When using a sheet or a 108 inch quilting backing, I always allow 5 inches beyond the end of the quilt. I can use the 5 inches for 5 inch squares and don't have the waste or aggrevation. If it does not come out straight, make strips or smaller squares from the excess.
Originally Posted by QultingaddictUK
I was finishing a throw for my Sister's sofa and was using a bed-sheet for the backing. It was too large so I clipped and ripped it down to a sensible size, layered spray basted. About half way down I noticed that I was running out of backing material on the right hand side, the one I line up with the edge of my table to get a straight edge, what had I done :oops: I used the seamed edge of the sheet NOT the one that I had ripped for a straight edge, so as the sheet was sewn crooked so was the seamed edge I was using :oops: :oops: :oops: did I feel stupid and annoyed, and as I had ironed the backing when sprayed I definitely wasn't going to re-layer it so now the backing has a seamed piece in it, thank goodness it is only a everyday sofa throw and the back won't be seen but a lesson learned, the hard way :thumbdown: