Preparing the backing fabric should be easy, but...
 

Hello all! I have a 94"x104" quilt top ready to sandwich. The pattern called for 8-1/2 yards of backing fabric, I bought 9 yards in an effort to "be safe." Cut it apart, sewed the pieces together - it's not wide enough. I guess I should have figured this out beforehand - if the fabric is 44" wide, when you cut it and sew the two pieces together, it could never be more than 88" wide, including the selvages.

I am so frustrated, as it seems that I always have an issue of the backing coming up short. What am I missing?

backing fabric
 

I think you should have cut the fabric into three pcs of 3 yds each. and sewed them together. That way it would have ended up 108" wide by approx. 120 in long. I always figure fabric never to be more than 40 in. wide.

You may find yourself liking to make similar sized quilts. Therefore, draw out how to cut you backing once and keep your notes for the next time.

Yes, there are quite a few basic books out there that will help this you with this as well as probably some videos. However you do it, keep notes for next time.

You also could have pieced it diagonally.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...k-t130313.html

all I can say is "live and learn" I hate to admit that I did the same thing more than once before I learned!

yes you can piece eack 1/2 diagonally but you will still have to seam down the middle too

I have started buying the 108" quilt back fabric. In the long run it works out to be less expensive then buying 44" wide fabric especially when you find it on sale, and you usually don't have to piece it. Thousands of bolts regularly carries 108" wide backing fabric and Hancocks of Paducah is currently having a sale with many of them being $9 or $10 per yard. 2 1/2 yards at $10 per yard is only $25.00 as opposed to 9 yards of 44" wide at $4.95 if you managed to find a fabric that inexpensive works out to be $44.55

Here is an excellent way to piece backing. Many times I use three different fabrics or piece anyway I like it.

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

KiMarene: Another answer would to be put borders on the back so that you can use what you already have without spending to much more money. I am trying to use up some of my stash so I am experimenting with many different ideas for backs, it makes the second side almost as much fun as the front.

If I understand right, you cut and laid your backing vertically (lengthwise). Therefore, like you said, your backing could only be 88". If you turn the backing horizontally, you might be able to save the backing you cut. You will have to cut off the excess and make that the 3rd horizontal panel, pieced, but it should workout.
This should help
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/techni...lt-back_1.html
Good luck.