Best way to piece my large backing - rip not cut
#21
If this is correct, will it be okay ripping that way?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 682
I prefer to measure the width of the piece and cut it. I have had bad experience with the torn edge curling under and didn't really feel that it was ripping exactly on grain. Maybe tear a small piece to see how it will tear before you go at the whole thing.
#23
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,369
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
Colorfulom has given great directions, since you are still hesitant, draw it out or even use a piece of paper to be the pieces and try it with the paper first. When I'm stuck on how to lay out backing I always draw it out first to check my measurements.
Your 10 yd of fabric should allow you to have a back that is 112 by 112" (assuming your usable width of fabric is 40").
This should give you enough extra for quilting on the DSM or handquilting. Depending on your LA quilter and the density of quilting planned, you may be little "short" on the LA, but still doable.
Your 10 yd of fabric should allow you to have a back that is 112 by 112" (assuming your usable width of fabric is 40").
This should give you enough extra for quilting on the DSM or handquilting. Depending on your LA quilter and the density of quilting planned, you may be little "short" on the LA, but still doable.
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 838
Except I think I would need to rip perpendicular to the selvage, right? I would go over 3-1/3 yards from the edge and rip, then over 3-1/3 yards to rip, leaving one more 3-1/3 yards. Then I would sew them together under each other (so the middle piece would be placed below the first piece and sewn together, then the 3rd piece under the first 2 pieces and sewn together). Am I picturing that right? I can be directionally challenged, and I don't have to fabric yet to lay on the floor and then visually picture.
If this is correct, will it be okay ripping that way?
If this is correct, will it be okay ripping that way?
It's nice to rip borders on the lengthwise grain, because there is less stretch in that direction. However, ripping on the crosswise grain is fine if that's what's needed. The torn edges will be slightly more bruised because they stretch and distort slightly, but it's minor.
To reassure your self, try stretching your fabric on the lengthwise grain and the cross grain. The cross grain will stretch a bit more, but nothing compared to the bias. The relative stretch shows the relative potential for problems (pretty slim).
Do you have an inexpensive fat quarter or bit of yardage that you can try ripping? It might make you more comfortable, and give you an idea of how sharply to pull to get a clean tear. Snip through the selvage, hold right next to the snip, and go for it!
Last edited by Jennifer23; 05-26-2016 at 09:49 PM.
#27
I haven't been overly fond of the LQS ripping fabric because of the bruise edges. I really hate trying to make long, straight cuts though.
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