This is the first time I've had this problem. My quilt back is about 6inches to short for my quilt, but I have about that much excess on each side. Do I cut the excess off and sew it to one end to make it long enough or just turn the top around the other direction which the quilt fits just perfect? Ill.below.

If the backing fabric is not directional I would turn the quilt so it fits. I have also taken a row of left over blocks and added it to the backing.

Just flip it around. By the time the quilting is done, that seam will be plenty secure.

It depends if you are quilting it yourself on your domestic machine or sending it to a professional longarm quilter... If you are doing it yourself then it will be fine to have a backing that fits your top perfectly, you'll just want to pin/baste it really well to ensure that it doesn't shift on you.

If you are sending it out to be quilted, most longarmers need a minimum of 6-8" wider & longer than the quilt top. Depends on the size of the quilt & how square your backing truely is. I would get a coordinating fabric & work it so that the backing has the same amount of it on either sides (or top/bottom) so that the quilt can be centered on it & then it looks like it was meant to be that way.

Hope this helps.

I agree, if the backing is not directional, just turn it around.

How big is the quilt?

If it is too big, you may want to add a row of different fabric somewhere in the middle to give it that extra length. The reason is that for big quilts, the process of quilting will draw the backing and batting up a couple of inches & if your backing fits perfectly before you start quilting, you may find it ends up being smaller than your top once the quilting is done. If it is a wall hanging or something smaller, I wouldn't worry about it and I would just flip the fabric around to fit perfectly.

You need the backing to be bigger then the quilt top. If it fits exactly it won't be enough to quilt it. If you are turning the quilt it will be okay to be the same size.

i don't see what difference it makes whether the back fabric is directional. it's the back.

turn the quilt. if you don't have a few extra inches on all four sides, just add another strip of matching or coordinating fabric to each of the four sides.

badumpum. :wink:

Thanks for all the advice. I will be quilting it by hand myself. The quilt is twin size, and I will be using my "little Gracie" for the first time. I've decided to flip it around. It will give me plenty of extra on all sides that I will need. I'll be sure and let everyone know how it turns out along with pictures. This is my train quilt for my youngest grandson. Hope to have it finished by his birthday in April.
Again Thanks to all of you. You all are so great!!! Don't know what I'd do without you input every so often.

I haven't used a Grace frame but I have several friends who have one. After you start quilting, make sure to check the tension on the back of the quilt, just to be sure. I've watched my friends sit at our quilting bee and tear out the stitching to an entire quilt because the tension on the back wasn't right. :( Just thought I'd point this out, just in case.