Almost as important as your quilt top, your backing can ‘make-or-break’ the finished product. Here’s what’s important to remember.

1. Size. Your backing should be at least 6 inches larger on all sides than your quilt top. That is a total of 12 inches. This lets us load comfortably onto the rollers of the machine and the extra on the sides means your quilt is well supported right out to the edge. If your backing fabric is smaller you can sew a strip of extra fabric to the top or bottom or both. This will not be quilted into your quilt but gives us room to load your quilt properly.
2. Configuration. If you have to piece your backing fabric try if at all possible to have the seam run horizontally to the machine. A backing with a vertical seam is not ‘unquiltable’ but because the seam is thicker, as the backing is rolled onto the roller a lump is created. This can distort your backing fabric or cause a tight line in the centre.
3. Stitching. Sew your backing together with a wider than usual seam; ½ to 5/8 inch at least. Trim the selvedges off the seam and press the seam open to reduce bulk.
4. Pressing. Press the whole backing well and fold it gently into a bag or place on a hanger for delivery to your longarmer.

Things to be aware of.

            “Cuddle”, “Minky”, “Fireside” and other soft polyester fabrics make great cuddly quilt backs. However they are much heavier in weight than standard cotton. A king sized quilt with a “Fireside” backing will be very heavy. Not the best choice for tucking in the mail!

            If you plan on using a sheet for a backing either trim off or unstitch all the hems and wash and press it well. Hems can create the same uneven tension as a vertical seam. Most sheets are a higher thread count than quilting cotton so it too may create a heavier than usual quilt.

            Pieced backing are very nice and are a great way to use up those extra blocks or scraps from your quilt top. If you want the pieced area to be in a particular spot behind your quilt top (ie. Centred, or on the left or right side) make sure to tell your longarmer when you drop off your quilt.

1. Prepare it right.

If you don’t pre-wash your fabric at least press it nicely. If you do pre-wash don’t use scented fabric softener or scent beads. Some Longarmers are very sensitive to perfumes.

2. Sew it right.

 The Longarm machine doesn’t care if your points don’t match or your colours aren’t in style but it does care about how well sewn and pressed your quilt is.

As you sew, check frequently that you have caught both pieces of fabric. An open seam can catch in the Longarm and potentially tear your quilt.

Apply your borders properly to avoid the dreaded ‘wobbles’. Here’s how:

When your quilt centre is done and pressed measure across it at the centre line and note the size. Then measure halfway between the centre and the top and write that number down. Measure a third time halfway between the centre and the bottom. Add all three of these figures together and divide by three to get an average. Prepare a piece of border fabric that exact length. Mark the centre of the border fabric strip with a pin. Fold your quilt in half lengthwise and mark the centre of the quilt. Pin the border onto the quilt matching the corners and the centres. Then pin the border to the top of the quilt along the rest of the edge ‘easing’ in any fullness in the quilt body. Stitch this border on. Repeat for the bottom border using the same measurement.

Press the top and bottom border seams towards the border. Now measure the length of your quilt including borders in three places as you did the width, and take the average. Cut side borders the length of this measurement and apply them following the above instructions for pinning and stitching.

If you have more than one border continue in the same fashion to add your next border.

Once your quilt top is complete stay stitch about one eighth of an inch in from the edge around the entire quilt top. This helps to keep the fabric from stretching if you have borders on your quilt and helps prevent seams from opening at the edge of your quilt if you have gone ‘borderless’.

Do not add embellishments like buttons or beads until after your quilt is longarmed. If your quilt has flaps, pockets, flanges or special areas that you do not want stitched over like embroidery make sure you point these out to your longarmer. There are ways to quilt a quilt with these things but be aware that it may require more time and attention and therefore may increase what you are charged.

3. Press it right.

Press your quilt as you go. Quilts that have the seams pressed open lie flatter than seams pressed to one side. Try it both ways and see which you prefer. Either way, press your seams as you sew; press your blocks as they are completed and press the finished quilt top well. Remember to lift the iron and press it down. Try not to slide the iron as that may stretch the fabric. Fabric sizing (ie. Mary Ellen’s Best Press) is a great tool for making things lie flat.

