How do you measure for backing on a quilt so you don't come up short on fabric?

We were discussing this in live chat and would love to have input from other quilters on this board. Thank you!

Craftybear

If you are sending your quilt to a LAer, have at least 3", preferably 4" extra all the way around. It gives us space to attach to our leaders, and room on the sides for clams.

Does this answer your question??

i agree

I measure across and add 10", and measure length and add 10". I figure my fabric at 40 inches wide (shrinkage) and then purchase the needed yardage plus a little extra. If I have a little left over I can always use it in another quilt. I never buy just what's called for because I sometimes make a mistake in cutting or sewing. Maybe that's why my stash keeps growing. LOL

I too do this.

If you really want to use a particular fabric but don't have quite enough to cut in half then stitch back together to make a wide back, there is a way you can cut the fabric on the diagonal to make it work. It's difficult to explain in this short space, but you can check out John Flynns web page where he explains it and provides instructions that you can print out. It might help you out sometime. The link here is to the home page. For the information on the diagonal cut technique, go to "John's workshop" then to "free lessons" and scroll down till you find it. You might also get a kick out of how he used a weedeater to make a rag-edge quilt.
http://flynnquilt.danemcoweb.com/