How much backing fabric do I need?

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05-03-2011, 07:24 PM

#11

AndiR

Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: S. Dakota

Posts: 512

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenni M

If a quilt top measures 61 X 72, how much fabric will I need for the backing? I don't know why I struggle with this! HELP!!!! Is there a math formula that I can use?

Regular width fabric is about 42" wide, so when you sew two widths of it together you will have about 84", which will give you enough for the length.

You will need two times the width of the quilt top (61" ) plus extra for shrinkage if you wash it and extra around the edges if it's going to be longarm quilted. So, (61"+8" ) x 2 = 138" / 36" = 3.83 - I would round up to 4 yards.

05-03-2011, 07:27 PM

#12

Jenni M

Senior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Portsmouth, Ohio

Posts: 552

You all are awesome! I appreciate the help so much!

05-03-2011, 08:24 PM

#13

Jan in VA

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.

Posts: 8,562

Quote:

Originally Posted by nursie76

My FabriCalc says 4.5 yards.

I agree with this calculation.

Jan in VA

05-04-2011, 06:19 AM

#14

Cris

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Warrenville, IL

Posts: 2,009

I am not a math wizard either and need all the help I can get. Someone on this board posted:
www.victorianaquiltdesigns.com
I printed off a backing and a binding calculator sheet. Also printed a cutting strips and squares calculator.

05-04-2011, 06:30 AM

#15

ScubaK

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2007

Location: South Puget Sound, Wa. State

Posts: 2,462

Do you have an iPhone? There is a nifty app from Robert Kaufman/Quilters Paradise called QuiltingCalc (The Quilters Little Helper.
This says for 61x72", with fabric 42" wide, 3" overage. The seam running lengthwise...you will need 4 3/8 yards of fabric.
Hope this helps. Anymore questions, just ask!
Kirsten