Long Arm Quilting Service

At Dragonfly Quilting, we offer a range of professional long arm quilting services to suit every need. Our Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine, enhanced with the Intelliquilter (IQ) system, allows us to deliver both Edge to Edge (Pantograph) quilting and Custom Quilting. Whether you're looking for a continuous, seamless pattern across your quilt or a bespoke, intricate design tailored to each block, our services ensure a stunning, high-quality finish for your quilt tops.

In addition to quilting, we provide a basting service for those who prefer to hand quilt their projects. With our digitization capabilities, you can even bring your unique designs to life, as we can convert your patterns into a digital format for quilting. Consultations are by appointment only, ensuring personalized attention to each project.

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  • Patchwork is the art of sewing together cut fabric pieces into a larger design, forming a quilt top.

  • Quilting refers to the process of sandwiching this quilt top with wadding and a backing fabric, creating the final quilt.

  • Longarm Quilting involves using a specialized machine to streamline this process, making it easier to quilt larger designs with precision and creativity.

Our Quilting Techniques

  1. Pantograph (Edge to Edge): Continuous pattern across the entire quilt top.
  2. Custom Quilting: Tailored designs for each block or section of the quilt.
  3. Stitch in the Ditch: Precise stitching along seam lines.
  4. Outline/Shadow Quilting: Highlighting focal points with stitching close to the edges.
  5. Stipple: Puzzle-like stitching pattern.
  6. Meandering: Free-form quilting with loops, swirls, and stipples

Which size is best?

The size of a quilt will depend on where you are making it for. There is no fast rule that it has to be a certain size. Some quilts look great just sitting on the top of the bed, whilst others look wonderful overhanding the bed. If you want to a quilt that overhands a bed then measure across the bed and add about 10” to each side to give the overhand. Then measure the length of the bed, if you want the quilt to go over the pillows and tuck underneath then add about 20”. If you want a quilt to overhand the bottom of the bed but only go to the pillow then measure from the bottom of the pillow to the bottom of the bed and add 10” to give an overhand.

Baby quilts can vary. If you want to make a crib quilt then that would be around 36” square.

A standard cot mattress measures around 28” x 52” so you would need to make a quilt about 45” x 60” this will allow for the quilt to be tucked around the mattress.

A lap quilt would be around 45” x 45” this is large enough to throw over your lap on a cold evening, not too large that it’s draping over the floor.

A general quilt would be around 60” x 60”. This is a good size to use as a throw or to wrap around you on a cold night or to use as a picnic quilt to sit on.

The sizes below are general bed sizes but mattresses can vary so it’s always wide to measure. In general the depth of a mattress can be between 8” – 10” deep.

Standard Quilt Sizes

  • UK Bed Sizes

    Single - 36” x 75” (91.4 x 190.5cm)
    Double - 54” x 75” (137.2 x 190.5cm)
    King/Queen - 60” x 78” (152.4 x 198.1cm)
    Super King - 72” x 78” (182,9 x 198,1cm)

  • USA Bed Sizes

    Twin - 39” 75” (99.1 x 190.5cm)
    Double - 54” 75” (137.2 x 190.5cm)
    Queen - 60” x 80” (152.4 x 203.2cm)
    Eastern King - 76” x 80” (193 x 203.2cm)
    California King - 72” x 84” (182.9 x 213.4cm)
    Dual King - 78” x 80” (198.1 x 203.2cm)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sandwich my quilt together?

No, you don’t need to sandwich your quilt beforehand. Our Gammill Longarm Quilting Machine can handle the entire process, basting all three layers of your quilt onto the machine’s rollers, saving you time and effort.

I have already sandwiched and started quilting my top – can you finish it?

Unfortunately, we are unable to complete quilts that have already been sandwiched and partially quilted. To ensure the highest quality and a smooth, pucker-free finish, we require that any pre-existing work be undone before we can proceed with quilting.

What are the differences between normal width fabric and extra wide?

The primary difference between standard width fabric and extra wide fabric is the size. Standard patchwork fabric typically measures 42” in width, while extra wide backing fabric ranges from approximately 60” to 120” wide. This greater width allows you to back larger quilts seamlessly, eliminating the need for fabric joins and providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution for your quilting projects.

How big does the backing need to be?

At least 4” on all four sides of the quilt top – for instance, a 60” x 80” quilt top would require a backing measuring 68” x 88”.

How would you recommend joining the backing?

Remove the selvages and stitch in the usual way but instead of the normal ¼” inch seam allowance sew a ½” inch seam allowance and press open and flat. Stay-stitch the top and bottom of the backing fabric to keep them in place.

I have not quite finished my quilt top – can I book it in beforehand?

Yes, you can book your quilt in advance if you have a deadline to meet, even if your quilt top isn't quite finished. We can provisionally schedule your quilt into our work queue, and we will do our best to meet your timeline. Please note that the booking is confirmed upon receipt of a non-refundable £10.00 deposit.

How do I deliver my quilt to you?

Delivery options depend on your location. If you're local, you can schedule an appointment to deliver your quilt in person. Alternatively, you can mail it directly to us—please contact us for specific details. We recommend using Royal Mail First Class Recorded (Signed For) Post, packaged securely in heavy-duty plastic. Additionally, you may find cost-effective shipping options when purchasing our backing fabrics online.

What is the maximum size you can quilt?

Our Gammill machine can accommodate quilts up to 120" in width, with virtually no limit on length. The only potential limitation is the amount of quilt that can be rolled onto the take-up roller, which is influenced by the weight and thickness of the wadding and how tightly it is wound.

Should I remove the selvages on the backing fabric?

We recommend leaving the selvages on the backing fabric, as they provide a straight and firm edge that aids in the quilting process. The only exception is when joining two pieces of fabric to create the backing; in this case, the selvages should be removed, as they do not behave the same as the rest of the fabric.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, we do require a deposit. If you're delivering your quilt top in person, we consider the quilt itself as your deposit. For advance bookings, a non-refundable deposit of £10.00 is required. Full payment is due upon completion of your quilt before it is returned to you.

Why is it necessary to provide a “squared” backing?

Providing a squared backing is essential to ensure that the quilt top is aligned parallel to the top, bottom, and sides. This alignment allows us to achieve a precise and professional finish, as we use the squared backing as a reference for accurate quilting.