Longarm quilting is the process by which a longarm sewing machine is used to sew together a quilt top, quilt batting and quilt backing into a finished quilt top. The longarm sewing machine typically ranges from ten to fourteen feet in length. One typically consists of an industrial sewing machine head, a ten-to-fourteen foot table, and several rollers on which the fabric layers are placed. Quilting using a longarm machine can take significantly less time than hand quilting or more traditional machine quilting. This time saving is a large factor in the gain in popularity of longarm quilting.

long arm

Services ... Machine Quilting

Colleen uses a Gammill Classic long arm quilting machine with a Statler Stitcher computer attached on a 14 foot table, that means we can handle quilts up to 130 inches wide, with no limit to quilt length. We strive to maintain a 30-day turnaround, from the time we get your quilt until the time the quilt is completed; however, sometimes life just gets in the way.

Current rates are normally 2 1/2 cents per square inch, plus a $5 per quilt thread charge. Rates are slighly higher for special custom work and will be discussed when you bring in your quilt.  Rates do not include batting, backing or any extra work. See helpful hints below.

Here are a few hints to get the best results from machine quilting:

  • First and foremost, make sure that all seams are securely sewn.
  • Insure seams along the edges of quilt top and backing are secure and won't pull open when mounted on the quilting machine.
  • If you are providing the batting, it must be at least 4 inches longer and wider than the quilt top.
  • Backing should also be at least 4 inches longer and wider than the top.
  • Please label, with paper and pins, the top edge of the quilt and backing. Quilt tops, backing, and batting (if you are providing it) must be free of animal hair and threads.
  • The top and backings should be pressed to remove any wrinkles before shipping/delivery to Sew Little Time Quilting.
  • Fold marks in fabrics from hanging and shipping are not a problem. Please make sure any heavy wrinkles are pressed out before transporting.
  • All seams should lay flat.

The current hourly rate will be changed for removing animal hair, threads, and finish pressing, if necessary.

Please do not pin or hand baste your top, backing, and batting together, this will have to be removed prior to mounting on the quilting machine.

The bad news:

  • Tucks in seams will not quilt out, if tops arrive with tucks it will be returned with tucks.
  • Wavy borders may also be returned with new slack adjusting tucks, that excess fabric needs to go somewhere. We strive to quilt out excess fabric; however, it is not always possible.

Threads - Signature cotton and cotton variegated threads are used for quilting unless otherwise specified.

Quilting designs - There are a multitude of quilting patterns available, the only limitation is your imagination. If you have an idea on how you want your finished quilt to appear, please include a picture or drawing. Or call to discuss, we may have just what you want in stock. Colleen does not do "stitch in the ditch" quilting. Batting is available by the yard. Normally in stock

  • 93" wide Dream 100% cotton - natural color $14.95/yard.
  • 120" wide Dream brand 100% cotton - white $16.95/yard.
  • 93" wide 80% cotton and 20% polyester - natural color $13.95/yard
  • 120" wide 80% cotton and 20% polyester - natural color $16.95/yard.
  • 93" wide Dream 70% cotton and 30% polyester - natural color $13.95/yard
  • 93" wide Dream Puff 100% polyester - white $12.00/yard
  • Wool batting, available on 96" roll $16.95/yard.

Please Note: Depending on how your quilt is laundered there is a potential for further shrinkage of batting, even if the packaging says it has been pre-shrunk.

For more information about machine quilting, please contact Colleen at (415) 686-6067 prior to shipping your quilt.

Prices are subject to change without notice.