I want my backing to be at least 76x76 inches and bigger will be better (this includes the extra for putting on my longarm) I have 6 1/8 yards of quilting fabric.

My brain has completely broken. I can't for the life of me remember how to piece AND square my backing. I find plenty to tell me how to piece it and such, but none that tell me how to piece it and square it up before I load on my machine.

I have searched the internet, here, youtube. None of them have a K.I.S.S. method that I can wrap my head around.

Please help me, I am just having a major, MAJOR brain hiccup.

Thanks so much!

Measure off 7 ft cut and then do it again. TKe the second piece and cut up the crease , center line. This will give you two pieces roughly 22" x 84". Sew one of these to each side of the first piece lengthwise. You will end up with a backing of 84" x 84, square.

do I square up each piece before sewing togther and then again after sewing together? or after it is all sewn together would be good?

sorry for double post. accidentally hit update twice.

if you cut it at 7 ft. twice- then split one- sew together- as hobo2000 instructed- it will be square-
no further trimming should be needed until after the quilting is done

i would tare the fabric then you know it is on the grain and should be square.

So would you tear the salvages off and taer the 40 in ends before piecing? I've only used the tearing once.

you can tare or cut the selvedge. It depends on my mood and purpose of the piece and amount of cleared space on the cutting table. I usually tare when I want to make sure the fabric is on grain. And it depends on the pattern. If the pattern design in the fabric is very directional and structured - such as hortzontal stripes, I would cut the ends to make sure the pattern is straight on the back.

Thanks a bunch! Its is paisley (medium sized) so pretty forgiving.

Will you be happier with the end result if you match the pattern?