Long-Arm Quilting Services

You’ve invested countless hours piecing your quilt top and carefully selecting fabrics that tell a story. Long-arm quilting is the final step that transforms those layers into a finished quilt, adding texture, movement, and durability that brings the design to life.

At Stitches N Ditches in Kissimmee, Florida, we provide professional quilt finishing and long-arm quilting services for quilters throughout the Orlando area and regularly quilt projects shipped to us from across the United States. Whether you’re looking for a clean edge-to-edge design or detailed custom quilting, we offer options that complement your quilt while preserving the artistry of your piecing.

If you're creating a memory quilt or T-shirt quilt, we also provide full memory quilt design and construction services before the quilting stage. Some quilts arrive for quilting after undergoing quilt repair or restoration, which we also offer in the studio. Many quilts we finish are memory quilts or T-shirt quilts created in our studio before moving to the long-arm machine for quilting.

Quilting Options

Edge-to-Edge Quilting

Edge-to-edge quilting stitches a continuous design across the entire quilt surface. It is the most popular option for everyday quilts and works beautifully on most quilt tops.

Our standard edge-to-edge quilting is $0.03 per square inch, making it an economical choice while still providing a polished, professional finish. Popular designs include classic swirls, feathers, loops, stars, and modern geometric patterns.

Edge-to-edge quilting adds durability and texture while allowing the piecing itself to remain the star of the quilt.

Semi-Custom Quilting

Semi-custom quilting combines edge-to-edge quilting with additional detail. Borders, blocks, or special areas of the quilt may receive different quilting patterns to highlight key design elements.

This approach provides more visual interest and dimension while still keeping the project efficient and affordable.

Custom Quilting

Custom quilting is designed specifically for your quilt. Each section of the quilt is quilted individually with patterns chosen to enhance the piecing.

Borders, blocks, and negative space are treated as separate design areas, allowing the quilting to become part of the overall artwork.

Custom quilting is ideal for show quilts, heirloom pieces, or quilts with strong design elements that deserve individual attention.

Heirloom and Show Quilting

For competition quilts or heirloom pieces, quilting density and complexity are increased to create extraordinary texture and detail. These projects are typically priced by the job due to the time involved.

Batting

For convenience, batting is available in the studio.

We regularly stock Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 cotton-poly blend batting, a favorite for its durability, softness, and traditional quilt feel. Batting may also be supplied by the client if preferred.

Our Process

Every project begins with a conversation about your vision. We’ll discuss the quilt’s design, the look you hope to achieve, and the quilting style that best complements the piecing.

Once we decide on a quilting plan, your quilt top and backing are loaded onto the long-arm machine. The quilting design is stitched across the quilt sandwich, securing the layers together and bringing the quilt to life.

When quilting is complete, the quilt is removed from the machine and trimmed. Machine binding is available if you would like the quilt returned fully finished, or we can prepare it so you can complete the binding yourself.

Pricing

Quilting Services

Long-arm quilting is priced by the square inch. Rates include thread, trimming, and return shipping within the United States, so the price you see is the full cost of quilting.

Minimum charge: $85 — Baby quilts, table runners, and other small projects require the same setup time as larger quilts.

Additional Services

Some clients choose to add finishing services or materials to complete their quilt. These options are available during your consultation.

Trimming
Included with all quilting services

Machine Binding
$0.25 per linear inch

Custom Embroidered Label — $40
Many clients choose to include a personalized embroidered label to preserve the story behind their quilt. Labels may include names, dates, or a short message and are stitched directly into the quilt.

Backing Fabric
Available for purchase if needed

Batting
Available in the studio. Options include Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 cotton blend, washable wool, and other specialty battings as available.

Turnaround Time

Typical turnaround time is approximately six-weeks from the time we receive your quilt.

Custom and heirloom projects may require additional time depending on complexity.

Preparing Your Quilt

Preparing your quilt correctly ensures the best possible results when it is loaded on the long-arm machine.

Backing

Your backing fabric should be at least 6 inches larger than the quilt top on all sides (12 inches total added to both width and length). This allows the quilt to be properly mounted on the machine.

Seams in backing fabric should be pressed open. Avoid seams near the outer edges when possible.

Quilt Top

Your quilt top should be fully pressed and free of loose threads.

If your quilt top has borders, please ensure they are square and flat. Borders that are stretched or gathered can create puckers during quilting.

Avoid embellishments such as buttons or heavy decorative stitching that may interfere with the quilting machine.

Thread Selection

Thread color can blend subtly into the quilt or provide contrast for a bolder texture.

Neutral colors such as cream, white, gray, or soft taupe blend beautifully with many quilts. We’ll discuss thread options during your consultation to find the best match for your project.

Ready to Finish Your Quilt?

If your quilt top and backing are ready, the finishing step is just ahead.

We regularly quilt projects for quilters throughout Orlando, Kissimmee, and Central Florida, and also work with clients nationwide who ship quilts to our studio. Contact us to schedule your quilting service or stop by the studio to discuss your project in person.