So, I've been reading the threads about how to piece the back. My quilt top is 65 x 65. I bought 4 yards of fabric and cut it in half. I was going to sew them together and then put it on the back with the WOF on one side and the balance to finish it off. My thinking was that would use 45 WOF plus 30 and I would be left with a 15 inch strip for future use. I was reading where a lot of folks use the 45 WOF down the middle and cut the 2nd piece in half for either side. Either way avoids a seam down the middle. Is it really going to make that much difference which way I do it? This is the only my 2nd quilt top and I have yet to try to complete the first one, so essentially, this is my first quilt. I don't want to be discouraged when I'm finished as I'm really hoping to use and enjoy this quilt. I want to make a good choice from the experience of all the wonderful folks on the board. Thanks!

Personally, I don't care if I have a seam down the middle. I did use the diagonally pieced method for one quilt and if you are trying to save as much fabric (for other projects) as possible, it's the way to go. I'll see if I have a link.

When I piece a backing on a smaller quilt, I start with a WOF piece squared - after trimming off selvage. Then I add borders on all four sides to get the needed dimensions for the pieced backing. The idea is not to have a seam down the middle of the backing as that is where you ususlly fold a quilt & it gets more wear there.

It's not on the flynn site anymore, that I could find, but here's a pdf link:
http://www.flynnquilt.com/media/uplo...onalpb1103.pdf

and this blog post explains it a bit:
http://pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/2009...-flynn-method/

It's a matter of preference. If you can piece it with one seam and don't mind how it looks, go for it! I will often use leftover blocks or strips to divide my 2 pieces, especially if it's a large print that I don't want to match. Plus it ads interest.

Most of the time I run a seam down the middle. I use my quilts frequently and never noticed any stress on a center seam. I think if you quilt it enough it shouldn't be an issue. There are a lot of people who disagree with this, but that's how I often do it. :)

Pieced backs add so much to the look of the quilt. Really adds interest.

thanks Gale

Thanks for the replies! That diagonal looks interesting and I may try that sometime. Not sure I'm up to it for this one. I just added a picture of the background fabric. I don't think it is going to be that noticeable to have one seam off center. I thought the quilt top was the hard part with all the decisions to make! lol

The diagonal takes some thinking and plenty of space to lay it out, but it isn't hard. I'm a ditz and I managed without messing it up. I had no choice-I bought my backing fabric based on that.

I pieced a backing for the first time and used the tube method. it was easy.

http://www.reddawn.net/quilt/backings.htm

I have a top finished and wasnt sure how to piece the back either, I was waiting to go to LQS to ask now I can save a trip.

I've done two just lately that I loved. I do a strip, either vertical or horizontal, with extra pieces from the front. This stretches the backing enough to save some. And I love the interest that it adds to the back.

I also love the wide batik fabrics (106-108" wide). MaryJos in NC had it for right around $13 a yard. I have also used that so there is no seam at all.

But I really do like the simple piecing the best!

Do what you feel comfortable with, otherwise, if youare like me, you get overwhelmed & put it into the do it later pile/box- finish your quilt so you can say I DID IT!
Good luck

I won't add to what everyone else has said, I just want to say - Wow! that fabric is really prettty! :)

it really only makes a difference how you piece your back if you are going to have the quilt (long-arm quilted) if that is the case it is better to have the seam running horizontal instead of vertical. when there is one seam running from top to bottom no matter where, middle or off set it builds up when the quilt is loaded on the bars causing the sides to be (floppy) but if the seam runs side to side then the seam lays nice and flat along the bar, no build up of layers to cause problems. but if you are quilting it on a home machine it doesn't make much difference how you put it together.

This is the method I prefer and it is easy even for large quilts.

The idea is not to have a seam down the middle of the backing as that is where you ususlly fold a quilt & it gets more wear there.

I totally agree with this. A quilt my grandmother made split at the seam down the middle - how sad. Plus, it's not that much trouble to do it right.

Wow now my eyes are crossed. When I piece a back I do not use a diagional.

this is the one I use as well.

I say do whatever works for you and is the easiest. I don't think one way works better than another. I think people used to offset the seam because of the looser stitches years ago but with the modern machines and the close-together stitches I think a seam down the middle holds up well.

Why is this link not working for me? Can someone help please?

WOF ??????

Width of fabric. Meaning selvedge to selvedge.

I got the link. Tks anyway. :)

I use the Flynn method with the diagonally pieced back when I am using only one material for the backing. It really looks nice.

When I use different materials I just do a pieceworked backing. I just play around with various rectangles and squares and such til I like what I see. I have used graph paper or EQ6 very rarely as it just seems to flow and work.

Quilt and fabric designer Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. pieces many of her backs and usually has an area with a printed verse or such strategically placed on the back. Her backs are as beautiful as her quilt tops!

ali

When you use this method, have you had any issues with quilting it, such as stretch where you didn't want it?

Agree with ckcowl! Horizontal for a long armer.

The ones I did with the horizontal backing quilted just fine. Of course I iron the tops and pieced backs before quilting them.

ali

I don't think it makes any difference at all. I have done both ways, and usually use the wof cut to width plus two inches. easy

I tried the diagonal pieced back once-must have done it wrong and had to piece it more. good thing I was keeping it and not giving it away. i have pieced both horizontally and vertically and also use the tube method(just recently) JMHO, if I was using the backing fabric pictured, i would math the design and it wouldn't really matter where the seam was.

Why not piece your back by inserting leftover blocks or coordinating fabric from the front? I rarely do a single-fabric back any more, the back presents another opportunity to create something artistic!

HI, this has nothing to do with your post - just wanted to tell you I love the picture (avatar? I don't have the lingo yet) of your dog. He/she looks just like my Max - even down to his favorite red collar! My got ill and died in June - I had him over 18 years and still miss him. But your "Max" briings a smile to my face and good memories to mind. Thank you.

This can't help you with piecing, but just an FYI.
Our JoAnn's carries about 10 - 12 different backing fabrics in 110" and 112".
It is $10 to $12 a yard and with my 40% off coupon I find it way cheaper than buying the cotton fabric, and this fabric has a nice weight to it.
Karen

Thanks I will keep that in mind for my next project !

So sorry for the loss of your Max. I can tell that he was dearly loved. My boy is Max too! He's a rescue that we've had for 2 years and he's now 3 years old. Such a spoiled baby too. I'm glad he made you smile.

Me too! I never noticed that when I've been in JoAnns.

I decided to go with WOF down the back and equal amounts on each side. Mind you this is my first quilting attempt. I used basting spray (tailor's) and not having a good result. The fabric has shifted and puckered and I've ripped out as much as I've sewn. I know I used enough spray since the can is supposed to be enough for 3 queen size quilts. I've only used it on this one and it's almost empty. I will keep at it until I'm happy with my quilt. I just see it as a learning process.

I didn't know JoAnn's had the fabric that wide either - found it by accident over by the muslim fabric - and there were so many bolts that it was on 2 shelves - don't know how I always missed it.
And like I said by the time I used my 40% coupon it was only $6.00 for the 110 inch, and it is a nicer weight than the cotton fabric.
Works for me - I'm always looking for a bargain.
Karen

Was your fabric prewashed? I use the June Tailor brand and find it sticks better if I've prewashed the fabric. I don't use softner when I wash fabric either. Maybe if you didn't wash it, the chemicals in the fabric are preventing the spray from adhering? I generally have good results. I spray in a grid about every 6"-8" or so.

I really don't mind a sea in the middle but the John Flynn method is interesting