Fold your quilt top gently, seams inward and put it in a bag or on a hanger ready for delivery to your Longarmer.

4. Things that don’t matter (too much)

• Size. The size of your quilt top is how we calculate your costs but it is the size of your backing fabric that affects how we load onto the machine. As long as your backing fabric will reach across from roller to roller our longarms can quilt things as small as a pincushion. The largest quilt backing width we can handle is about 120 inches so a quilt top of 110 inches wide is fine.
• Shape. Uneven edges as in a hexagon or tumbler quilt are not a problem. Different shapes like a circular tree skirt quilt fine as long as they lie flat.
• Fabrics. Our longarms will stitch though most commercially available light to medium weight fabrics. Special care will be needed with heavy seams as in denim or other dense fabrics, and knit fabrics will need stabilizing for best results.
• Fusible web products or basting sprays. These may require more frequent needle cleaning but don’t affect the machine performance.

We are excited to launch a whole new series of short lecture/demo and project classes. The Bernina Creative Studio has 4 streams, covering a variety of sewing, quilting, embroidery, and software topics. Each stream has a virtual monthly class. You can sign up month to month, in any stream you like or the whole year for each stream or all 4 streams of 48 classes.
Our first class in each stream will be free for all to watch, to access the project files, class notes, etc. you will need to officially register.
How to Register:
1.Pick and choose month to month what classes to take – each class is $15 – total of 48 available between all 4 streams.

1. Pick and choose month to month what classes to take – each class is $15 – total of 48 available between all 4 streams.
2. Pick a stream and sign up for the whole year $125 (save $55 by registering for the full stream). With a Full Year registration, you will have access to both the Bernina Video and our recorded class session for all 12 classes in the stream. Each month’s files will be made available 2 days prior to class date.
3. Sign up for all 4 streams for the entire year ($125 – each) and we will give you a $100 discount. So, 48 classes for $400! (Best Value)- you will have video access to all classes and receive instructions and project files for all 48 classes.

The Streams available are:

Technique Stream – Classes Running 2nd Friday of each month – 10am to 11:30am (1.5hrs/month)

Topics: Overlocker techniques, Presser Feet techniques, and Quilt Finishing techniques

Embroidery Stream – classes running 2nd Friday of each month – 11:30am to 1pm (1.5hrs/month)

Topics: In the Hoop, monogramming, patches, edge to edge quilting, etc

*Project notes written specifically for Bernina, but design files come in many formats and skills learned can be applied to ANY machine brand. We will offer extra advice for our Brother Clients.

Project Stream – Classes running 3rd Friday of each month – 10am to 1pm (3hrs/month)

Topics: Simple projects – pincushions, mini zippered pouches, bed runner, and much more.

Software Stream – classes running 3rd Saturday of each month – 10am to 1pm (3hrs/month)

Topics: Using Bernina V8 DesignerPlus software to digitize quilting, pattern backgrounds, logos, stumpwork, cross-stitch, photostitch and more. We can discuss workarounds for earlier versions if available.

All Classes Offered

Month 1

Project Month 1: Catch-all Pincushion with Hayley Grzych
This super-utility cushion will hold your pins, binding clips, and catch your trimmed threads. Learn how to create your new stitching companion and all the BERNINA feet and accessories to help you get the job done in a breeze.

Embroidery Month 1: In the Hoop Cork Pouch with Judy Hahner
You’ll love this in-the-hoop project! Learn about incorporating specialty materials like cork and vinyl into your embroidery projects to get successful results.

Technique Month 1: Overlocker Multi-purpose Foot with Jaime David
Make piping, add beads and install zippers—you can do it all with one terrific presser foot, the multi-purpose foot. The multi-purpose foot, is a versatile foot that can be a great investment to make complex applications a little easier. In this lesson, you will discover how this foot can enhance your capabilities using an overlocker.

Software Month 1: Back to Basics with Quilting
The Quilter program is a powerful tool for designing your own quilts. You can import fabrics, add embroidery or applique, and design your own quilting designs. Let’s explore what the Quilter program can accomplish!

