Hello. This is probably a dumb question, but I need the answer nonetheless. My fabric isn't wide enough for the back so I'll have to piece something together. Do I just put the seam right down the middle of the backside, or is there a more clever way to do it?

From what I have heard , you don't want the seam in the middle because that is where the most stress is. Are you thinking of having the seam go horizontal or vertical ?

Well, I wasn't really thinking anything yet. I have the front of the quilt done-just a simple one to get me back into the swing of things. Now I just need to finish the back.

Let me see if I can explain this so you understand : You can cut the fabric and make it in thirds horizontally. If vertical use the long piece and then when you add the side piece to make it wider that should be off center. Does that make sense ?

I had never done a backing horizontally until last year when my Sister in law sent me backs that weren't long enough to go vertical. I had never thought of it, but it seemed to me that she got more bang for her buck by doing that version.
Either way, what sharon was trying to explain ... was: (I think <g>)
You dont want the seam directly in the middle, because it will break down rapidly (or so I have heard)
so, either way, what you do to avoid that problem is to cut two pieces of fabric either horizontally or vertically ... so for the horizontal, I am going to measure the length of my quilt, cut part of my backing to the length, open it up and take the OTHER part of the backing, cut it in half, sew one half one one side of the whole piece, and the second half on the other side (where is a drawing when I need one?)
there will be two seams, but they will not be in the middle, now, will they only show up part way over on your quilt.
When you do it vertically, of course, everything is done according to the width of the quilt top ...
again, you measure the width, cut a piece of fabric that measurement, take the other piece that measures that same measurement, cut the second piece in half, sewing one half on either side of the complete piece, which is laying open.
Remember ... when you are getting ready to baste the quilt before actually quilting it, or when you are loading it on to your frame, the backing needs to be at least three inches bigger ALL AROUND the quilt ... and six inches is a better amount ... the reason for that is because the stitching you do while quilting, starts using up the backing.
I can't explain it ... I just believe it <g>
Can hardly wait to see your finished project! :wink:

http://www.alwaysquilting.com.au/mak...quilt_back.htm

THis is a start of a diagram showing what we are talking about.

Thank you sooo much for this link. It was 100% what I needed with simple step-by-step instructions. And thank you very much for taking the time to help me!

It makes complete sense and now, thanks to you and Omak, I can finish my quilt. It's really a simple little thing to get me back into quilting (I've only done two quilts before), but I'll post a pic so you and Omak can see. Thank you for your help!

Good for you!
Am looking forward to your pictures.
By the way - - did you consider that quilt shops usually sell backing fabric which ranges from 96" to 120" wide?
Buy two yards of that (or whatever it takes to get to the width you need) and you have a back with no seams. Plus, you will usually have some fabric leftover for your "stash" ...
It is just another option to look into for your next quilt.

an easy way after step four is to match the seams.
iron one of the new folds.
cut off 1/4".
open and you will have equal spaced pieces added.
hope this makes sense.