Backing Fabric
 

I prefer the wide fabrics for backing but they are not always available. When you stitch regular width fabric together for backs do you make your seams lengthwise or crosswise? Thank you

I've done it both ways. It depends on the size of the quilt and how much fabric I have. I just try to put the seams so they're not exactly in the middle.

For smaller quilts, I frequently use the John Flynn technique and make a diagonal quilt back (it doesn't create the bulk where the back seams happen to be in the same place as the seams of the top). Here is a link to a site that has the calculator for fabric and some diagrams to follow:
http://www.multi-patch.com/html/diag...calculator.php

For larger quilts (since 63" is the widest you can make from 43" fabric), I either use the wide fabric or I piece the back randomly (think large blocks and wide sashing).

If I have 45 inch for the back I cut the length I need and then figure how wide i need the back.I split the 45 in half and that would be 22 1/2 inches which it i sew on to the 45 inch I now have 66 width. If I still need it wider I could add 221/2 to the other side of the 45 and now we have 87 and 1/2 in width for the quilt. The would give you 44 inch and 22inch sewen on each side. Two seams.

Either wy, depending on whether I'm making the backing from scraps or from two pieces of the same fabric.

My method or direction of seam would depend on the backing fabric. Which way would it look best eg directional pattern.

If you are having your quilt longarm quilted horizontal seams are best, they lay straight along the take up bar, when vertical they build up turn after turn causing a lot of bulk in the center and floppy edges. If quilting by hand or with your domestic machine they can go either direction.

I cut the length I need, then cut it again lengthwise, not in the center, off center. I then add a vertical stripe of either leftover blocks or coordinating fabric. It provides interest and makes the seam look like it was meant to be.

I use this method when I don't have wide backing.

I have done it both ways and frequently piece my backs with some leftover blocks or designs with leftover front fabrics to add interest to the back. My long arm quilter says it doesn't matter to her.