How to cut for backing fabric
 

Sometime ago there was a post about cutting and sewing together fabric backing so you don't have a straight seam across the middle. Can someone please share with me the instructions as I am unsure as to how to cut it. Thank you for all the knowledge This board
s members have given me! Happy sewing

I just measure the width of the back, add an extra 12 - 14 inches to give me 6 - 7 extra inches on each side and then divide that number by 3. That gives me the width measurement I need to cut three long strips from 45" wide fabric. The length matches the quilt top plus an added 12-14".
I then join the three lengths to give me a large enough backing with 2 seams. The seams are off center, look better than a center seam and share the wear.

Sometimes, when deciding on the width of my three backing lengths, I might make the center one a few inches wider than the two side lengths - depends on how much fabric I have and also on the printed design on the backing fabric.

Hope I explained this ok.......

I have never used it, but have a look at this site.

http://www.multi-patch.com/html/fabric_calc.php

Seems to me that you do not conserve any fabric, but maybe you do.

amh

[QUOTE=amh;5695733]I have never used it, but have a look at this site.

http://www.multi-patch.com/html/fabric_calc.php

Seems to me that you do not conserve any fabric, but maybe you do.

You do conserve fabric to a point. It depends on how wide the quilt is. This method is great for quilts going on a frame.
For being on a frame this works really good because you don't have the seam buildup. I do like doing backings this way.

So, what is wrong with having the seam go straight across the width of the back? I always do it this way and I quilt on a short arm on a frame. It actually helps you make sure the backing is straight when you roll it up on the bars. If you sew them straight up and down, you will get one or two spots that will be much thicker, and therefore more uneven, than if you do it side to side.

I use up the extra fabric from the front, I have done several strip, one seam down the middle, extra blocks and pieced. I have even appliqués shapes on the back. Whatever works for that quilt I do it!!

I've seen it where the backing was sewn down BOTH LONG SIDES like a tube. Then one of the pieces was cut DOWN THE MIDDLE of one of the panels. This way you have one panel in the center and half a panel on each side. You also don't really lose any fabric because you can trim the excess in long strips which can also double as binding strips.

I have put the full width of fabric, less selvedges and then add two equal pieces on each side. I have put the seam of two pieces down the center or across the center. I do my own quilting and doesn't bother me how I do it.

The tube is the way to go. Then cut down the middle of one.

Are you taking the quilt to a long arm quilter? If so a 1/2 inch horizontal seam pressed open with an extra 4 to 5 inches on each side is the best way to go. Do knot include the seam allowance. The extra fabric should be returned to you to add to your "stash" for another project.