Two Ways to Earn the Longarm Quilter Badge This September
Megan FowlerThis September, Quiltbound members are tackling the part of quiltmaking that can turn a finished quilt top into an actual finished quilt: longarm quilting.
The Longarm Quilter Badge is our featured badge of the month, but you do not need to own a longarm or become a professional longarm quilter to earn it. Members can choose the path that makes sense for them, their quilts, and their current level of curiosity.
Send a Quilt to a Longarm Quilter
The first option is to work with a professional longarm quilter.
Members are pulling finished quilt tops out of closets, choosing quilting designs, and learning how to prep everything before handing it over. Because sending one of your quilts away can feel a little intimidating the first time. How much extra backing do you need? Do you supply the batting? What exactly does it mean to square your backing?
September’s Longarm Quilting Field Guide walks members through the entire process, including:
- How longarm quilting works
- Edge-to-edge and custom quilting
- How to find the right longarm quilter
- Preparing your quilt top and backing
- Choosing a quilting design and thread color
- Understanding pricing and turnaround times
Members also have access to a printable quilt backing calculator and a longarm quilting prep checklist. No frantic measuring five minutes before you need to leave for the post office. We’re trying to limit the number of completely avoidable quilting side quests around here.
Try Longarm Quilting Yourself
The second path is for members who want to get behind the machine and try longarm quilting themselves.
You might take a beginner class at a local quilt shop, schedule a longarm lesson, or find a studio where you can rent time on a machine. The Field Guide covers how to find these opportunities, what to ask before booking, and what you can expect during your first experience.
You do not need to buy a longarm. You do not need to master every setting. You just need to give it a try and learn something new.
That is what Quiltbound badges are all about.
One Badge, Two Very Different Adventures
Maybe your goal is to finally finish the quilt top that has been waiting patiently since 2021.
Maybe you have been eyeing the longarm at your local shop and wondering what all those handles and buttons actually do.
Both paths count. Members can choose the adventure that fits them and earn the Longarm Quilter Badge along the way.
Inside the Quiltbound community, we’re talking through the process, sharing what we’re working on, and cheering each other toward the finish line. You can join at any point during the month, so you have not missed your chance to participate.
Join Us Free for 7 Days
New members can try Quiltbound free for seven days and get immediate access to the Longarm Quilting Field Guide, printable resources, the community, and the full Quiltbound pattern and badge library.
Bring a finished quilt top, a little curiosity, or both. We’ll help you figure out your next step.
