Frequently Asked Questions
Quilting FAQ
Below are some answers to questions we've heard. We've also added some how-to's that are beneficial to us. Hopefully you'll find them helpful!
If you have questions that this page does not answer, or suggestions or edits, please let us know! We can be reached here:
Palmetto Stitches and Quilts
405B Rutledge Street
Camden, SC 29020
803-272-0051
info@palmettostitchesandquilts.com
Website Questions
How do I order fabric yardage?
Running yardage is figured in 1-yard increments, with a 1-yard minimum. One yard is equal to 1 increment. Example: To order 1 yard, enter 1 in the Quantity box. To order 1-1/2 yards, enter 1.5 in the Quantity box. For 2 yards enter quantity 2, 2-1/2 yards enter quantity 2.5, etc.
How do I get e-mail promotions?We regularly send out e-mails announcing upcoming events or advertising special sales. Please log in on our website and click on “My Account;” then go to Login Information, and click on “edit.” To be included in our e-mail promotions just click on the box so that a check mark appears. Then click “Update.”
If an item is on backorder, will I be charged again for shipping?NO. You are charged the total amount of postage and handling when the first portion of your order is shipped. All backorders will be sent when they are available with no additional postage and handling.
When is my credit card charged?Your credit card will not be charged until your order is sent.
Why did I not receive an emailed confirmation of my order?Within ten minutes from the time you submit your order you should receive an e-mailed order confirmation. These e-mails are sent directly from our bulk e-mail server and may be filtered automatically as Spam or junk mail, depending on your e-mail settings. To avoid this happening, please add customerservice@palmettostitchesandquilts.com to your address book. Please check your account to be sure that you've entered your email address correctly. If you did not receive your e-mail confirmation and would like us to resend it for you, please contact us at 803-272-0051 or e-mail customerservice@palmettostitchesandquilts.com.
Pricing InformationAll prices on this website are subject to change without notice. While we make every effort to provide you the most accurate, up-to-date information, occasionally, one or more items on our website may be incorrectly priced. In the event a product or service is listed at an incorrect price due to typographical or technical error, or error in pricing information received from our third-party partners, we reserve the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed for a product or service listed at the incorrect price.
Discount CodesFrom time to time, we offer special promotion codes on either select products or on your entire order. These discount codes are entered into your shopping cart and your discount amount will be reflected below the subtotal in your cart. Discount codes are not applicable to monthly product clubs, Block of the Month programs, gift cards , items shipping directly from manufacturers or retail partners, sales tax or shipping & handling. Only one discount code can be used per order. Select codes are for single-time use. Discount codes do not apply to previously-placed orders. Coupon codes may be used online or by phone only.
Shop Questions
What is the physical address of the shop?
Palmetto Stitches and Quilts
405B Rutledge Street
Camden, SC 29020
803-272-0051
info@palmettostitchesandquilts.com
Our shop is located in historic download Camden, SC. We are open Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. On Tuesdays, we're often here late holding classes or having a "Sit & Sew", so come on by! We are usually closed on major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Product Questions
What is a fat quarter?
A fat quarter is a quarter yard cut that measures approximately 18" x 22" rather than the standard 9" x 44" quarter yard.
How wide is your fabric?All fabric sold by the yard is 44" wide, unless stated otherwise in the description. We do offer a selection of wide fabric as well.
What is a panel?A fabric panel is a single piece of fabric, which is sold individually, and not by the yard. Panel sizes range from 23" x 44" to 44" x 44". They feature a large single motif or multiple motifs, such as place mats, pillows or quilt labels. Many panels can be turned into quilts simply by adding backing and batting. A panel can also be used as the center of a larger quilt, or can be cut apart for bags and any number of projects.
Why did I receive a fabric in a kit or fabric collection that is different from the one pictured in the catalog or on the website?Our goal is always to send you the fabrics that we've pictured, but, on occasion, the fabrics shown become discontinued or delayed from the manufacturer. When that happens, we try very hard to find close substitutes that we feel you’ll be happy with and will work well in your kit or collection.
What is a good project for a beginner?We recommend starting with a small quilt that features a panel or piecing techniques. A wall hanging that has pieced blocks, fusible applique or a preprinted panel is a great project to begin with.
How much fabric do I need to make a quilt?The amount of fabric you will need will vary depending on what size your quilt will be and how intricate the piecing. It is best to use a pattern that tells you exactly how much of each fabric is required. As a very general guideline here is the approximate yardage needed for standard sized quilts:
A crib size 45" x 60" requires approximately 3 yds for a pieced top, 1-1/2 yds for backing, and 1/2 yd for binding.
A twin size 72" x 90" requires approximately 9 yds for a pieced top, 5-1/2 yds for backing, and 3/4 yds for binding.
A double size 81" x 96" requires approximately 10 yds for a pieced top, 6 yds for backing, and 1 yd for binding
A queen size 90" x 108" requires approximately 12 yds for a pieced top, 9 yds for backing, and 1 yd for binding.
