LONGARM QUILTING SERVICES
Whether you've spent months piecing together your quilt top or you're dipping your toes into the quilting world for the first time, you've found your ally in me. At A Piece of Quiet Quilts, I understand the love and effort you pour into every piece. Quilting for me is much more than a craft; it's about creating high-quality, timeless pieces for any occasion—whether they're gifts or personal treasures. Together, we'll bring your vision to life, ensuring each quilt is as durable as it is visually stunning.
I take pride in my ability to work closely with you to carefully select a quilting design that complements your quilt top perfectly. My personal aesthetic leans towards modern geometric designs, which you can see reflected in my portfolio. Curious about the tools of the trade? I operate an APQS Lucey longarm machine equipped with IntelliQuilter computerized stitching, ensuring every quilt receives a perfect stitch, from the first to the last.
Proudly quilting in Durham, NC, and thrilled to serve quilters nationwide!
My studio might be nestled in the vibrant community of Durham, NC, but my heart and services stretch across the nation. In my studio, traditional techniques meet contemporary design, ensuring that every quilt I work on reflects my commitment to quality and your unique vision. From my doorstep in Durham to yours, let's collaborate to make your quilting visions come alive, stitching together stories that will be told for generations.
What kind of pantograph design would you like?
Take a look at the pantograph designs I have available here. If you’re not sure what would look best on your quilt, I would love to help! When you book your quilt with me, you have the option to have me pick the design entirely and/or make the thread choice.
For additional options, search any of these websites below. If you find a pantograph that I don't own, I'm happy to split the cost with you to buy it for your project. Search the terms pantograph or edge-to-edge (E2E) to find the right type of designs.
The Panto Shop • Urban Elementz • Intelligent Quilting • Longarm League
Take inspiration from other projects I've done on my Portfolio.
FAQ
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I think you’ll love it! Longarm quilting saves you time, reduces frustration, and prevents the physical discomfort that comes with quilting on a smaller machine. It makes the quilting process much easier and more enjoyable.
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Absolutely! Many quilters worry their work isn’t “good enough” for longarm quilting, but I assure you, it is! Nobody here is checking for perfect seams. I’ve worked with many first-time quilters, and nothing is better than seeing their joy when they see their hard work finished and ready to be loved or gifted!
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Press your top and backing so that it's nice and tidy and ready to load.
Clip stray threads or raveling fabrics as best as you can. You might not be able to get them all, but to prevent dark threads from shadowing through your quilt top, please don't skip this important step!
Please mark (safety pin is great!) the top edge of your backing and quilt top to avoid any confusion.
Check that your quilt top is squared before shipping.
Not required, but often helpful - sew a “victory lap” to secure the very outer seams for extra strength. This means you sew a line of stitches an 1/8” in from the edge of the quilt top.
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Your backing fabric and batting need to be at least 8 inches wider and longer than your quilt top. This provides a 4-inch margin on each side for me to properly secure your quilt to my frame. For example, if your quilt top measures 60” x 80”, your backing should be at least 68” x 88”.
Ensure your backing is squared before shipping, as the top and bottom edges will be attached to the rollers on the frame. If you have pieced your backing, trim the sides so that the quilt has two sets of parallel sides. I recommend using a 1/2” - 3/4” seam allowance with a horizontal seam and pressing your seams open.
I can piece your backing for $12 per seam (pattern matching not included).
Additional fees may apply if extra time and effort are required to get your quilt ready to load. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
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Yes, I am happy to quilt on Minky/Cuddle backing. Just ensure it is prepared with the necessary margins, as mentioned above, to allow for proper securing to the frame. Minky/Cuddle fabric can add a cozy texture to your quilt, making it extra special.
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Yes! My 12ft frame can handle any quilt up to about 120"!
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You can get an estimate for your quilt here, using my quilt cost calculator.
There is a minimum $50 charge for any quilt you submit.
There will also be shipping costs (for non-locals) added to your invoice.
I am required by the state of North Carolina to charge sales tax to NC state residents.
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I offer a wide variety of edge-to-edge (E2E) quilting patterns, ranging from floral and geometric to modern and traditional. You can view the available designs on the Quilting Designs page.
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My usual turnaround time is less than two weeks from the time your quilt is in my studio. If you have a specific deadline, please let me know, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.
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I offer several types of batting, including cotton, polyester, and blends. You can choose the type that best suits your quilt’s purpose and desired feel. See details on my Rates page.
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My personal style attempts to match or blend thread color with the lighter areas of your quilt. Unless you make a special request, I will match the thread to the lightest background color in the quilt top. This is YOUR quilt! Let me know if you have a preference on thread color.
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Yes, I offer binding services. I can make and attach the binding for you if making or attaching binding isn’t your thing.
I can create your binding with your supplied fabric and machine sew to front or I can machine sew your premade binding to the front of your quilt. I don’t currently offer finished hand binding. -
Absolutely! I accept both local drop-off and mail-in quilts. Detailed instructions for mailing in your quilt to my studio in Durham, NC, will be in your booking confirmation.
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When mailing your quilt, ensure it is clean and securely packed in a sealed bag. Use a sturdy box and include a note with your contact information and any special instructions.
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I accept various payment methods, including credit cards and bank ACH transfers. Payment is due upon completion of the quilting service, before delivery or pick-up of your quilt.
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Feel free to reach out via email me directly at meghan@apieceofquietquilts.com. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about the quilting process.