Month 2

Project Month 2: Mini Hexie Zipper Pouch with Hayley Grzych
Whip up a cute, hexagon zip pouch with your overlocker in a snap! Use this mini pouch to hold your loose change, headphones, or a lip balm and you can even add it to a keyring. Constructing and finishing has never been easier than with your BERNINA overlocker!

Embroidery Month 2: Personalized Napkin Ring and Name Cards with Sylvain Bergeron
Nothing says “welcome to my table” like a personalized napkin ring. Using built-in embroidery lettering in your BERNINA, quickly create lettering for each ring. Add a buttonhole, and you have a ribbon pass-through opening to form the ring. You’ll love this fun and festive project!

Technique Month 2: Embroidery Foot #6 and Clear Embroidery Feet #39/39C with Debbie Cacciamani
The Embroidery Feet #6 and 39/39C have unique properties that offer you beautiful, fun, creative options. In this BERNINA Creative Studio lesson, learn several decorative stitching techniques using cords, wires and more!

Software Month 2: Artwork Canvas Basics
Let’s take a look at some of the unique features of Artwork Canvas and what it adds to your embroidery capabilities.

Month 3

Project Month 3: Cathedral Window Quilt with Denise Jones
Have you ever admired a Cathedral Window Quilt but thought it would take too much time? Learn to create this quilt with a large block and some not so traditional fabrics. No hand work required.

Embroidery Month 3: Shape a Design Throw Pillow with Judy Hahner
Explore the BERNINA Shape Designer! Pick a piece of your design and bring it into the Shape Designer to create a new design. Use basic editing features on the embroidery machine and you’re ready to stitch.

Technique Month 3: Scalloped Bindings with Nina McVeigh
Finish your quilts with a beautiful scalloped edge. Learn to cut the right scallop shape and the steps to be successful. We’ll bind the scallop edge with the BERNINA Bias Binder.

Software Month 3: Creating with Patterns
We will look at what to consider when creating pattern runs and fills as well as how to create patterns that can be used for knock down backgrounds for terry cloth and for a background for free-standing lace.

Month 4

Project Month 4: Bed Runner by Denise Jones
Add flair to your room with this simple but stunning bed runner. This lesson will include a traditional block with a twist. Have fun learning a new block without the commitment of a large quilt!

Embroidery Month 4: Embroidering Personalized Patches with Judy Hahner
Iron-on patches are fun and easy to make. Learn the process to embroider a patch and the proper supplies that will give you successful results. Whether you use a purchased patch design or create your own, patches can be a simple and creative way to showcase your personality, on everyday items.

Technique Month 4: Overlocker Blindstitch Foot with Jaime David
Have you ever considered using the blindstitch foot to sew the perfect edge? Learn the difference between the two sizes of blindstitch feet. A fun application is to use this foot with a flatlock to create a unique looking ladder hem found in ready-to-wear clothing. Just because it’s call the blindstitch foot doesn’t mean you have to make a blind hem. Learn how to achieve a great looking pintucks on woven and knit fabrics. You can use this technique to embellish your fabric to create everything from heirloom yokes to t-shirt panels and pillow tops.

Software Month 4: Creating Logos
In Artwork Canvas, we have several tools for converting bitmap images into vector images. Let’s look at some of these tools and how we decide which one to use in the creation of a logo design.

Month 5

Project Month 5: Sassy Kitchen Towel with Heather Lofstrom
Jazz up a plain kitchen towel with this fun project. Add a Cooking Quote with machine embroidery. Embellish with fun fabric, rick rack trim, and a ruffle. Any cook would love to have this fun addition to their kitchen.

Embroidery Month 5: Monogrammed Cork Key Chain with Sylvain Bergeron
Find your keys…in style! Using machine built-in lettering, we’ll create a monogram and stitch it on cork, a versatile and durable material for everyday use. The included circle design will be the key to the project. You’ll want to make one of these for yourself and everyone on your gift list!

