Question about backing fabric
 

I dont know if Im having a problem understanding the amount of fabric required for backing fabric.

The quilt that Im working on is 61 1/2" x 74 1/2" finished dimensions. The pattern calls for 4 yards of backing fabric. So in working out how much fabric 4 yards actually is I found that 4 yards is way too much. 1 yard is 36 inches in length so 4 x 36" = 144" which is 1" shy of being double the length of fabric needed. If I buy 106" backing fabric I understand that I will have a surplus going across the width of the fabric and thats fair enough, but I really dont get the length thing at all.

Can anyone explain to this newbie why so much fabric is needed?

Fiona.

Probably the 4 yds was referring to regular width fabric (40"-45"). You'd want to recalculate the amount if your backing fabric is 106" wide.

I think the 4 yard instruction was based on regular 42" wide fabric and you would cut it roughly in half in 3
2 yard segments then sew them together to get one piece roughly 72" x 84", which would be about right for your w
quilt. However you are right if you use wide width backing you would only need 2 yards.

Sorry about the typo in my reply--you would have two 2 yard segments (not 3)!!

If you are using cotton quilting fabric for the backing the usable width is only 40-42 inches. If you were to seam this with the seam running vertical on your quilt (74 1/2 inch ) you need your quilt length plus 4 inches (backing should be about 4 inches bigger) times 2 to get the length of cotton quilting fabric needed for the backing - approximately 4 2/3 yard.

If you were having your backing seam run horizontal (61 1/2 ") you would need approximately 4 yards - ((61 1/2 " + 4) times 2).

If you are using wide backing you only need your length (or width) + 8 inches (4 at each end).

Thanks for the replies! I had a sneaking suspicion that it was for regular fabric but when I think of backing fabric I automatically go to 106" and start thinking about the cost since we here in the UK seem to pay a large premium on fabric :(

But again ladies, thanks for the clarification!

Fiona.

Hint- when buying 40" fabric for backing have it cut into 2 seperate pieces ie- need 4 yds then hAve pieces cutinto 2 yrd. this saves yopu from having to tear/cut the backing fabric in half your self!

I mostly do charity quilt that are 50" wide. I always throw in all my leftover scraps so with 42" wide fabric, I need to only buy the length. I saves on money and I use up my scraps.

Oh my goodness! Why have I never thought of that? Thank you so much for bringing this up.

I would take the whole piece home - wash it - and divide it myself!