Quilting Guide

At Memories, we understand how precious your quilt is to you and we know the work you have put into it, so we promise to value it as if it were our own while it is within our care.

Follow these simple steps to have your quilt processed:

1. Print the Order Form: (from the Order Form tab)

2. Personal Information: Provide complete contact information, such as: daytime phone, email, and the address your quilt should be shipped to, including mailing address if it is different from your physical address.

3. Press Your Quilt Top: All seams should be flat, and when possible, pressed toward the darker fabric. Clip all threads so they will not be caught during quilting.

4. Quilt Size: Determine the quilt size in square inches by multiplying the width times the length.

5. Pattern: There are literally thousands of quilting patterns available.  The ones shown on the Pattern/Thread tab are just a very few to give you some ideas.  Should you have a specific pattern in mind but do not see it in the list, indicate the pattern name as a "note" on the bottom of your Order Form, and we will try to obtain it. Also, if you are just not sure of what pattern you want, we'll discuss it by phone and together find one you like.  Visit designer signs such as: annebrightdesigns.com or wildflowerquilting.com to see lots of ideas.

6. Pattern Density: Your pattern density determines the cost of your quilting. The denser the pattern, the more quilting time and thread will   be used.

          Simple: 1.5 cents/sq.inch – No more than 3 inches between quilting

          Medium: 2.25 cents/sq.inch – No more than 1.5 inches between quilting

          Dense: 3 cents/sq.inch – No more than ¾ inch between quilting

The minimum quilting cost is $50.00 due to the time it takes to load and unload the quilt.

7. Thread Color: Choose from the thread colors shown on the Pattern/Thread tab.  We have many different shades of each color group shown. Let us know as a "note" on the bottom of your Order Form if you prefer a certain shade. If you do not specify, we will match the thread shade to blend in with your quilt as much as possible. Your thread cost is included in your quilting cost. There is no extra cost for the thread.

8. Batting: Batting must be 8 inches wider and 8 inches longer (4 inches on each side) than your quilt top and batting must be purchased from our studio. Our high-quality batting is provided at very competitive pricing. We have learned that all batting is not created equal, so to keep our machine maintenance down, provide quality quilting, and keep your machine quilting costs down, we ask that you do not send batting with your quilt.  Unused batting will be sent to you if you choose. 

You have choices of batting. Here’s how to choose:

100% COTTON: If you like the look of a crinkly washed quilt, use cotton batting. Cotton shrinks slightly more than the fabric does, so it gives you the vintage “crinkly” quilt look. Nothing finishes a vintage quilt like hand quilting, but if you cannot hand-quilt those vintage pieces, the next best thing is a tiny stipple with cotton batting!

          1/8” loft, washable, 3-5% shrinkage

          Bleached Cotton, 108” wide - $.38/inch

80/20 COTTON/POLY BLEND (most popular): If you want a thin, lightweight quilt and do not want it to “crinkle” when you wash it, 80/20 is the perfect choice. The 20% poly will keep it from shrinking like cotton.

          1/4” loft, washable, minimal shrinkage

          96” wide - $.31/inch  or 120” wide - $.38/inch

         Black 80/20, 96” wide - $.38/inch

WOOL: Wool is super lightweight and is breathable like cotton. It is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It gives a soft drapey finish to any quilt. Machine wash and dry.

          1/4” loft, washable, 3-5% shrinkage

          108” wide - $.63/inch

POLYDOWN: This is made from soft bonded polyester. If you like some loft, choose a poly. Just remember that thick batting may limit the quilting patterns you have to choose from. Poly is very warm and the best choice if your quilt will have minky or flannel on the back.

          108” wide - $.26/inch

To determine the cost of your batting:  Batting can be stitched vertically or horizontally - there is no grain to worry about.  First, choose the type of batting.  Batting is priced per linear inch so consider your longest edge (width or length) and choose the width of batting you need (96" ,108" or 120"), then measure the other edge and multiply by price per inch of batting.  Remember to add 8” to the width and 8” to the length of your quilt top.  

     Example #1:   Quilt size is: 68" X 80".  After adding 8" to each edge, batting size needs to be 76" X 88".   If using 80/20 batting, choose 96" wide to accommodate the 88" edge....then multiply 76" X  $.31 = $23.56.

     Example #2:    Quilt size is: 80" X 100".  Add 8' to each edge, batting size needs to be 88" X 108".  If using 80/20 batting, choose 120" wide to accommodate the 108" edge ... then multiply 88" X $.38 = $33.44.   You will end up with an extra piece of batting 12" X 88" which you can asked to be shipped to you with your quilt or donate it to one of our local children's sewing camps. 

9. Backing: Backing material should be of the same quality as your quilt top. You may also use flannel or minky. If possible, choose a wide 108” backing material to eliminate piecing the back. Please remember that backing must measure 8” wider and 8” longer than your quilt top.

10. Possible Extra Charges:

            Piece a quilt backing - $10.00

            Extra sewing - $25.00/hour

           Rush orders - $50 - $100

11. Payment:  Please keep in mind that the total cost on your Order Form is a close estimate. We will review your calculations/choices and be calling you within 24 hours of receiving your quilt. Together, we will review your choices to ensure that we understand what you have in mind.