilt Dimensions
With the exception of the crib quilt, these dimensions include a 15" drop on the sides and bottom of the quilt. No extra length is included for a pillow tuck. These sizes are designed for use with a dust ruffle. Quilting, if moderate to heavy, may reduce the finished size of your quilt by 1" to 3" or more and should be considered when planning the finished size of your quilt.
Crib 36" x 54", 36" x 60", or 45" x 60"
Twin 68" x 89"
Twin X-Long 68" x 94"
Full/Double 84" x 89"
Queen 90" x 94"
King 106" x 94"
Cal-King 100" x 98"
Suggested Quilt Measurements for Standard Bed Sizes
Use this information as a guide to planning a quilt for a particular bed. Factors to consider are the mattress size, the mattress thickness, the amount of drop you desire, whether or not to include a pillow tuck, desired distance from the floor, and “take-up” caused by the quilting itself.
Approximate Mattress Sizes for Common Bed Sizes
Crib 26" x 48" crib sizes can vary by manufacturer
Twin 39" x 76" The smallest mattress
Twin X-Long 39" x 80" Found most commonly in college dorm rooms
Full/Double 54" x 75" Shorter in length than queen size.
Queen 60" x 80" Wider and longer than full/double
King 76" x 80" The largest mattress
Cal-King 72" x 84" Narrower and longer than king size
Mattress Depths
Standard 7" - 9"
Deep 10" - 15"
Extra Deep 15" - 22"
Suggested Bed-size Quilt Dimensions
With the exception of the crib quilt, these dimensions include a 15" drop on the sides and bottom of the quilt. No extra length is included for a pillow tuck. These sizes are designed for use with a dust ruffle. Quilting, if moderate to heavy, may reduce the finished size of your quilt by 1" to 3" or more and should be considered when planning the finished size of your quilt.
Crib 36" x 54", 36" x 60", or 45" x 60"
Twin 68" x 89"
Twin X-Long 68" x 94"
Full/Double 84" x 89"
Queen 90" x 94"
King 106" x 94"
Cal-King 100" x 98"