Frequently Asked Questions
We all have questions. I've listed some of the more common ones. If you don't see your question here, please email info@jacquelinesquiltstudio.com to get an answer and it may make it onto this list in the future.
What is Longarm Quilting?
Longarm quilting is the process of joining a quilt top with batting and a backing fabric and then stitching the layers together using a design. The stitching holds the layers together and adds texture and a dimensional look to the quilt top. Longarm quilting use a frame to hold the quilt layers in place while stitching to keep the quilt flat and the layers even, resulting in high quality results. Longarm stitching adds the finishing touch.
Is it cheating to use a longarm quilter? Is the quilt still my creation?
Not cheating! It's smart to use what is available in the quilting world to have the absolutely best finish for your quilt. The quilt is your creation! Using a longarm quilter is a tool just like a sewing machine, a rotary cutter or specialty ruler. The vision for the quilt is yours, the pattern choice, fabric choices... yours; quilting design and thread choice... yours. We use whatever works for us to make our creations stand out. Think of your longarmer as a tool (with a great personality!) to make your quilt sing!
What are the benefits of using a longarm quilting service?
Professional Quilting: Longarm machines are designed for precision, providing the ability to create intricate and beautiful designs that can be challenging to achieve on a domestic sewing machine.
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Time Savings: Longarm quilting significantly reduces the time it takes to quilt a large project.
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Consistency: Longarm machines ensure even, consistent stitches, but because I can view a large amount of the quilt top at one time, the consistency of the pattern is easier to maintain than on a domestic sewing machine.
How long does it take if I send you my quilt top?
Once your quilt is received in my studio, the turnaround time can be in as little as a few days and as long as a few weeks depending on how many quilts are in the queue. Typically, I have a turnaround time of 2 weeks. When I receive a booking form, I reach out to confirm details and design choices and this is when we firm up the completion date.
Why do you use the square Foot pricing method?
I am using square foot pricing as identifying the quilting cost is more intuitive and the numbers are more manageable to work with (no fractions of cents!). For square foot pricing, you need to know the area of your quilt (width in feet x height in feet). Alternatively, if you know the area in inches, divide by 144 to convert into square feet.
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Many longarm quilters use per square inch pricing. While this can be good because we measure in inches in quilting frequently and most quilters know the size of their quilts in inches, the square inch price is hard to calculate in practice because we are often get into using fractions of cents and the multipliers are large.
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FYI, all quilting services have a minimum charge. Please review the Rates page for more details.
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Why did you switch to computerized quilting? can I still have hand guided?
Computerized quilting allows for more changes in design density and size. Quilting designs can be easily modified to meet the needs of the customer. Maybe you love a design but do not want it to be too dense, or it needs to be resized to complement the piecing well.
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Some will say, computerized longarm machines allow for perfection, and that is true - to an extent. There are challenges also. Fabric is drawn up as the stitching occurs and lining up can become challenging depending on the design and the density. This happens with paper pantographs or free motion also, but it is a little easier to adjust than when the computer is driving the machine. That being said, there is just so much more I can do to get things just so and I love that!
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I can no longer offer paper pantograph quilting, but I absolutely do offer free motion edge to edge quilting, as well as custom quilting (free motion, rulerwork and computer) or varying combinations that really show off your quilt top.
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What is the difference between Edge to Edge and Custom Quilting?
Edge to Edge quilting uses a repeating design covering the entire quilt surface without regard to the specific piecing of the quilt or individual quilt blocks or borders. Custom quilting is a design that does take into account the individual blocks, sashing and borders of a quilt. Usually a few repeating designs are used consistently throughout the quilt, e.g. ribbon candy in the sashing, a feathered swirl chain in the border and continuous curve in the blocks. The design choices are more involved and the quilting often more dense with custom quilting. This is why prices for custom quilting will be determined after a consultation process.