From intake and preparation through quilting, finishing, and return, here’s what happens after your quilt reaches Birdsbill Mercantile.
1. Check-In and Queuing
We double-check that your information is attached to your quilt. Your quilt top, backing, and all provided materials are bundled together and placed securely in our quilting queue.
2. Weekly Preparation
During the week your quilt is scheduled, we review the project details, confirm the measurements, cut the batting, and move the quilt into that week’s active quilting queue.
3. Final Pre-Quilting Review
When your quilt’s turn arrives, we check the measurements, pattern, thread, and project details again. We inspect for popped seams, existing stains, or anything else that should be noted, and remeasure the backing before loading.
4. Loading and Quilting
Your backing, batting, and quilt top are carefully loaded onto the longarm. Your quilt is then professionally quilted with the selected edge-to-edge design.
5. Photography
After quilting, your finished quilt is routed to photography so we can document the completed work.
6. Finishing Services
The quilt then moves to the appropriate station. Quilts without additional finishing services proceed to billing. Quilts needing trimming or Victory Stitch move through that station first. Quilts with machine binding are routed to binding before continuing.
7. Final Billing
Once all quilting and finishing work is complete, your final invoice is prepared and emailed to the address provided on your intake form.
8. Final Return Queue
Your finished quilt is carefully held in our completed-quilt queue until it is shipped, returned to an eligible partner shop, or picked up at the studio. Payment is required before shipping or partner-shop return, or may be made at studio pickup.
If we have questions, notice something that needs attention, or need clarification about your selections, we’ll contact you by phone or email before moving forward. This may happen at any stage of the quilting process.
A Finished Quilt Top
Your quilt top should be complete and ready for longarm quilting.
Backing Fabric
Backing must extend at least 4 inches beyond the quilt top on every side.
Batting, If You’re Providing Your Own
Batting is available through Birdsbill Mercantile, but you may provide your own if preferred.
Your Intake Information
How your project information is collected depends on the intake method you choose:
Keep the quilt top, backing, batting, and any other provided materials separate—do not baste the layers together. Clearly identify your materials with your name and phone number.
For Quick Drop, Shop Drop, and Quilt Show Drop-Off, bundle everything together in a disposable bag. Mail-In quilts should be packed securely for shipping. Customers attending a scheduled appointment may simply bring their quilt and materials with them.
Mail your quilt, use our studio Quick Drop, or book an appointment to make your selections with us. You can also leave your quilt at a participating shop or bring it to an upcoming quilt show.