Hello all -

We're not very adventurous after we've put a lot of time, money and effort into a quilt, but we finally got brave and tried the diagonal pieced back method. I had to go to a couple of different websites to make sure I was doing everything correctly, but I am so glad we tried this method!

The formula indicated I needed 2 yards of fabric, including lots of "fudge factor" that I built in to make sure I didn't mess up the back. I was sweating bullets while I cut it, but when we laid it out on the floor and started sliding those triangles it was like magic. I sewed them together and cut off the waste, and had to measure it 2 or 3 times to make sure it really was that easy.

The only thing I would do differently is to starch the area where I'm going to make the cut, and try to figure a way to get more of the fabric on the table so I don't have to move it so much while making the cut. I didn't get a perfect straight cut, but I think the quilting will hide any imperfections in the seam.

I got this one quilted tonight, but it isn't bound. I hope to have the full quilt posted tomorrow night.

BTW - here are the websites I used for reference:

http://flynnquilt.com/media/uploads/...onalpb1103.pdf

http://www.multi-patch.com/html/fabric_calc.php


Darren

That fabric is FABULOUS!!!

Sounds like John Flynn's method. Even on your fabric, it's hardly noticeable that it's pieced.

If that's the back, what's the front of the quilt look like? :mrgreen:

Ditto. Like to see the front.

Beautiful job! Great fabric.

I did not know this - now I have it bookmarked. Thank you.

How big is your quilt? the calculator keeps giving me rather large amounts of backing fabric needed. Love the fabric.

Wow - I am going to have to remember this. It looks like it will save a lot of over buying of fabric. How was it cutting the entire piece on the bias?

I am going to keep this method in mind. That backing is awesome. I really hope that you will post the front. I'm looking forward to seeing it!

What great fabric!!! Can barely see where the joined part is. Terrific job!!!

Love, love, love your fabric! I don't know what the diagonal piecing/flynn method is about--I guess I'm confused about what the purpose is. I went to your first link and started having flashbacks to my junior high algebra and geometry classes (and I'm 50-something years old). I'm going to have to do some Googling tomorrow--or better yet, come back to this feed and read all the excellent explanations that always come from the members of this board when someone has a question (hint, hint).

Wow, it seems hard to believe that it really works.

Have done Flynn's method more than once. It sure can save the day.

I have seen this method but never known anyone who has tried it. It looks so promising!

That is really interesting! I have not seen that before but will keep it in mind :)

I've also read about this, but never tried it. Thanks so much for posting. Your fabric looks so HAPPY!!!!

great job!!!!

Thank you for the feedback on this method :D:D:D

Ok - for all of you who are curious about this method, I would like to suggest that you try it at least once. If you use the calculator on the second link, and add one inch for the seam allowance, you can use the diagonal method to make a back if your top is less than 1.5 times the width of the backing.

I wish I had taken pictures of the process; I will do that next time. My back was 41" wide, and the top is 45" square. I thought this was a good candidate for this method since I really only needed a bit of extra width. Normally we would just split the backing fabric on the fold, and add extra blocks or fabrics from the leftovers from the front, and let that make up our shortage. We would have needed about 1.5 yards for that method. The calculator called for 2 yards, and I used almost all of it.

As far as the bias cut, it wasn't too bad. I will starch next time for sure. I had a bit of unevenness when I got the back together, but it quilted out pretty good. I'll let you guys tell me what you think when we post the quilt later tonight.

Grambi - the purpose of the method is to minimize the amount of backing fabric you need. Another benefit is that with a diagonal seam, you don't have a place on the quilting frame where the seam stacks up on top of itself and causes bunching. Since the seam is diagonal, it's distributed evenly across the width of the quilt.

Kim had an appointment this evening and she wants to do the binding, so the quilt isn't quite finished. As soon as she gets it done I'll post pictures front & back.

Darren

I usually do pieced (multiple fabrics) backs by choice, but that's an interesting point. I never thought of that - much less it being an issue on a LA. Thanks.

And I'm looking forward to seeing the front of the quilt!

OK Now I have to mark this too and follow up on FLynn's method. Yours is beautiful, no seams to see. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Isn't this method only for when you don't have enough width? Doesn't give more length, just width?

Hey all! I posted the pictures of the finished quilt here:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-130573-1.htm#3482587

Thanks for looking,

Darren

FANTASTIC !!!

Wow, I have two yards of 44" fabric and will have to add to the sides. Would this method fit my 47" square quilt if cut on the diagonal? I need to have extra fabric on the sides and bottom for my longarm quilter to be able to load on the frame. Love your quilt.

What the diagonal method does is:
Instead of having to buy 2 lengths for your backing, the diagonal only requires about 24" more than the length.
Saves fabric and John Flynn who introduced the method says the seam is stronger than a straight seam. And very little waste of fabric. Just the two triangle pieces that are cut off the end.

I love the fabric! I'll have to check into this method! Thanks for sharing.

We're from Spring Hill, TN, so love the UT colors. Great Job!!! We would love to have one just like this. Thanks for sharing.