I was told that if you pressed yoour seam to the side instead of open, it could withstand more stress. Also, on your backing it is better if you have to sew 2 pieces together to make it wide enough, you should put a solid piece in the middle and split the other one and sew to each side because most of the stress happens in the middle. I don't know if this is actually true, but that is why I do it. :thumbup: