If a quilt top measures 61 X 72, how much fabric will I need for the backing? I don't know why I struggle with this! HELP!!!! Is there a math formula that I can use?

Thanks in advance for your help. When you are self taught and don't have a partner close by to work with it is tough at times! Especially if you are a visual learner like me! :shock:

I think of it this way -- a yard is 36 by 44 so 2 yards would get you the 72" side and another 2 yards will get you the 61" side. But you will need a little extra. Think about dividing the quilt into 36 by 44 blocks. I would get 4 1/2 yards and you will have some left over. Hope that makes sense.

I posted to your other thread re the quantity.

Here's a hint for another time. I still sit down with pen and paper and draw the back of my quilt with measurements. Then from that, draw the lines where I will seam the fabric to determine my quantities needed.

Just always be sure to allow for seam allowances and cutting off the selvedges ... and that the backing needs to be wider than the front. That amount varies depending on what each quilter requires.

Also, be careful, as widths of cottons vary ... which could leave you short, if you're not careful.

I just grab my handy "Patchwork Minus Mathwork" book by Linda Causee and look it up. It is a really good investment. 5 3/4 yards.

The length of the quilt + 6" x 2. And yes, you will have extra for your stash. :-

This is how I do it, too if I have to piece the back. I try to use as little fabric as possible and make do with whatever I have in my stash. For more special quilts, I will buy the wide backings & have also used sheets. I hate piecing backings but I hate wasting fabric even more!

My FabriCalc says 4.5 yards.

And if its going to be Long Arm Quilted remember to add at least 4-6 extra inches all around.

Do you have some of the front fabrics leftover ... piece them together, rather than putting them into your stash.