Advice is needed. I have a king size flannel backing for a quilt. I seamed my 3 lengths together (40 inch wide each) without squaring each individual length. Now I've got a king size backing that needs squaring. I'm stumped. Help!
Welcome to the Quilting Board!
Advice is needed. I have a king size flannel backing for a quilt. I seamed my 3 lengths together (40 inch wide each) without squaring each individual length. Now I've got a king size backing that needs squaring. I'm stumped. Help!
Since it is backing I would just put a square on one selvage edge on the side and use the straight edge and extend the line. I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as the backing gives you 3 to 4 inches all around the quilt top. I would then square the whole quilt after quilting.
I agree with Tartan. Square it up after quilting it.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
My quilter requires the backings to be square so I need to square up the backing. I do square before binding. I ended up using a large 15 inch square ruler and my 8x24 ruler (Thanks Tartan) and squared it that way but not sure it is entirely square. Guess I'll go with what I have and see what she says.
Edited, it is at least the same length on both edges when folded in half so guess it will be OK. LOL!!
Oh boy, I hope you checked with your longarmer for how much excess she needs to load it on the rack. I can tell you I need more than 3" to 4" on every side. My minimum is 5" on every side but prefer 6" if I can get it. Additionally, many longarmers prefer all selvages be cut off. They are a different weave and weight and some react differently and can cause needle/tension issues. They also shrink differently so once washed an unsightly pucker could form.Originally Posted by dakotamaid
Last edited by feline fanatic; 08-04-2015 at 08:37 AM.
If you have a spot that you can lay it out completely, take a looong tape measure and measure the distance from point to point diagonally. If they are the same (or at least close) then your backing is square. This is a trick that my DH (a woodworker by hobby) taught me and I used it all the time.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll drag you down the their level and beat you with experience.
I do remove selvages when piecing backs from the center portion but always leave the two sides to prevent fraying but I quilt my own.
I know this will make a lot of people cringe but I rip my backing pieces, both lengthwise and crosswise.
I do this too! Perfectly square backing results. Fast and easy and no fussing with rulers and tapes and such. I use the method GingerK posted about for my quilt tops.
I love my life!
Ripping and squaring up after doing so will ensure your fabric itself is on grain.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote