Help in tieing a quilt
 

I am making a coverlet for a young man (age 10). I have the top done and want to sew it to the flannel back, then tie it. My question is how much of a seam allowance should I have when sewing the top to the back? A quarter inch does not seem right to me. I will then turn it right side out and tie it. Any ideas?

I would probably do a 1/2" or 3/4" seam. Are you wanting to avoid putting a binding on it? I just did my first tied quilt but I didn't birth it (which is what you are wanting to do on yours). I left my backing a little bigger than the top and pin basted then tied. I then bound it like all the other quilts I have made. I was afraid to birth it because I wouldn't know what to do if there was excess in the backing when I went to tie it.

What I do---------which is more for looks than anything is to sew at least an inch in. Then when turned, I top stitch the edges. With the double thickness it looks more like a pizza crust---------you know slightly heavier. IMO, it also helps kiddo GRAB the quilt--a bit of something to hold on to.

Might need to add a bit of border to make room for the wider seam.

Thanks for the ideas, I was on the right track. The top is a four patch with sashing and I have a 3 1/2 inch border as a frame. I was not sure what seam allowance to use to sew the top to the flannel backing, now I know and thanks again.

If you want some ideas when it comes to the actual tying process, Karen Griska came out yesterday with a great little PDF on tie ideas. I love the woolie ones :)
http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/2013...ses-today.html

I usually tie mine first and then bind them. I have done it two ways. Turn the excess over and sew or my favorite way is to sew the binding on with machine and hand sew.