Getting ready to get stitched!

Let’s Get That Quilt Top/Project Ready To Get Stitched!

We strongly recommend that you “stay stitch” about an 1/8” around the edge of your entire quilt top/project to ensure any seams do not pull apart. These stitches will be covered when the binding is attached.
Make sure all seams are securely sewn and remove all pins.
Square your quilt top/project. Longarm quilting will not make your quilt square. Your quilt top/project should be trimmed down to the final finished size and squared.
Press your completed quilt top/project, ensuring all seams lay flat.
Remove any threads and raveling fabric, especially dark threads, on the top and underside of your quilt top/project. This includes loose threads and ones that need to be trimmed.
Identify what you consider to be the top of your quilt top/project with a safety pinned note or a piece of blue painter’s tape.
Your quilt top/project must be free of any pet hair or other foreign objects.
NO Embellishments - The quilt top/project should be free of all embellishments such as buttons, charms, pins, sequins, beads, etc. These items will damage the needle and machine.

TIP: Do a final check by holding your quilt top/project up to a window or light to find any missed seams or threads that need trimming/removing.

Don’t Forget To Prep Your Backing Too!

Your backing must be AT LEAST 8” wider AND 8” longer than your quilt top/project. It can be bigger, but NOT smaller.
If you need to piece your backing it is recommended that the seam be horizontal and have at least a ½” seam allowance (more is good too). Trim the selvage off the edges you plan to seam together before seaming. The selvage is woven much tighter and pulls in and can cause your seam to not lay flat. Press the seam open for best results.
Square your backing. Straight edges are needed to pin the backing to the frame.
Press large wrinkles out of your backing, while ensuring any seams lay flat.
Remove any threads and raveling fabric, especially dark threads. This includes loose threads and ones that need to be trimmed.
Your backing must be free of any pet hair or other foreign objects.
Identify what you consider to be the top of your backing with a safety pinned note or a piece of blue painter’s tape.

NOTE: Extra fees may apply if we have to put extra time and effort into getting your quilt top/project and/or backing ready to load. If you have questions, please ask!

Getting your quilt top/project to us!

Local Meet Up: We are located in Chipley, FL and are willing to drive within a 50 mile radius to meet up and get your quilt top/project from you. We travel to the Lynn Haven/Panama City area weekly.

Mail In: You can mail your quilt top/project to us.
If mailing, our mailing address will be provided to you via email or text.

Shipping To Us:

Prep your quilt top/project following the directions above.
Neatly fold your quilt top/project, your backing, and your batting (if you are supplying) separately.
DO NOT pin, baste, or glue your layers together for any reason.
If binding services are required include the prepared binding OR send a minimum of 1 yard of fabric to be used to make the binding.
Seal all items in a strong unscented clean plastic bag before placing them in a clean, sturdy cardboard shipping box.
We recommend you ship your items by usps using priority mail services.
Priority shipping comes with $100 worth of insurance and a tracking number.
Text Lori at 540-809-6478 or email us at stitchedwatersquilting@gmail.com when you ship your items.

NOTE: Check the price for flat rate priority mail AND non flat rate priority mail. If you are close to us non flat rate may actually cost less. If you are further away, the flat rate option may be best. Flat rate boxes are free at the u.s. post office.

**********PLEASE NOTE**********

For your protection against theft, please do not label "quilt"

anywhere on the outside of the box.

Return Shipping:

Once completed, return shipping will be added to the invoice and it will be emailed to you for prompt payment.
We will send your finished project back to you in the manner described above via USPS Priority mail.
Priority mail comes with $100 worth of insurance and a tracking number.
Please indicate if you would like us to purchase any additional insurance on your behalf (that will be added to the invoice) on your "Get Stitched" booking form.
It's a great idea to insure your valuables, but we don't require it.

Sharing your beautiful work!

We are definitely not professional photographers but we will do our best to take "nice" photos with our "good" phone camera! :-)
Upon completion of the quilting, we will take photos of your quilt/project in our well-lit studio and then text/email you those images to use however you would like. We just ask that you credit us for the photo and quilting if posting publicly.
We would like to post those photos as well. You can opt in for this on the "Get Stitched" or "T-Shirt Quilt Request" booking form and give us your handle(s) for tagging.

NOTE: If you'd rather be surprised, please let us know and we won't send pictures before returning it. :-)