Need Help With Diagonal Pieced Backing
 

I read a post in the last week or so about someone that pieced their backings with a diagonal strip inset and I really liked that idea. The picture shows my result. How do I make the strip I cut in half come out even instead of offset like this. I am going to go ahead and use this on a scrap quilt I have just done, but would like to know how to measure to make it come out even. Thanks to anyone who can help me.

That is pretty. it looks good to me. joyce j

I like the offset look

This isn't exactly what you are looking for. It's the Flynn method for making a diagonal pieced back. Maybe after you cut the fabric on the diagonal you can add a strip before rejoining the pieces? He gives calculations for fabric amounts.
http://www.flynnquilt.com/workshop/FreeLessons/

i don't know the answer to your question, but i feel that the way you've already done it is just fine!

I don't think you can, unless you have *lots* of fabric. One basic step in diagonal pieced backings is - you cut the diagonal and then slide one half up (or down) to gain the width. This will automatically offset any cross-pieces in your backing. I think the only way to get the effect you wanted would have been to cut the check fabric on the angle. Place the other fabrics, and carefully measure where to put the orange on each half of the check. Then sew all the bits together. It probably still wouldn't be perfect, but you could get close.

In the future - I'd go with just one direction of diagonals. Then you won't have this problem.

To Kristakz: Thanks for your suggestions. I didn't know how to measure so I had to cut it in two again to get the correct width! Maybe I will play with some paper cutouts for a while.

Maybe this will help with future calculations for diagonal piecing - I wrote a tutorial a few months ago http://kristaquilts.blogspot.ca/2012...d-backing.html

Doesn't address the double cross however.

I used the diagonal piecing method for the first time and it worked out great. I liked that this site has a calculator to determine how much fabric you need as my old brain is completely math-challenged lately. http://www.multi-patch.com/html/fabric_calc.php Just make sure when you cut off the "ears" that you open the fabric up completely before cutting ~ ask me how I know!! :o

I still don't have the hang of this. I used John's calculator and it came out needing more fabric than I'd I did it the regular way.