Question for Long Arm Quilters.......
 

I am quilting a Quilts of Valor top and the backing has been pieced with a 42" piece centered between two narrower pieces. Should I roll the backing onto the leaders with seams going from leader to leader (top to bottom) or with seams going from side to side? I've loaded from top to bottom but have noticed some significant gathering at the seams as I rolled it on which occurred to me that it could cause problems down the road. Any suggestion???

i would load it sideways to prevent the bulky seams from throwing the quilt crooked

thanks!....I think you're right.....

I always put the major seams going sideways so they are parallel with the rails. Sometimes there are seams both ways, so it's a judgment call.

Side to side would be my choice too. We are all in agreement ! Wow!
peace

Definitely side to side. I purchased my midarm as a demo from a dealer. The person that made the leaders had a seam 12" from each end. Took me a while to realize why the sides of my quilt, while quilting, were so loose.

Always the longest seams from side to side, if possible. Sometimes it's not possible if you are using a pantograph which is directional. That's why seams in backing should be a half inch (or 5/8" ) deep, and pressed open.