A king size 120" x 120" requires approximately 15 yds for a pieced top, 10 yds for backing, and 1-1/4 yds for binding.
However, we can't stress enough that these are only general guidelines for helping you determine fabric purchasing, we cannot guarantee that these yardage amounts will be accurate for the quilt that you plan to make.
When ordering individual fabrics, the minimum cut is one yard.
What does “fabric repeat” mean?Just like on a roll of wallpaper, designs are repeated over and over again along the length of a bolt of fabric. The length of the repeat is determined by the size of the screens that the mills use to print the fabric. Standard repeats for quilt fabrics are 12", 24" and 36" (for large panels). As an example, the exact same rose on a floral print would appear every 12" or every 24", depending on the repeat.
To help answer some of your "What did they mean by that?" questions, here are some of the terms used in the catalog, defined and explained for your convenience:Books: All books are softcover, 8-1/2 x 11", unless otherwise stated.
Fat quarter: A fat quarter is a quarter yard cut that measures 18" x 22" rather than the standard 9" x 44" quarter yard. A great way to build your fabric collection!
Kit: A kit contains everything you need for the top and binding of a quilt. such as a doll or critter.
Scrap Bags: Made up of fabric left over from cutting kits and collections. Scrap bags contain first-quality cotton fabric. Not really "scraps!"
Prewashing fabric is an individual decision. You may wish to prewash or rinse fabrics to avoid uneven shrinkage and to prevent the colors from running when the quilt is first laundered.
Yardage: Individually machine wash each color of fabric in warm water, rinsing until the water runs clear. Do not wash more than five or six yards at a time, and be sure to unfold the fabric before washing so there’s no rubbing along the fold line.
To prevent unnecessary wrinkling, do not put more than five yards of fabric in the dryer at one time. Tumble dry on a low setting until almost dry, then check the fabric for wrinkling. If it is wrinkled, remove from dryer and iron dry. Continue tumbling unwrinkled fabric until dry.
For fabrics with metallic highlights, machine wash as above using a gentle cycle and warm water. Tumble-dry on a low setting. Do not use laundry products containing brighteners.
Precut fusible-backed shapes: Do not machine or hand wash or put in dryer, since this may cause them to unravel or fray.
How Should a Quilt be Washed?
(Thanks to Linda Pumphrey, who works for Mountain Mist and is a board member of The Alliance for American Quilts, for this info!)
When you consider the many hours put into the creation of a quilt it is only logical that the utmost care should be taken in preserving its beauty. Often quilts are destroyed by improper care and cleaning. A well-constructed quilt, stitched at the proper intervals for the batting used, will wash beautifully. The weight of a quilt when wet can cause stress to the fibers of the fabric and batting if lifted improperly or if too much agitation is involved. Hand Washing Quilts: For truly delicate pieces, hand washing in a large sink or tub may be desirable.
Fill a large sink or tub with tepid water and add a cleaning agent that contains little to no perfumes or additives. There are several products on the market made especially to launder quilts. Accordion-fold quilt and place in the tub. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes or longer. Extensive soaking will not harm your quilt. Drain tub and refill with cool water to rinse. Repeat the rinsing process several times to remove all residues. Take care in hand washing to avoid lifting or agitating the quilt to excess while being washed. After the quilt is rinsed, blot it dry with towels to absorb moisture. Lay out the quilt on a dry surface where air can circulate around it to dry.
Machine Washing Quilts: If your quilt is in good condition, the washing machine may be used. Fill the machine with tepid or cold water and add a cleaning agent. Place the quilt in the machine, gently moving around with your hands and allow it to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. A "gentle" or "delicate" agitation cycle may be used for just a few minutes, but is best avoided. Use the spin cycle to remove the water. Repeat this process to rinse the quilt, filling the washer, avoiding agitation and then spinning to remove the water. Lay the quilt flat to dry. You may wish to gently machine tumble on low or delicate heat or on "air" dry to add further puffiness to the quilt. Make sure the quilt is completely dry before storing.
Dry Cleaning Quilts: Normally, we do not recommend dry cleaning quilts and comforters. Some fabrics lend themselves to dry cleaning only, making it necessary to dry clean the quilt. After dry cleaning a quilt it may be necessary to air the quilt as the fibers may temporarily retain some of the dry cleaning fumes. Also, dry cleaning does involve agitation and harsh substances, which can create additional wear and tear on your quilt. Whenever possible it is advisable to gently home launder your quilts in the methods described above.
Additional Cleaning Tips: Quilts and comforters should always be treated and cared for as you would a fine garment. Using proper quilting methods and washing techniques, quilts can be kept looking fresh and new, year after year. Wall hangings and quilts can also be vacuumed periodically between laundering.
Remember the basic points for successful washing: warm or cold water, gentle or no agitation, blotting out moisture and laying flat to dry.
One last important point - be certain your fabrics are of good quality, that they have been preshrunk and that they are colorfast; otherwise all your time and work have been wasted. If ever in doubt about the washability of your quilt or comforter, contact the manufacturer of the materials used for their recommended methods.