osewme

I'm making a table topper that is 45" x 45" square. I'm trying to use fabric that I already have for the backing & I have a piece that is 2 yards. Before I start cutting on it I would like to know if it's enough to use for the backing of this topper. I did find the site below that show that I could cut the backing fabric on the diagonal but not sure if this is the best thing to do yet. I've never made a diagonal backing before. I'm not a math whiz & don't want to mess this up. Thanks for your suggestions.

http://www.multi-patch.com/html/fabric_calc.php

tessagin

45"x45" is 2025 sq. in. 42"x 72" is 3025 sq. in. I would think you should have enough. You would probably have to join. May depend on the pattern. I do not pretend to be a math whiz but seems like you should have enough.

dunster

I don't like cutting on the diagonal. That long diagonal seam can stretch and cause problems, and if you make a mistake while cutting it then it's hard to recover.

Whether you have enough to make the backing depends on what size (how much larger than the top) you need it to be. If you're quilting on your DSM you probably only want it to be 47x47, but if it's going on a longarm you may need it to be as large as 53x53.

Assuming you can use the 47x47 size, you can just cut the first piece to be 47xWOF, and then cut the remaining piece in half lengthwise, sew the pieces end to end, trim to 47" length, and sew that long piece to the original 47xWOF piece. You will then have a piece that's 47x about 60, which you can trim to the 47x47 that you want. If you need the backing to be bigger, say 50x50, the the side piece will have to have more seams, but it can still be done.

bearisgray

Or you can "improvise" and put a strip of coordinating fabric in the yardage so that it looks like a design element.

I recommend intentionally putting the added strip on one side instead of in the center. I find it challenging to center something that is on the back.

QuiltnLady1

I have used the Flynn method for diagonal cutting the backing with no problem. I do starch the backing to reduce diagonal stretch. Here is a link to a calculator to figure yardage:
http://www.multi-patch.com/html/fabric_calc.php and here is an explanation of how to do it :
https://kingdomquilters.files.wordpr...ynn-method.pdf

QuiltnNan

it's definitely enough fabric. it just depends how you want to cut it. i've used the diagonal cut just fine. the calculator is very handy

klswift

If you are challenged with numbers, go simple and not get frustrated! Just add a strip. But add it in a unique way, not just a piece down the middle or a border. I always add strips, pieces, blocks, something to my quilt backs just because I like the design elements. One a my favorite ways to make a square bigger (if fabric is not a one way design) is to cut it lengthwise at one third width. Add the strip size needed. The cut the piece in half and flip it around. Add another same size strip and sew together. Now your finished piece has 4 pieces (top part is 2/3 and 1/3, bottom half is 1/3 and 2/3). Hope you can visualize that. It is an easy way to make a piece a lot bigger without looking like you ran out of fabric!

Monika

Whenever I can, I use leftover fabric from the front to add to the back to resize however I need it resized. If I need to, I just use coordinating. With your two yards you can probably even get binding. dunster is right about how you are going to quilt it ..... makes a difference on how big the back needs to be.

Here is the back of my avatar quilt. I used scraps so I needed less of the gray.