Frequently Asked Questions…
Machine Quilting
How Much Does it Cost?
Our minimum charge for quilting services is $60. We do not charge extra for thread, batting, most designs, or return shipping on orders over $125. Dense premium or downloadable designs (link to design page) range between $5-15. If there are “unexpected surprises” (see Q4 below: ‘Can I be charged for more later?), then our rate to fix is $40/hour. Our base price is 2.75 cents per square inch for thread (any color) and 3.25 cents per square inch for couching with yarn. This will automatically be calculated for you as you place your order. You will love a couched quilt.
What Is Your Current Turnaround Time?
Current turnaround time varies depending on the size, design, and type of quilting used (thread or couched with yarn). Typical turnaround times for baby and lap quilts are less than 2 weeks. Larger quilts or quilts that may need to be modified to prepare for machine quilting may take up to one month. We will contact you should we anticipate needing more time. If you need a quilt to be expedited, please text or call us at 208-890-0455, or email: support@experiencethequilt.com.
How Do I Order? Can I Just Call You?
Although we prefer that all ordering is done through the easy ordering process, feel free to text or call us at 208-890-0455, or email support@experiencethequilt.com if you have any questions. During the order process, you will be asked a series of questions about your quilt – measurements, design choice, thread, and batting preferences, etc. When you are finished choosing your options, a shipping and payment screen will complete your order.
Can I Be Charged for More Later? Are There Any Unexpected Charges?
Most people don’t like unexpected surprises, especially us! We want this experience to be ‘seamless’ (pun intended) for all of us. Below are some issues that may add to the cost. We charge a flat $40 / hour to fix these issues. We will contact you to discuss your quilt should we run into any of these unexpected surprises during the inspection. We will send you an invoice through Square before continuing the quilting process. See also our video “Unexpected Surprises”
Pressing. We understand wrinkles and creases may happen during shipping and we will steam those out at no cost. However, if your seams haven’t been pressed or if it is just wadded it up (heaven forbid!), there is an extra cost.
Backing. Backing not sufficiently larger than the top (remember to have 4 inches extra on all sides). For example, if your quilt top is 80 x 80, then your backing should be 88 x 88. We will be happy to add solid, closely matched fabric to your backing without taking the quilt off the machine if you choose to use our backing. If you want to send in more of your own fabric for backing, we will need to re-mount the quilt when we receive it.
Quilt remount. Issues arising that cause us to take off and re-mount the quilt. This can be due to seams coming apart, backing not sufficiently large enough, etc. See also our video “Squaring Your Quilt”
Stay stitch. If you have a quilt without borders and a lot of piecing, it can pull apart at the seams while loading. We recommend a stay stitch around the edges (¼” from the edges) to prevent this from happening. Once you bind it, that stitch will be hidden. We would be happy to stay stitch for you if necessary.
What Happens if My Quilt is Rejected During the Inspection?
Fortunately, it is a rare occasion for a quilt to be rejected during our inspection process. Some reasons may include:
-Potentially weak stitching in the quilt that has the potential to separate if we machine quilt it
-We love vintage quilts, but some are just too fragile
If a quilt doesn’t pass inspection, we will contact you about the best way to resolve this. If there just isn’t any way we can quilt your masterpiece, return shipping is free.
How Does Shipping Work?
There are two shipments – the first is to us (outbound) and from us to you (return shipping).
Outbound shipping. After the checkout process, you will receive a confirmation email with your packing slip attached in PDF format, which contains your order number and information about your quilt(s). Then, place in your box the following:
1. Your quilt(s)
2. Your backing
3. Your packing slip.
If you have multiple quilts, please fold your backing and top together. Please attach a note to each quilt that indicates the design and size of each quilt top, so we can ensure we use the correct instructions for each quilt. Please also put the top and backing of each separate quilt in its own bag or tie them with a ribbon, so that we don’t accidentally mix up backings and tops.
We also recommend wrapping the quilt(s) in plastic to keep them safe. We will do the same upon return.
Return shipping. All orders over $125 qualify for free return shipping through UPS Ground. If under $125, then the return shipping is a flat $10. If you require faster shipping, let us know and we will email you an invoice for the expedited shipping cost.
Can I Drop it Off or is it Ship Only?
If you are lucky enough to live in or around the Boise, ID area, and you would like to drop off your quilts, please text or call 208-890-0455 or email support@experiencethequilt.com regarding a time that you can deliver it to us personally. Our address is: 1335 S. School St. Kuna, ID 83634. We look forward to visiting with fellow quilters! We do not have a storefront, so it’s best to contact us first.