| Finding a Quilter: |
| Here are some suggestions on how to find a Longarm quilter in your area: - Click on Quilters' Directory to find Quilters' in your area of the country.
- If there is no quilter listed in your area, then ask at your local guild or quilt shop.
- If you see a quilt that is beautifully machine quilted, ask who quilted it.
- Do a Google search to find one of the professional quilters who have websites and will take work that is shipped to them.
- Look for business cards at quilt shows.
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| Identifying the skill level of the quilter: |
Workmanship and expertise vary widely among machine quilters. To identify the skill level of the quilter, consider the following tips: - Ask to see samples of finished quilts. Is the stitch length and quality consistent? Do you like the style of quilting?
- Ask for three references from customers before sending a valuable quilt top out to be quilted.
- Has the quilter won any awards for quilting skill?
- Does the quilter continue to upgrade skills with professional development quilting courses?
- Is the quilter active in the professional quilting community?
- Does the quilter have a smoke-free studio?
- Does the quilter have pets? Are the pets allowed in the studio?
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| Negotiating the quilting agreement: |
Once you have selected the quilter whose style is the best fit for you, then you are ready to talk specifics about your quilt. The following questions will help you communicate with your quilter: - Will the quilter press the top and back fabrics? If so, how much will this additional service cost?
- Will the quilter square up the top? How much will this additional service cost?
- Does the quilter provide the batting? What kind? How much does it cost? Can you provide your own batting?
- How much larger do the batting and backing need to be than the top? (Most quilters require 6 to 8 inches larger both horizontally and vertically.
- What is the pricing policy? Does the quilter charge by the square inch or foot, by the time taken, by the amount of thread used or for the general size of the quilt?
- What is the quilter's rate for specific styles: Pantographs, freemotion, meander, custom or heirloom work?
- Does the quilter automatically trim the quilt?
- Will the quilter also apply and finish the binding? What is the cost of this additional service?
- What is the turn-around time? Before Christmas is generally the slowest turn-around time.
- What is the smallest and largest sizes the quilter can handle?
- If shipping is required, what is the charge to return ship? What method of shipping is used? What is the insurance procedure for return shipments?
- Does the quilter write down your requirements and ask you to sign a work order. This ensures clear communication for both parties.
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| Communicate: |
| The most important element of selecting a quilter is to communicate clearly and state what you want. Telling a quilter to "just do anything" or "whatever you think" is not conducive to getting what you want. More precise communication is helpful for the quilter - even if only to identify what you do not want. |
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