The questions we are asked most, answered plainly. If yours is not here, email support@prairieloft.com.
How often should I change a rotary blade?
When it starts skipping threads instead of cutting them, or when you find yourself pressing harder to get through four layers. For most quilters that is every six to eight projects. A dull blade drags fabric out of line, so a blade change often fixes accuracy problems people blame on their cutting.
What is the difference between 40wt and 50wt thread?
The number is thickness, and it runs backwards: the higher the number, the thinner the thread. 50wt is thinner and disappears into a seam, which is why it is used for piecing. 40wt is heavier and shows the stitch, which is why it is used for quilting on top.
What does loft mean in batting?
Loft is how thick and springy the batting is. Low loft lies flat and shows off quilting stitches, and is the usual choice for wall hangings, table runners and quilts that will be used hard. High loft gives a puffy, comforter-like quilt. Cotton is generally low loft; wool and polyester are higher.
How far apart can my quilting stitches be?
It depends on the batting, and every batting states a maximum. Cotton usually needs stitching every two to eight inches, wool every three to four, polyester up to ten. Exceed it and the batting shifts and bunches after the first wash. We list the maximum on every batting product page.
What size batting do I need for my quilt?
Add at least four inches to each side of your finished quilt top, so eight inches to both the width and the length. That margin gives you something to hold while quilting and room to square up afterwards. If you are longarm quilting, your quilter may ask for six inches per side.
What is a scant quarter inch, and why does it matter?
A scant quarter is a hair narrower than a quarter inch — about two threads. The fold of the pressed seam takes up that fraction, so sewing a true quarter inch leaves your blocks slightly small. Sewing scant is what makes a twelve and a half inch block actually finish at twelve and a half.
Do you sell fabric?
No. Fabric is bought with your hands, and your local shop does that better than any website can. We stock everything else: cutting, thread, batting, needles, pins, marking, pressing and basting.
Where do orders ship from?
Our warehouse in Ohio. Orders placed before 2:00 PM Eastern on a business day go out the same day, and ground delivery reaches most of the United States in one to three business days.
I am completely new to quilting. What do I actually need?
A 45mm rotary cutter, a self-healing mat, one square ruler, fine pins, 50wt thread and a pack of machine needles will get you through a first quilt. Our starter kits put those together in one box and say what each piece is for.