Help with backing calculations
 

I am finishing a top that is 48x57. I found a fabric in my stash that is in two pieces, one piece is 2 yards, the other is 1 yard. I only need 2 0r 3 inches extra on each side. Can someone please help me figure out if I can use this fabric for the backing and if so, how would I do that. I am sure that some of you math experts here can help me. If not I do have another fabric that will easily fit. Any help will be appreciated! I do have the Robert Kaufman app that calculates yardage but I don't think it tells me the info I need for this.

Is the backing fabric directional? Are you quilting it or sending to LA?

Rhonda K- the fabric is not directional and I will quilt on my dsm, so I don't need more than 2 or 3 inches overage.

I would cut the shorter piece in half lengthwise and sew the shorter ends together. Then sew this to the 2 yard piece. Might not be the preferred way for some but I make due with what I have

48x57 = 2,736 sq inches in your pieced top
48+5=53 57+5=62
53x62=3,286 sq inches with 2.5" added for each side
3 yards = 3x36= 108 inches length
108x42= 4,536 sq inches of backing material

The fun thing is now, how to cut the fabric. I go simplistic. I would use the 2 yard long, 72" piece lengthwise across the 62 inch. (You should have an extra 10 inches.) Then I would take the 1 yard piece and cut it in half, as in 2 pieces that are 36" long x 22". Sew the 36" length together, and now you have a piece that is almost 2 yards long x 22" wide to sew to the original 2 yard piece. After sewing this new pieced backing fabric should be about 71" x 64". Now you can trim to the size you want to cover your pieced top which is 53"x62" which includes the 2.5" on each side.

Check my math carefully before you cut. I'm a quilter and I am not perfect.

You could get creative with the second fabric and incorporate it into a step pattern on the back.

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Ooo! I love creative backing!

I would skip the math because... hello? It’s math! I’d keep the 2 yd piece intact but cut down by “eyeballing” the amount you need with overhang plus a little for shrinkage that happens when you quilt.

I’d cut the 1 yd piece in half lengthwise and sew the short ends together. Then I’d sew a contrasting strip between them for visual interest, even though it’s not mathematically necessary. Then trim around the perimeter, leaving yourself the needed overhang for sandwiching.

Take my advice with a very big grain of sAlt. i’d rather waste a little fabric than a lot of time doing math! LOL

What a pretty idea! Thanks for showing :thumbup:

Thanks ladies for the info. I ended up using a 3 1/2 yd piece that I had originally purchased for this little quilt. It works fine. I just got distracted by the other pieces but couldn't really get into making it work. Thanks again for your help. Zozee, you made me laugh! My thought exactly- math, no thanks. Gives me a headache!