Help please! Piecing a back

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04-24-2011, 02:38 PM

#11

Holice

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Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Sturbridge, Ma

Posts: 3,992

I have not read all the posts. However,,,,,,John Flynn has a technique that he cuts the backing diagonally for the back. the instructions are on his web site. I will try and find it for you. The formula will tell you how much to add to the length. My guess is a piece about 95". You cut from corner to corner and then slide one side dowm until the piece is the width you need. Then sew the seam and you will be able to save fabric and (according to him) have a stronger seam for the back. Let me know if you need the site. I use it and it works. Sure saves fabric.

04-24-2011, 03:39 PM

#12

LindaM

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: Rural Small Town Ontario

Posts: 1,474

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holice

Here's John's lesson - scroll down to the 'Diagonal Pieced Back' area. http://www.flynnquilt.com/workshop/FreeLessons/

04-24-2011, 03:46 PM

#13

RUSewing

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: In the middle of an Oklahoma wheat field

Posts: 840

Quote:

Originally Posted by gal288

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindaM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjomomma

If you cut the backing in half so that you have 2 2yd pieces and then sew the longest sides together you should have a piece that is 72 X 80, if I am doing my math right. Now your piece will be big enough.

To prevent the seam in the middle of the quilt, you can now take one of those 2-yard pieces and cut IT in the middle, lengthwise.

So, take the 4-yard piece, cut it in half. You now have two 40 x 72" pieces.

Fold and find the middle (lengthwise) of one of these pieces, and cut down the middle.

Now you have:
- one 40 x 72" piece
- two 20 x 72" pieces

Sew one of the 20" wide pieces to each side of the 40" piece. Your backing is now 72" x 79.5".

Now you've distributed the stress more evenly throughout the back.

This is the way I also do backings, agree totally. You never want a seam down the middle, always ditbribute the stress evenly.

This is also the way I piece a back. In fact that's what I'm doing tomorrow (I've read to wash & dry flannel 3 times before using).

04-24-2011, 04:30 PM

#14

4dogs

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Fletcher NC(cool, green mountains)

Posts: 646

I read JOHN instructions about the diagonal cutting, but I dont think I understand........I need pictures, a demo, or something.........has anyone tried this???

04-24-2011, 04:34 PM

#15

Holice

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Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Sturbridge, Ma

Posts: 3,992

The picture and illustration is on John's web site and can be downloaded. You have to work through the math but it does work. Can extend a 40 width fabric out to about 60"

04-24-2011, 04:36 PM

#16

Holice

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Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Sturbridge, Ma

Posts: 3,992

if you click on the link to download the illustration will be there with picture.

04-24-2011, 04:36 PM

#17

Holice

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Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Sturbridge, Ma

Posts: 3,992

if you click on the link to download the illustration will be there with picture.

04-24-2011, 08:50 PM

#18

QuiltE

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Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Ontario, Canada

Posts: 17,693

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonnieLoree

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiltE

Measurements ... 40" widths double will not give you 80"

Don't forget to take off seam allowances and the selvedges being cut off!

Picky, picky, but true! :wink: Would be a shame to come up short once again.

No, TonnieLorree not at all picky ... I just didnt' want the OP to count on the 80" and then wonder why it didn't work out right for her.

Sometimes we move ahead in haste ... and OOPS! have a bigger problem.

04-25-2011, 04:02 AM

#19

DeeBooper

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2009

Location: Syracuse,NY

Posts: 1,500

DITTO.....this is how I do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindaM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjomomma

04-25-2011, 04:24 AM

#20

Kat Sews

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Posts: 647

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holice

I have not read all the posts. However,,,,,,John Flynn has a technique that he cuts the backing diagonally for the back. the instructions are on his web site. I will try and find it for you. The formula will tell you how much to add to the length. My guess is a piece about 95". You cut from corner to corner and then slide one side down until the piece is the width you need. Then sew the seam and you will be able to save fabric and (according to him) have a stronger seam for the back. Let me know if you need the site. I use it and it works. Sure saves fabric.

I tried this recently and was not pleased with the result. I looked odd to me to have a diagonal seam on the back of the quilt, especially with a printed flannel.