How do you calculate yardage needed for backing?
01-07-2020, 12:45 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Sunny Florida
Posts: 4,422
I use an app on my phone called Quilting Calc. It also does borders and bindings estimates.
Before cutting, I will put pins as markers to make sure there is enough fabric. You need to know the amount of extra fabric needed if you use a long-arm quilter.
If the fabric has a large repeat, you will need extra for matching the repeat on the seams.
When I seam the two fabric widths, I make sure the selvage is running on the same side of both pieces. Meaning that it runs on the "left" side of piece # 1 and then on the "left" side of piece # 2. I want the design to run across the two pieces especially for directional prints.
If the selvage is on the "right", it goes on the "right side of both seamed pieces. Hope that helps!
Before cutting, I will put pins as markers to make sure there is enough fabric. You need to know the amount of extra fabric needed if you use a long-arm quilter.
If the fabric has a large repeat, you will need extra for matching the repeat on the seams.
When I seam the two fabric widths, I make sure the selvage is running on the same side of both pieces. Meaning that it runs on the "left" side of piece # 1 and then on the "left" side of piece # 2. I want the design to run across the two pieces especially for directional prints.
If the selvage is on the "right", it goes on the "right side of both seamed pieces. Hope that helps!
01-07-2020, 03:43 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 835
Originally Posted by Rhonda K
I use an app on my phone called Quilting Calc. It also does borders and bindings estimates.
Before cutting, I will put pins as markers to make sure there is enough fabric. You need to know the amount of extra fabric needed if you use a long-arm quilter.
If the fabric has a large repeat, you will need extra for matching the repeat on the seams.
When I seam the two fabric widths, I make sure the selvage is running on the same side of both pieces. Meaning that it runs on the "left" side of piece # 1 and then on the "left" side of piece # 2. I want the design to run across the two pieces especially for directional prints.
If the selvage is on the "right", it goes on the "right side of both seamed pieces. Hope that helps!
Before cutting, I will put pins as markers to make sure there is enough fabric. You need to know the amount of extra fabric needed if you use a long-arm quilter.
If the fabric has a large repeat, you will need extra for matching the repeat on the seams.
When I seam the two fabric widths, I make sure the selvage is running on the same side of both pieces. Meaning that it runs on the "left" side of piece # 1 and then on the "left" side of piece # 2. I want the design to run across the two pieces especially for directional prints.
If the selvage is on the "right", it goes on the "right side of both seamed pieces. Hope that helps!
01-07-2020, 06:33 PM
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 165
As a Long Arm quilter, it is easiest to make the the seams on backing horizontal and 1/2” wide. An additional 3” minimum (4” is better) allows for the attachment of clamps. Using blocks or combined pieces of fabric to create the right width is fine but again, 1/2” seams with a small stitch length and pressed open. These are easier to keep flat and lay smooth. Quarter inch seams pressed to one side create added bulk and can flip over the opposite direction halfway across. I use yardages for most of my own quilts. If it’s large I get 3 widths. Often the extra is used for binding.
01-08-2020, 05:33 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Yorkville, IL
Posts: 7,639
I use the Robert.Kaufman app on my phone! I don’t love wide backing as a rule and I use yardage from my stash for the backing. It is easy to measure width and length and make sure to include seam allowances. I make my backs 8 to 12” wider than length and width.
01-08-2020, 09:31 AM
#17
Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 4
Originally Posted by Christine-
I am making a quilt top that will be 88” x 90”, how do I calculate the amount of yardage needed to make backing for it? I don’t want to buy wide backing, I want to use yardage I have on hand.
01-08-2020, 02:10 PM
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 141
As I'm the type of person who never uses a top sheet... that's what I use for my quilt backs unless its a baby quilt. Then all that great fabric doesn't just collect dust in my linen closet.
The other thing I do sometimes it to use UFO blocks in my backing. It helps stretch yardage too and uses up blocks you wouldn't normally use.
The other thing I do sometimes it to use UFO blocks in my backing. It helps stretch yardage too and uses up blocks you wouldn't normally use.
01-08-2020, 03:17 PM
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Outside St. Louis
Posts: 38,190
I quilt on my Juki TL98QE 9" throat machine. The way I sandwich my layers I only allow 1-1/2" all around. I have been using up lots of my stash and now usually buy wide backings. I donate or give away most of my quilts and wide backings speed up the quilt making.
01-08-2020, 03:26 PM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,092
Here's a link to a website I use to calculate backings, bindings, etc.
http://www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/Calculators.php
http://www.quiltersparadiseesc.com/Calculators.php
