Long Arm Quilting

How to Long Arm Quilt

Introduction
Long arm quilting is perhaps the most efficient and technologically advanced method available today. Though it requires an initial outlay for a long arm quilting machine which may be quite expensive, proficient long arm quilters often operate successful small businesses by finishing quilts for a fee. 

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate 

Things You'll Need
Thread
Long arm quilting machine
Quilting frame
Batting
Quilt top
Quilt backing

Step One
Start by preparing your quilt for quilting. Trace the quilting pattern onto the right side of the quilt top with either tracing paper or a water soluble marker or pencil. Many quilters also use lightweight tracing paper to mark their design by simply pinning it to the quilt top before sewing. The paper can be ripped off after sewing is complete. 

Step Two
Layer your quilt. Start by placing the quilt backing face down on a large flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles and then place the quilt batting over it, repeating the smoothing process. Finally place the quilt top right side up on top of the two layers. 

Step Three
Baste your quilt layers together if you do not have a three pole quilting frame. You will need to work out from the center of the quilt to ensure that the layers remain straight and do not develop wrinkles or folds. 

Step Four
Load the quilt onto the quilting frame by following the manufacturer's directions. 

Step Five
Use a long arm quilting machine to great success with continuous line quilting patterns. With long arm quilting, you will be moving the sewing machine around the quilt, as you would draw on a piece of paper, making continuous line designs.
Source: ehow.com