Sadiemae

I would not argue either. I would ask her to come in and show me how she can make it large enough with 2 yards. She won't be able to...

bearisgray

And these scraps would come from where?

memepat

It sounds like mom and the Joann's employee have never quilted and do not understand how the yardage is being used. Poor child...

Holice

I would ask them to get whatever amount will be needed for the border.............since it should match the rest of the top...

and then tell them to get sufficient amount for the backing of fabric of their choice.

You still need to get the borders. Since you assumed to use the 1/2 width strip for the borders, which is the right amount, they don't understand the calculations.

Your calculations for this are correct.

Cris

Ok the backing calculator from http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.com/ says:
Length: 64 up to 80 inches wide, you need 4 yards.
To calculate: length x 2 + 16"

Furza Flyin

If it is a matter of cost, She can go to the discounted fabric section in Joanns or even Walmart. She could use a cotton sheet for the backing as well. She just wouldnt have the borders.

Plumtree

Thank you all, glad to know I am not out of my mind here. Math is not my strong suit so when mine gets questioned I get nervous.
I will not change the pattern because I would then have to change it for the rest of the class, which isnt' fair to me or the girls that have all ready purchased fabric. I realize now that this lap quilt will be a bit big and the next group it will be sized down a bit, I'm learning too. I just didn't like the way I felt after reading this email and wanted to make sure my math and thinking were on the same path.

Happy Quilting
Tammy

Sadiemae

Sometimes you just can't please everyone.

nycquilter

I did quilts for my DD's class project for the annual auction. One woman always questioned my quantities. What was her expertise? Her FIL was in the schmata (that's Yiddish for "rags") business. I offered to let her take over. No, she couldn't because...guess what...she couldn't quilt. She is also the woman who saw the kids' handprints for the back and told me (sight unseen) the quilt was not colorful enough. So, stick to your guns. You are making this a project where teh kids have success. Not frustration. Not failure. Do what you know. If there is extra, which will be a half-width or so of each piece, make a charity quilt for whatever charity the kids choose. You'll have enough for a front and back that way. A king quilt takes about 10-11 yards. NO less. if the quilt is 108x108, that is three yards wide by three yards long. You do not want your backing shorter than the quilt. You want to have some extra room. One yard split three ways (across the three strips) is only 12", that's 6" on top and 6" on bottom and 6" on each side and more work that way too.

susie-susie-susie

I agree, ask her to show you how she can cover the back with 2 yards. It can't be done. I think piecing the back will make it too complicated for the girls. They are just beginners and it is sometimes hard to get the backing to lay flat when it is pieced. Ask the mother how many quilts she has made. I'll bet between the sales girl at JA's and her the number is zero. JMHO
Sue