Longarm Quilting FAQs for Meridian and Treasure Valley Quilters

Professional edge-to-edge longarm quilting at Brown Bear starts at 2 cents per square inch, with a $50 minimum per project. This rate includes the quilting service for an edge-to-edge digital pattern and high-quality thread. Batting is priced separately so you can choose the option that best fits your quilt.

The total quilting cost is based on the finished square-inch size of your quilt top. For example, a 60 inch by 70 inch quilt top equals 4,200 square inches. At 2 cents per square inch, the quilting service would be $84 before any separate batting or specialty handling needs are added.

Square-inch pricing means the quilt top length is multiplied by the quilt top width, then multiplied by the current quilting rate. Brown Bear uses this method because baby quilts, throws, twin quilts, queen quilts, and king quilts all require different amounts of frame space and stitching time.

This keeps estimates simple and predictable. You can bring your quilt measurements to the appointment, and Wendy can confirm the estimate before quilting begins.

Brown Bear is a home-based quilting studio in Meridian, Idaho, so quilt drop-off is scheduled by appointment rather than handled through walk-in retail hours. To arrange a drop-off, call, text, or use the contact form with your quilt size, project type, and any timing concerns.

Bring the quilt top, backing, and batting unless you plan to review batting options through the studio. Appointment-based drop-off gives Wendy time to look over your quilt, answer preparation questions, and confirm the project timeline before work begins.

Most standard edge-to-edge quilting projects are completed within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on quilt size, design selection, and current studio volume. Brown Bear provides an estimated ready-by date when you schedule or drop off your quilt.

T-shirt quilts and memory quilts may require more time because clothing fabrics often need additional review, layout planning, stabilization, or specialty handling before quilting can begin.

Before your appointment, press your quilt top and backing flat, trim loose threads, secure seams, remove pins, and make sure the backing and batting extend 4 to 6 inches beyond the quilt top on all sides. This extra fabric allows the quilt to be attached to the longarm frame and helps maintain even tension during stitching.

Good preparation helps prevent tucks, puckers, loading delays, and tension issues. Your quilt top does not have to be perfect, but it should lie as flat and square as possible before it reaches the frame.

Brown Bear notes that many longarm projects work well with 80/20 cotton-polyester batting because it offers soft loft, durability, good stitch definition, and less shrinkage than some all-cotton options. Some quilts may be better suited to 100% cotton batting or a higher-loft polyester batting, depending on how the quilt will be used, washed, displayed, or gifted.

If you are unsure which batting to choose, ask before your appointment. Very thick batting, fleece, denim, or layered memory fabrics may need special handling and can affect turnaround time.