Hi all, I'm almost done with my second top. It's a Christmas gift, and will be taken to a local quilt shop for longarm this week. Is there anything I need to do to this top to make sure it's ready? Clip threads from the back? One final all-over pressing? Anything? This will be the first time I've had something like this done. A friend helped me finish off my first quilt by doing straight line quilting on it.

Thanks!

Hi and welcome to the board from Iowa. It is best to talk with your longarmer to see what they require. Press everything nicely and prepare the backing. Looking forward to seeing pics (smile).

Yes, it should be pressed, clipped, be sure there is plenty of extra backing all around (check with the longarmer to find out how much she wants). Congrats on getting your 2nd top done - be sure to post a picture.

welcome from MN. you should definitely check with the LA. they most likely will want you to have the backing larger than the top, among other things

Clip threads, front and back. Square the top and the back. The back should be at least 4 inches larger than the quilt top all the way around. If the top has been pieced to the edges or if the fabric tends to fray, stay stitch all the way around. Make sure seams are intact, not coming apart at the joinings. Definitely do a final pressing, not only will it make the quilter's job easier, it gives YOU a final check on undone seams, threads to be clipped, etc
But discuss it with the person who is actually doing the quilting, they may have other requirements.

Welcome to the board from Southern California!

Welcome from MI. Yes, clip all threads, and give it a good press. If the outermost border is pieced, like a piano key or braid, do a stay stitch about 1/8 th inch from the edge. Contact your quilter to see if there are specific size requirements for the backing. Also, if you are planning on piecing the back, ask if there are preferences on which way the seam runs.

Welcome from Michigan.:)

at the risk of sounding stupid.... what is a stay stitch?

If the back is pieced, like rows of patchwork, spare blocks, etc. then how much excess should be at the top? How you get it so that the top of the backing lines up with the top of the front, approximately? Gosh, this even sounds dumb to me, lol.