Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by “custom quilting?” I thought all of this was custom.
You’re correct. Each finished quilt is a one-of-a-kind work of art. However, by putting separate designs into the individual pieces, blocks, sashing, posts and borders, we are doing custom work. When background textures or fills are added, an heirloom quilt is being created.
What is edge-to-edge quilting?
Edge-to-edge quilting is applying a pattern that does not necessarily follow the pieced pattern of the quilt top. It is a design that is applied in separate or interlocking rows from left to right; top to bottom.
What is border-to-border quilting?
This is similar to edge-to-edge, except the “all over design” is applied inside of the borders, with a separate design on the border.
How large of a quilt can I bring to Three Bears?
The limiting factor on size is your quilt’s width. The quilt cannot be wider than the leaders that hold the quilt on the machine. Our 12-foot table can handle quilts up to 110" wide. Length of the quilt isn’t limiting because it is just rolled up on the machine.
What if my piecing isn’t perfect? This is my first quilt and it has some extra fullness, maybe even a few wrinkles in spots. Will the Bears still work on my quilt?
The Bears will be delighted to work on your quilt and will try very hard to avoid tucking extra fullness into a wrinkle. These pesky little problems will not “quilt out”; however, choosing the right quilting pattern helps. If you want to disguise fullness, then choose a meandering type of pattern over the whole quilt. This pattern has no quilting lines that cross and will allow the fullness to be distributed between the quilting. If this is your first quilt, don’t take all those seams out; the quilt will look fine with this pattern on it. Many more years and quilts will follow, but your first quilt will always be one of your favorites.
Is thread included in the quilting charge? What if I want to supply my own?
Yes, thread is included. We use only the highest quality 100% cotton or cotton/poly blends for machine quilting in colors that will compliment your top and back. Yes, you may provide your own thread; however, please discuss this in advance to make sure the thread you want to use will work with our machine. Also, be sure to provide enough thread. Machine quilting takes more thread than you can imagine.
Why must my quilt back and batting be a minimum of 4 inches larger on every side? This seems sort of wasteful, don’t you think?
This is best answered with an explanation of how your quilt is attached to the machine. The quilt backing will be pinned at the top to a leader and again at the bottom to another leader. These leaders are attached to rollers which pull the fabric from top to bottom. Side clamps are attached to the backing only and pulled gently to keep the quilt tight side to side. Your quilt top and the batting are basted at the top to the already loaded backing fabric and then the bottom edge of your top is pinned to a third leader on the machine. This allows the top and the backing to be pulled tight (not stretched) independently. The sides of your quilt are pinned or basted through all three layers so they are stable.
I’m not sure why, but honestly, all I want to do is piece the tops together. After all, life’s short and if I just don’t enjoy the rest, well then...
No worries here. The Bears are always busy working on some sort of a thing or another that folks just find, well, un-BEAR-able! If all you can muster up is picking out that backing fabric and throwing it in the bag with your quilt, then so be it! For a nominal charge (see pricing and services), we’ll be happy to seam and square your back. Or prepare your binding, or make a sleeve, or...
What if I don’t have my own batting? It seems silly to me to pay extra shipping for batting.
You may supply the batting, or purchase from us. carry a variety of batting types including extra wide (124") Warm and Natural, Hobbs 80/20 Black and others. Please inquire. Do not purchase “unbonded” batting. It is very fragile and cannot be put on the machine.
What if I don’t have my own backing? I just never quite know what to put on the back of my quilt.
Three Bears does not carry any backing material. We recommend putting a good deal of thought into your backing choice. Machine quilting provides a beautiful design on the back that you’ll want to show off! Select only 100% cotton quilting fabrics for your quilt back, one that compliments the quilt top. Busy prints are often the perfect choice. Your local quilt shop will be happy to lend their expert advice in helping you select that perfect backing to compliment your quilt top.
Can you quilt a Tee-shirt quilt? What about denim or double-knit?
Tee-shirt quilts are fine, but you must use a good non-woven iron-on stabilizer on the back of the shirts. The cotton knit fabric is impossible to quilt without adequate stabilization. Because these quilts present a challenge to keep tucks from forming, a meandering pattern works best.
Denim or double-knit polyester will not work in our machine.
Why don’t I want to put the word “quilt” on my shipping box?
It is common knowledge in this industry that thefts have occurred as a result of such labeling, although the Bears have never personally had this happen to us. Regardless, we really can’t be too careful when handling such special merchandise.
I have some antique quilt tops that were made by my grandmother. One is even hand-pieced. Can these be quilted on the Longarm Machine?
It truly depends on the quilt top. Some can and some can’t. It depends on the condition of the fibers as well as the way it was pieced together. In addition, some vintage, hand-pieced tops would not be enhanced by machine quilting. The best thing to do is let me look at them and evaluate their condition.