Quilt-making is an extraordinarily delicate and complex art, requiring careful planning and execution. In order to ensure that you end up with exactly what you want, we have broken up the process into four easy stages:
Stage 1 – Planning
To ensure we understand exactly what it is you are looking for, it is highly recommended that you arrange a face-to-face consultation with our leading quiltmaker to discuss your design (however we are able to take interstate and international bookings via phone). It is very important that both you and the quiltmaker are clear on the end idea before work commences on the project, as it is difficult to change ideas mid-project.
If you are unable to meet with us face to face; we would love to organise a phone consultation to discuss your requirements in detail.
Not sure what you want? Don’t panic! Have a browse through our gallery for ideas. We are also able to adapt ideas from pictures, magazines and photos. Inspiration does not have to be from quilts – it can be from anything!
During this initial consultation we will discuss:
- what occasion or who the quilt is being made for
- what the quilt will be used for (e.g. bed quilt, wall quilt, signature quilt, photo quilt etc
- colour scheme
- block design
- size
- fabric selection
- Photos (if you require photos to be transferred onto fabric as part of your design, please bring both a hard copy print-out and .jpg or .bmp computer image (where possible) to the initial consultation. We are able to scan photos for transfer if you do not have a digital image available)
We can only accurately give you a quote once we have answered the above questions. There are many variables that will affect the overall cost as well as the time necessary for making the quilt. Variables include complexity of design, availability of fabric, size of quilt etc.
The initial consultation is free of charge. If you decide to proceed with the project, a 50% non-refundable deposit will be required before work can commence.
Stage 2 – Piecing
This is the busiest stage for our quiltmakers! During this time, they are busy sourcing fabrics, scaling the design to your requirements, measuring, cutting and sewing the quilt top together. If you would like to check the progress of your design, please contact our team to arrange an interim consultation. Depending on exactly how far into this stage we are, we can advise you of the best time to view progress on your quilt – it would be very disappointing in an early visit to see a whole lot of random strips of fabric that don’t resemble your finished product!
Before stage 3 commences on your project, we will require a further 25% of the total fee.
Stage 3 – Quilting
The quilting stage comes after the quilt “top” has been finished, and involves stitching all three layers of the quilt “sandwich” together (the top, the wadding and the backing fabric). Depending on the size and complexity of your project, we may elect to send your quilt to a long-arm quilting specialist. We have a number of specialists we have worked with for many years, and their expert skills and experience truly enhance the overall finish of the project.
Stage 4 – Finishing
Once the quilting has been completed, we finish the quilt with a binding around the edge (this hides the raw edges after the quilting stage), and also sew a hanging sleeve (if required) as well as your custom designed label to the back of the quilt.
As part of our service, for quilts valued at over $300, we will also appraise the quilt for insurance purposes and provide you with the appropriate documentation.
At this stage, you may choose either to pick up your quilt in person, or to have it sent to you via registered, insured post or courier. Final payment and postage fees will be required prior to final receipt of your quilt.
If you have any further questions regarding this process, or would like to discuss your ideas, please call us on 02 4273 3155 or email us at enquiries@thepatchworkstudio.com.au |
