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charity-crafter 09-30-2011 10:24 AM

Oh, I thought it was going to be a topic about chickens. How disappointing.

QuiltE 09-30-2011 01:54 PM


Originally Posted by chickiez
Thanks all!! I am new to posting so not sure about how to go about it like you ladies do. I'm learning though, with your help!! Thanks again for all the info.
Chickie Z.

I knew you were newer ... thus why I gave you the hint, for future threads.

MaryAnnMc 10-01-2011 04:42 AM

I was looking for chickens, too, but this turned out to be a very helpful thread. I'm taking notes on piecing large quilt backs. Might as well get it right the first time. Thanks, Everyone!

mjsylvstr 10-01-2011 07:14 AM

I would think about 3 1/4 yards ...that would give you a 4 1/2" overlap on top and bottom

...BUT...

you would need a strip down each side also. Perhaps something that is on the top of your quilt could be added....

Just a thought.....

ShirlinAZ 10-01-2011 08:04 AM

I usually plan (if I plan at all) to have extra blocks or strips that match the top just to add to the back. If you don't have extra from the top you can add your strips with extra backing fabric. Buy 4 yards of the backing. Cut 2 12" strips and sew together end to end. Then sew those strips onto the side of the 3 1/4 yard piece. Don't forget to cut your selvages off so they are not part of your seams. It won't be as pretty as MTS method, but it will work. Whe I need to piece the back I try to do something similar to MTS, but it's not always feasible.

gypsylady5 10-01-2011 08:27 AM

3 yards

wvdek 10-01-2011 08:40 AM


Originally Posted by charity-crafter
Oh, I thought it was going to be a topic about chickens. How disappointing.

Lol, I thought the same. Thought we would see pics of little chicks.
That said, I hope someone was able to answer your original question. I don't like piecing backs with different fabrics, just my personal choice. I like to take three pieces, one for the middle and one down each side of that, seamed together and cut to size.

valerieolm 10-01-2011 11:06 AM


Originally Posted by MTS
oops, actually, I had really intended to upload this image instead.
sorry.

The first cut can go either way, but the main goal being to keep the seams away from the center or quarter-line in either direction - as these are most commonly used to fold a quilt.

This reply has taught me so much! My quilting instructor never told me why she didn't like to put seams down the middle of the quilt. Had she explained it as you did, I could convince my Mom not to sew two pieces of fabric together vertically for the back. Will pass this on to her with hopes she'll reconsider her backing.

Tinabug 10-01-2011 01:43 PM

Each post usually has something new or interesting that I learn about.

JanieH 10-01-2011 02:56 PM


Originally Posted by MTS
Yep, what they all said (about posting location).

I could write a whole thing about how to buy, cut and attach an extra .75 yard of the same fabric so it would be large enough.

But maybe you're better off just buying 120" backing fabric.

Most is 108" wide, but if you Google it, you'll find it. Not as great a selection as 108", but they are out there.

Here's a white one (on sale):
http://www.crafttownfabrics.net/cgi-...b_ri_wht_5115r

Personally, I'd piece the back - buy the 3 yards of the 108" backing you like, and then pick an additional one or two fabrics that compliment it - maybe used in the making of the quilt top. Or use up all the scraps you have left over (blocks, fabric pieces).

If you piece as in the diagram - it's just two cuts - you don't have to worry about seams down the center or too near the edges. It's purposely off center. You have to add at least 8" to the dimensions, might as well make them pretty.

Great visual and idea - thanks a lot!


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