bearisgray

I would rather end up with left-overs than not-quite-enough - but if one is on a tight budget, it is nice to 'come out even'

LynnVT

Interesting discussion. As mckwilter mentioned, cutting borders from length adds a lot to the amount you need, however, we've had some discussions here that doing so sometimes makes quilts hang better. Also, it might depend on whether it's an allover pattern fabric, or a distinct up-and-down that will look very different if cut across. There is a lot to consider, and I agree that fabric really adds up, especially the backing!

ube quilting

I have used magazine cutting charts and there are generous cutting requirements but not so much that you would say you wasted your money. You get enough for shrinkage and straightening the fabric and then a mistake or two. I have never thought yardage charts to be overly generous.
peace

My friend measures every cutting requirement to the 1/4" and never buys more than she absolutly needs for a project. Then after her first mistake she runs around to every shop in the area looking for more fabric. She thinks she is being penny wise, I say.......... no scraps in her bag

judi wess

I agree with most of the posts. Most of the quilts I see in magazines are disign springboards for my quilts. When I find a quilt I like, I draw it on my EQ software and go by the yardage it indicates. Would always rather have more than needed than find myself short.

sewmany

Has your friend ever figured out how much gas it cost her by running around. gas is over $3 a gallon. might be cheaper to buy an extra half or yard of it. in addition, how much is her time worth.?

I am always kicking myself when i am short.

nancyw

I always wait to buy my backing after I finish the quilt. Most patterns don't call for enough for my LAQ's.

Latrinka

I don't know, but I always buy extra anyway, have been bummed too many times when I decide to make matching pillowcases or something, and can't get anymore of the fabric!

Patski-Mi.

I just got a magazine and it said that the yardage for the back of the quilt (90x101) is 8-1/4 yds. That seems like a lot of fabric to me. Maybe I'm missing something.

meanmom

I have found some patterns have you buy too much fabric and others you have just enough. I have done patterns where if you make a little mistake there is barely enough to fi it. I usually buy what they tell me to buy, just to be safe. I don't purchase my backing fabrics until I am ready for it. Then I use my scraps from the quilt up making a back. Sometimes There are almost enough leftovers from the quilt front. I am trying to use up some of my stash this year so I often dig in to it. I have been making some really pretty backs. Sometimes my back is just a giant version of one of the blocks from the front.

GingerK

I always tend to 'add a bit just in case too' It really comes in handy when I get a brainstorm and go off on a tangent or decide to enlarge the quilt. I have never met a pattern that I could not make more difficult . This also gives me the chance to make an audition block of the real fabrics. There have been times that I just hate one of the fabrics once the block is put together, or that a glaring error will raise its ugly head.

I also always measure and compare the yardage as soon as I get a kit. That is when shortages are really frustrating!!