Originally Posted by
elly66
I have seen so many wonderful quilt backs here that utilized spare blocks or designs in the quilt back using other fabrics. Does anyone know of a book or site that would help me learn how to do this?
I guess I'm not sure what knowledge you think you lack. Pieced quilt backs are, in my opinion, simplified quilts made with leftover blocks and fabrics. Make a quilt, then make another one that is 8" larger on both sides and utilizes your leftovers, and there you have your backing fabric. In my opinion, you already have the knowledge, you just need the confidence to do it.
Originally Posted by
germanquilter
Do they (longarmers) find pieced backs cumbersome since they have to be more careful lining them up on their machines?
Well, you're assuming they
have to line them up. They don't
have to, although some will try.
My longarmer doesn't find pieced backings cumbersome at all. Some longarmers will ask that if you do piece a back with a very long seam, you have the seam run horizontal as it sits on the frame, instead of vertical. This is because if a seam is vertical, it will eventually make a large lump on the rollers and could potentially throw off the tension.
However, in that instance we're talking about one long seam. Pieced backings with leftover fabrics and blocks are a different story, because the seams are all over the place.
Check with your longarmer to see what she/he prefers.