Rates & Preparation

For the best longarm quilting experience and a timely turnaround time, please read all sections below.  Current turnaround time is 1-2 weeks from the time I receive the quilt top and we finalise the design and thread choices.

Longarm Services

I specialise in computerised edge to edge quilting, which means one quilting design is repeated over the entire quilt.

Standard designs in my library are priced at 4 cents per square inch.

Example: Your quilt is 50 inches x 60 inches
     50 x 60 = 3,000 square inches 
     3,000 square inches x 4 cents per square inch = $120
     Your edge to edge quilting cost is $120

The minimum quilting charge is $100 per quiltThis means that a small quilt’s square feet price will be rounded up to the $100 minimum. You can combine smaller items on the same backing, batting and quilting design to count as 1 item.

Dense or complex designs are priced at 6 cents per square inch. This pricing may also be applied to quilts that require special handling such as thick embroidery/appliqué, double batting or minky backing.

Design

I have a growing library of digital edge-to-edge (E2E) quilting designs that I already own. You can view my design library here

If you have something else in mind, check out the list of my favourite design sources here for many more options! If you find a pattern you like that is not my library, I’m happy to split the cost with you and buy it for your project.

Not sure what to choose? You have the option to have me pick the design for you or give you recommendations when I receive your quilt top. I will work with you to choose the quilting design that matches your quilt top and your preference.

Batting

Batting is a separate charge and is NOT included in the square inch price.

I have 2 kinds of batting in stock:

  • Matilda’s Own 100% Cotton Batting (Scrim Free) – 94-inch wide @ $1.00 per linear inch
  • Quilters Dream 80/20 (80% unbleached cotton, 20% polyester), 120-inch wide @ $1.50 per linear inch
To make it more cost effective, I use only what is needed for your quilt (smallest side + an 8-inch margin) and charge per linear inch.

     Example: If your quilt is 50 inches x 60 inches, the required batting is 58 linear inches.  
        If you choose Matilda’s Own 100% Cotton Batting, the cost is $58.
        If you choose 
Quilters Dream 80/20 Batting, the cost is $87.

You are more than welcome to supply your own high quality batting. The batting should be at least 4 inches wider than your quilt top on all four sides. This means adding 8 inches to the width and length of your quilt top to determine the minimum size of batting you need. For example, if your quilt top is 50 x 60 inches, the batting must be at least 58 x 68 inches.

Backing

To allow your quilt to be loaded properly on a longarm, the backing should be at least 4 inches wider than your quilt top on all four sides. 

This means adding 8 inches to the width and length of your quilt top to determine the minimum size of backing you need. For example, if your quilt top is 50 x 60 inches, the backing must be at least 58 x 68 inches.

Thread

Thread is included in the quilting fee!

I mainly use Glide (40 weight), Omni (40 weight) and Aurifil (50 weight) threads.

I usually choose a neutral thread colour to match or blend with the medium to lightest fabrics in your quilt top, but I love using colours too, so let me know what you like!

Payment

I will email you once your quilt is finished, and send your invoice to pay online via PayID bank transfer. 

I do appreciate timely payments as that enables me to mail your project(s) back to you right away. 

I’m happy to accept cash for local pick up.

Shipping

FreeStyleQuilts is a home-based business in Coolum Beach, a suburb on the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

I accept quilts by mail or contactless drop-off. Once I receive your booking form, I will email you my shipping/drop-off address. I’m happy to discuss design choices for your quilt via email, text, phone or video call.

If shipping, I recommend sending your quilt top and backing enclosed in a bag to protect against possible moisture in transit and then placed in a hard-sided cardboard box. Make sure the box is securely taped and labeled clearly.

Return shipping: I will send your quilt back to you in the manner described above via Australia Post which comes with $100 of insurance cover and a tracking number. Please indicate on the booking form if you would like me to purchase any additional insurance on your behalf. It’s a great idea to insure your valuables against loss or damage while in transit. 

The cost of return shipping will be added to your invoice.

Preparing Your Quilt

To get the best results from your longarm quilting service, here are a few other things to do before sending your quilt top:

  • Press the quilt top well to keep the seams flat when quilting.
  • Clip any loose threads to prevent dark threads from showing through the lighter fabrics in your quilt top.
  • Stay stitch any pieced or bias edges to prevent seams from unraveling or stretching the bias edges.
  • Mark the top of the quilt and the backing with a safety pin or masking tape.

If your quilt is not quite ready to be loaded on the longarm (for example, the backing is too small or the quilt is too wrinkly), I will let you know and you can choose to take it back to complete the preparation or avail of our quilt preparation services.

Preparation Services

  • Quilt preparation (ironing and clipping loose threads): from $50 depending on quilt size
  • Piecing the backing (cutting, sewing and pressing a seam): $25 per seam 

Ready to send your quilt?

Have more questions?

I’d love to answer them! Send your question to me via the contact form, and I will reply within 1 business day.