Long Arm QuiltingDo I have to sandwich my quilt together?
No, with my Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine I can take all the hard work out of sandwiching your quilt, as my machine allows me to baste all three layers of your quilt onto the machines rollers.

I have already sandwiched and started quilting my top – can you finish it?
I’m very sorry but the answer is NO. I try and provide you with a pucker-free quilt; however I cannot guarantee this if the quilt has already been started. I would therefore ask that the customer undo the already sandwiched quilts if they wish me to quilt them.

What are the differences between normal width fabric and extra wide?
The main difference is the size of the fabric. Patchwork fabric is normally 42” wide, whereas backing fabric start at about 60” wide and go up to 120” wide. Another factor to consider is that you do not have to join together extra wide backing fabric, thereby gaining two quilts for the price of one.

How big does the backing need to be?
At least 4” on all four sides of the quilt top – for instance, a 60” x 80” quilt top would require a backing measuring 68” x 88”.

How would you recommend joining the backing?
Remove the selvages and stitch in the usual way but instead of the normal ¼” inch seam allowance sew a ½” inch seam allowance and press open and flat. Stay-stitch the top and bottom of the backing fabric to keep them in place.

Why is it necessary to provide a “squared” backing?
I like to provide my customers with a quilt top is parallel both on the top and bottom as well as the sides, and to do this I take my guidance from your squared backing.

Should I remove the selvages on the backing fabric?
I find it helpful to have a straight and firm edge to work from, so the answer would be No please leave the selvages edges on the backing wherever possible. The only time I would suggest cutting off the selvages would be when joining two pieces of fabrics together to form the backing. The selvage edge does not give the same a fabric.

What is the maximum size you can quilt?
My Gammill machine will take up to 120” which is the width of the machine; however the maximum length is limitless. The only restriction would be the amount of quilt rolled onto the take up roller on the machine; this would depend on the weight and thickness of the wadding, and how tightly it was wound around roller.

How do I delivery my quilt to you?
It depends on whether you live locally or not. You can make an appointment and deliver it in person. Alternatively, you can post it direct to me at Dragonfly Quilting, 64 Devon Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 4HN. I would suggest posting it by Royal Mail First Class Recorded (Signed For) Post in a heavy duty plastic. But it might be cheaper to look on-line at our Backing Fabrics.

I have not quite finished my quilt top – can I book it in beforehand?
If you have not finished your quilt top yet but have a deadline to meet then you can book your quilt into my work schedule and I will endeavour to get your quilt top finished in time. The booking is only provisionally until I receive a deposit of £10.00 which is non-refundable.

Do you require a deposit?
If you are delivering your quilt top by hand, I accept your quilt as your deposit. If booking in advance then I will need a deposit of £10.00 non-refundable. On completion of your quilt I will require full payment before returning the completed quilt.

Marion's Tips

What size of Quilt?

Long Arm QuiltingThe size of a quilt will depend on where you are making it for. There is no fast rule that it has to be a certain size. Some quilts look great just sitting on the top of the bed, whilst others look wonderful overhanding the bed. If you want to a quilt that overhands a bed then measure across the bed and add about 10” to each side to give the overhand. Then measure the length of the bed, if you want the quilt to go over the pillows and tuck underneath then add about 20”. If you want a quilt to overhand the bottom of the bed but only go to the pillow then measure from the bottom of the pillow to the bottom of the bed and add 10” to give an overhand.

Baby quilts can vary. If you want to make a crib quilt then that would be around 36” square.

A standard cot mattress measures around 28” x 52” so you would need to make a quilt about 45” x 60” this will allow for the quilt to be tucked around the mattress.

A lap quilt would be around 45” x 45” this is large enough to throw over your lap on a cold evening, not too large that it’s draping over the floor.

A general quilt would be around 60” x 60”. This is a good size to use as a throw or to wrap around you on a cold night or to use as a picnic quilt to sit on.

The sizes below are general bed sizes but mattresses can vary so it’s always wide to measure. In general the depth of a mattress can be between 8” – 10” deep.

UK Bed Sizes

Single - 36” x 75” (91.4 x 190.5cm)
Double - 54” x 75” (137.2 x 190.5cm)
King/Queen - 60” x 78” (152.4 x 198.1cm)
Super King - 72” x 78” (182,9 x 198,1cm)

USA Bed Sizes

Twin - 39” 75” (99.1 x 190.5cm)
Double - 54” 75” (137.2 x 190.5cm)
Queen - 60” x 80” (152.4 x 203.2cm)
Eastern King - 76” x 80” (193 x 203.2cm)
California King - 72” x 84” (182.9 x 213.4cm)
Dual King - 78” x 80” (198.1 x 203.2cm)