Preparing a Quilt for Longarm Quilting (Video Tutorial)

If you are a visual learner, you will love this part! Click the play button to watch the video right below. Then scroll for the materials and the full written tutorial.
 

Project Type: Learn a technique
Skill Level: Beginner
Time to Complete: Under an Hour
Sewn By: N/A / Machine

Materials List:
  - Finished quilt top
  - Finished quilt back
  - Batting
  - Coat Hanger
  - Basting spray/alternative basting supplies (learn more about basting here)
  - Ironing board
  - Iron
  - Labeled paper (optional)
  - pins (optional)

Steps 1–4 are the steps for both home quilting and when using longarm quilting services. However, Steps 5–6 are only for those who are sending their quilt to be finished. Steps 7–13 are for home quilting.

1. Open the quilt top on a large table and/or ironing board with seams facing up.

2. Check the entire quilt top to make sure all the seams are flat.
    
3. Iron out any significant creases in the quilt. It doesn't need to be perfect but should be as flat as possible.
   
   Note: Make sure you are not adjusting the seams as you press.

4. Repeat the pressing process with the quilt back. You are ready to quilt at home and can skip to Step 7. If sending it out, follow the next steps, 5 and 6.

5. If the quilt is directional, mark the top and bottom of both the top quilt and backing by labeling and pinning a piece of paper to the appropriate places.

6. Fold both top and back as little as possible and put on one or multiple hangers as needed.
   
   Your homemade quilt is ready to be taken to the longarm quilter. Many longarm quilters supply it but if you need to supply batting, bring that along.

7. Lay out the batting on a large table or clean floor. Smooth it out as much as possible.
   
   Tip: If the batting is very wrinkled, pop it in the dryer with a damp washcloth for 10-15 minutes to remove the wrinkles.

8. Lay the quilt back over the batting and smooth out the backing (and batting) as much as possible.

9. Lift the quilt back up about halfway and spray the batting with basting spray.
   
   Notes: It is easier to do this in sections. This tutorial uses basting spray because it is easiest. However, you can pin or thread baste if desired.

10. Place the backing back on top of the sprayed section and smooth it out. Smooth out any wrinkles so it doesn't appear in the finished quilt.
     
11. Slowly pull the remaining backing down again until you feel it tug and repeat the process for the other end.

12. Flip the quilt over. Repeat the basting process with the front of the quilt.
    
    Note: If there is anything you want to align with the front and back of your quilt, mark it with pins.

13. Make any additional adjustments. You are ready to quilt.