Is it crucial?
08-30-2013, 02:09 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Thornton, Colorado
Posts: 1,023
I have done quilts where the backing was barely more than two inches around, sometimes less. If it is a must to have inches for the backing and you don't have quite enough, just add strips of muslin to the backing to make up the difference.
09-01-2013, 08:25 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 570
I'm new at quilting, and am making a quilt for my new grand-daughter to be...I've finished the top and it measures 38 1/4 X 44 1/4 exactly. Per instructions, my backing needs to be cut at least 3" larger than the quilt on all sides... My backing piece (what's left of it) only measures 41" x 51 1/4". Obviously, although the backing is bigger, it doesn't equate to 3" inches on the 2 sides of the quilt. I'm assuming that the 3" requirement has to do with the quilting - meaning maybe it draws up during the quilting process? I don't want to have to go buy more material for this small amount.....how crucial is it? Thanks for any advice...
09-01-2013, 10:25 AM
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
You should have plenty of fabric, lay the backing down, right side down, then add batting and quilt top. I would tape the backing fabric down to prevent it from shifting, pin well and you should be fine. Another method would be "burping" the quilt, but I don't think I can explain it well enough for you, so you might check on-line. I have seen episodes of Alex Anderson where she has used this method for baby quilts, but there are others I'm sure.
09-01-2013, 12:49 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 2,879
You don't need a lot extra, but it's hard to line it up exactly, so to protect yourself from quilting along only to find the back doesn't meet the top, I leave extra backing around the edges so I can see it and KNOW that my backing is big enough. If you are sending it out to be long armed, then follow the instructions she gives you regarding the size of the back.
09-01-2013, 01:36 PM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
You should have plenty of fabric, lay the backing down, right side down, then add batting and quilt top. I would tape the backing fabric down to prevent it from shifting, pin well and you should be fine. Another method would be "burping" the quilt, but I don't think I can explain it well enough for you, so you might check on-line. I have seen episodes of Alex Anderson where she has used this method for baby quilts, but there are others I'm sure.
09-02-2013, 01:29 PM
#20
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Magnolia, TX
Posts: 67
Thanks to everyone who responded! You've eased my anxiet! I'll be quilting it myself, just mostly stitch in the ditch, etc. I'm not anywhere near to fmq yet! but hope to before too long. I love this board!!
but hope to before too long. I love this board!!
