Need to make a quilt backing 72 x 88/ how many yards of fabric do I need? (that is the size of my top and need to add extra for backing)

I would buy 6 yards. That would make my backing
approx 80" x 108" (right?)!

I'd buy 5 1/2 yds.

I'd cut it into 2 even pieces 42 x 99". I would wash it, then press and seam the long 99" seam.

You'd end up with a backing approx 82 x 98" after shrinkage, which should be plenty of room even for loading on a longarm machine.

I agree with 5 1/2 yards...as long as you don't need any extra for binding

good point about the binding. I figured on a minimum of 92" x2 = 184" divide by 36" = 5.11 yards.

I recently learned (probably here) that you sew the two length together in a tube (both sides, fabric-sides-together). Then you cut the tube open down one center. This will split the backing and you will have a nice even amount on the side of the center piece.

Thanks so much you guys! 5.5 it is!

Trying to figure out how to make the tube, do you sew the cut ends together or the selvage ends, then how do you cut the tube? I'm tryint to figure it out but if I sew the ends together then cut it aren't I just doubling the width? I guess I need to see it done cause I just ain't getting it

:roll: :roll: :roll:

It doesn't have to be a tube. You can cut the yardage into two equal pieces. Take one of the pieces and cut it in half down the middle (each piece will have a cut edge and a selvedge edge). Sew the narrower pieces one to each side of the wide piece. The wide piece will be in the middle, the two narrower pieces on each side.

Here's an example. You buy 6 yards of fabric. Cut it into two 3-yard pieces. Take one of those pieces and slice it down the center so you have two pieces that are 21-inches wide and 3 yards long.. The 42-inch wide piece will be in the middle; one 21-inch side piece will get sewn to each side of it.

If cutting and seaming yardage is driving you crazy, go buy a colour co-ordinated queen size sheet. You can often find good quality cotton sheets for less than $10. We've had the sheet discussion on this board several times and many quilters use sheets quite happily. I just finishing a quilt for my daughter that I machine quilted with a sheet and it has worked out just fine. I used a King sized sheet and I have enough left over for a matching pillow case to store it in. The pillow case will also double as the gift bag when she gets it on her birthday.

I have the pdf file for this showing the pictures of how to do it. I wanted to put the link on this post but I can not find it. Send me a private message with your email address if you would like a copy of the pfd file. I will be happy to send it. Maybe someone else kept the link. (My bad!)