Quilting Solutions

Quilting is a timeless craft that blends creativity with precision. Many techniques that have gained popularity in longarm quilting services are 1) edge-to-edge quilting; 2) semi-custom quilting; 3) custom quilting. These methods cover the entire quilt surface, creating a beautiful look. For quilters seeking stunning results, these various quilting services offer many advantages.

In this post, we explore various materials suitable for longarm quilting services and tools and techniques for stunning quilts. Whether you quilt by hand or machine, you will find useful tips and examples to inspire your next project.

Choosing Materials for Longarm Quilting Services

The overall cost of quilting depends heavily on the materials you select. Here are some tips to keep your project affordable without compromising quality.

Fabric Selection

• Cotton: Cotton is a great fabric for the most consistent, durable, and best-looking results and is a popular choice.

• Cotton blends: Look for cotton-polyester blends that are less expensive than 100% cotton but still durable.

• Remnants and sales: Use fabric remnants or shop sales at local stores or online to find quality fabric at a discount.

• Pre-cut bundles: Sometimes buying pre-cut fabric bundles like fat quarters can save money and reduce waste.

  
  

Batting Options

• Wool batting: Is excellent for highlighting intricate quilting designs.

• Cotton batting: Offers a natural feel and breathability and tends to be less expensive than wool batting.

• Cotton/polyester batting: Is breathable and has low shrinkage and tends to be less expensive than cotton batting. At Little Apple Quilts I use 80/20 cotton/polyester batting as the primary batting material, unless you would like another batting option and cost.

• Scrap batting: If you quilt often, save leftover batting pieces to piece together for smaller projects. Note that Little Apple Quilts uses only solid batting for longarm quilting services.

  
  

Thread Choices

• Polyester thread: Affordable and strong, polyester thread works well for quilting. At Little Apple Quilts, I use polyester thread, like Superior Omni and Glide.

• Cotton thread: Offers a matte finish and blends well with cotton fabrics. Cotton may be used, however, tends to break on high-speed longarm quilting and produces more lint.

• Specialty threads: Metallic or silk threads can be costly and require more care. Little Apple Quilts may use specialty threads like metallics which require slower quilting speeds and at a higher cost per square inch.

  
  
  
  

Tools and Techniques for Stunning Quilting

You don’t need expensive equipment to create beautiful quilts. Here are some tools and techniques that help you achieve professional results affordably.

Domestic Sewing Machine with a Walking Foot

A walking foot attachment helps feed the quilt layers evenly, reducing puckering and shifting. Many quilters use this setup to do edge-to-edge quilting at home.

• Use a stitch length of 3.0 to 3.5 mm for smooth curves.

• Practice on scrap fabric to get comfortable with the pattern.

• Use a quilting ruler or templates to guide your stitching lines.

  
  

Longarm Quilting Services

If you want a professional finish but don’t own a longarm machine, consider hiring me. I offer edge-to-edge quilting at reasonable prices. I offer a wide range of patterns. If you request a themed pattern that I do not currently have I am able to still do it with a $15 charge.

• Ask for basic edge-to-edge patterns like meandering, loops, or feathers.

• Request a quote upfront to compare prices.

• Provide your own batting and backing to reduce costs.

  
  

Free Motion Quilting

For quilters who want full control over the design, free motion quilting on a domestic machine is an option. It requires practice but can produce stunning results. Check out my other custom quilting page.

Edge-to-edge feather quilting pattern on a colorful patchwork quilt

By choosing the right materials, using accessible tools, and selecting suitable patterns, you can produce stunning results that showcase your creativity and skill. Finishing a quilt top for you, a friend, or a family member, helps you finish projects faster and with a polished look. Reaching out to an experience longarm quilting service offers a practical way to create beautiful quilts and gets your quilt done timely. At Little Apple Quilts, I am available to help you finish your quilt.

Reach out to me regarding edge-to-edge, semi-custom, or custom quilting on your next project and discover how simple changes can make a big difference in both cost and style. Happy quilting!