Originally Posted by GAgal
My question is really about the backing size. I have read many places that LA want the batting and backing to be 4" bigger on all sides.
So can it still be done if the backing is 6" bigger on the length instead of 8"?
My backing is short 2" after squaring it up. Can I sew an odd piece of fabric on one end that will get trimmed off later? Or is there another cure besides buying more fabric?
BTW this is only a crib-size top. Thanks for your help. Just want to get it right!
It is totally up to what your longarmer is requiring. As long as I have at least a very minimum of 1 to 2 inches on all four sides then I can make it work on my machine. I am not saying that is all that I prefer but I can make it work. The reason for the backing to be larger than the top is that is how the quilts are secured to the longarm machine and the tension straps on the side. If there isn't enough fabric to secure everything with then you run into problems. Plus you have to remember sometimes quilt tops aren't square and if you think you have enough room allowed at the top for both sides down then by the time you do quilt down to the bottom you might not have any fabric left on one side but twice as much on the opposite side. Hopefully, this will make sense to you. On a crib size quilt you don't have to worry as much as you do with a larger quilt top.
I would recommend talking with your LA and chances are she/he might agree to the size of backing without you having to add anything especially since it is just a crib size top.
Good luck and look forward to seeing pictures when it is all done,
Sherryl
Candlequilter