Technique Month 5: Pintuck Feet #30, 31, 32, 33, and 46 with Debbie Cacciamani
Originally, pintucks were designed as an heirloom sewing technique, but in this lesson, you will learn several other fun applications. Pintucks can be created with various fabric weights and cords for added dimension and interest. Learn how to add beautiful pintucks to your next project!

Software Month 5: Multi-Hooping
Yes, it is possible to do a design larger than your embroidery hoop! Learn the basics of multi-hooping and how to apply it to your own projects.

Month 6

Project Month 6: Big Bag with Heather Lofstrom
This Big Bag is perfect for a day at the beach, shopping, or taking items to a retreat. Made from either laminated cotton or oilcloth, this bag will be your go-to. Learn how to work with unique fabrics and webbing straps to make the Big Bag.

Embroidery Month 6: Quilting Edge to Edge in the Hoop with Judy Hahner
Yes, you can quilt in the embroidery hoop! Use Endless Embroidery and Pinpoint Placement to perfectly stitch an edge to edge continuous quilting design.

Technique Month 6: Decorative Stitch Binding with Nina McVeigh
This is a perfect finish for a totally machine-stitched binding. Learn how to exactly place the Decorative Stitch to enhance the bound edge, creating a special finish.

Software Month 6: Choosing Artwork for Digitizing
Let’s talk about different types of artwork and how you make decisions on how to process artwork into stitches. Learn the best method to use for your art, and how to handle sketched designs and photographs. You’ll discover tools in Artwork Canvas that can help prepare artwork for digitizing.

Month 7

Project Month 7: Travel Cord Organizer with Hayley Grzych
Never waste time untangling your cords again! This travel organizer will keep things tidy when you’re on the go. Learn tips for sewing with elastic and an extra easy button closure.

Embroidery Month 7: In the Hoop Scissor Holder with Judy Hahner
This in-the-hoop embroidered scissor case is the perfect size to keep any pair of scissors safe and sound in your sewing room. Personalize the design using the editing features available on the embroidery machine – quick, easy
and so creative!

Technique Month 7: Overlocker Elasticator Foot with Jaime David
The elasticator foot for your BERNINA and bernette model overlockers can add just the perfect amount of stretch to your elastic as you stitch it in place. This clever foot is great for making crib sheets, ironing board covers, or simply installing narrow elastic around an opening or pocket. Even better—you can use the bernette elasticator foot on the b42 coverstitch machine as well! In this lesson, you will learn the various applications and gain an understanding for how to operate the presser foot with ease. Get ready to add elastic to all the sewing things!

Software Month 7: StumpWork
Learn to create a Stumpwork design from beginning to end. We’ll discuss how to create the design and how to stitch it.

Month 8

Project Month 8: Baby Change and Play Mat with Hayley Grzych
The perfect gift necessity for any new parents in your life—an on-the-go mat for quick changes or laying baby down to play! With a little bit of serger patchwork, this project sews up quickly on your BERNINA Overlocker. We love an easy handmade gift that’s ready for lots of love, wash, and wear.

Embroidery Month 8: Freestanding Lace Applique with Judy Hahner
Freestanding lace embroidery designs combined with an applique element create unique projects that can even be three-dimensional! Fill your hoop with lace and create this pretty lace ornament.

Technique Month 8: Non-stick Feet #52/52C/52D, 53, and 56 with Debbie Cacciamani
The Non-Stick Feet are very useful because the sole of the foot is coated so that it glides easily over “sticky” fabrics, like vinyl, suede and leather. In this BERNINA Creative Studio lesson, learn how easy it is to sew on challenging fabrics by simply using one of the Non-Stick Feet!

Software Month 8: Digitizing CutWork Designs
In this lesson, we will explore how to create a CutWork design from beginning to end, as well as how to use the CutWork Tool for embroidered cutwork and heirloom embellishments.

Month 9

Project Month 9: Quilted Zipper Bag with Vinyl Window with Denise Jones
Quilting and clear vinyl make a great combination in this small bag. Quilt the fabric add the clear vinyl and a zipper and you have your new favorite bag!

Embroidery Month 9: Show Your Love of Sewing Pincushion with Sylvain Bergeron
Celebrate the sewing tradition by making something beautiful and practical out a sewing-themed embroidery design. Beginning with a heart-shaped embroidery design, we will use BERNINA Embroidery Software V8 to create an in-the-hoop project, transforming an embroidered layer into a pincushion. We will consider stabilizers and review the simple tools in V8 Software that truly make this project a cinch.

Technique Month 9: Binding with a Yarn Edge with Nina McVeigh
Learn to bind with a yarn edge – this finish will surprise you. Everyone will think you bought an expensive fold over wool braid! Great on clothing or your wool projects.

Software Month 9: Multi-Media
With the inclusion of CorelDRAW in our software, we have lots of opportunity to mix pictures with stitching. Let’s investigate some of these combination possibilities.

Month 10

Project Month 10: Felted Pillow with Denise Jones
Love pillows? Who doesn’t? They are the perfect canvas for all things creative! In this project, you’ll explore felting as you felt a word into the background of your project using the BERNINA Needle Punch Set #45.

Embroidery Month 10: Embroidered Hot Pad with Sylvain Bergeron
Hot pads are a favorite item to use and create! Easy to sew, they can be any size you need them to be and you can decorate them any way you like! You’ll love adding embroidery to this useful item.

Technique Month 10: Decorative Threads on the Overlocker with Jaime David
One advantage to an overlocker is that the large looper eye accommodates many thick and decorative threads that can be hard to use in a standard sewing machine. In this lesson, we will experiment with many decorative threads including thick and thin decorative threads and various quilting threads too. Learn how these stitches look and use them in your next project.

Software Month 10: Cross Stitch
Cross stitch doesn’t have to be by hand! Learn how fun and easy it can be to create cross stitch designs with your software.

Month 11

Project Month 11: Gingham-inspired Oversized Pot Holder with Heather Lofstrom
This fun and useful project is perfect for gift giving. Learn how to lay out your design so that it looks like custom made gingham. Use your Walking Foot #50 for a little quick quilting and you have a great stash busting gift.

Embroidery Month 11: One-of-a-kind Greeting Card with Sylvain Bergeron
Embroidery adds dimension and texture to a greeting card, bringing that extra distinctive touch. Learn how to stitch on paper (or cardstock) with just a few preparatory steps. Stitch out additional motifs as accents for your cards. This program will have you celebrating with your embroidery machine!

Technique Month 11: Cording Feet #22 and #25 with Debbie Cacciamani
The Cording Feet #22 and #25 are designed to create beautiful couching, guiding several cords at the same time under the foot. This process is great for adding texture and dimension to any project. In this BERNINA Creative Studio lesson, learn decorative couching techniques to prepare and design beautiful fabrics for your next project.

Software Month 11: Manual Digitizing 101
Sometimes it takes a manual touch to get exactly the look you want for your designs. Learn the manual digitizing tools in this informative lesson.

Month 12

Project Month 12: Pet Collar with Heather Lofstrom
Give your furry friend a fun and funky custom collar. Learn how to make a custom pet collar using reflective thread. Or just add decorative stitches to jazz up a piece of webbing for a custom look. Bonus: Matching owner key fob!

Embroidery Month 12: Embroidered Tea Towel Border with Sylvain Bergeron
Go from simple towel to designer item in just a few steps with an embroidered border design. Learn how to combine a design into a border motif, size it and place it on the towel using Pinpoint Placement or Absolute check, both BERNINA features designed to simplify your embroidery projects. We’ll review stabilizer choices and offer tips for easy embroidery on tea towels. Get ready to make some gifts. Easy to make gifts, that is!

Technique Month 12: Piped Binding with Nina McVeigh
A well done bound edge creates a beautiful finish, but why not take it “up a notch” and add piping to the binding? A piped binding will create a WOW finish to any project.

Software Month 12: PhotoStitch
PhotoStitch turns your photographs into embroidery creations! In a few clicks, you’ll be building beautiful designs.

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Phone: 403-252-3711
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Foot #2, #2A