Quilt backing's
 

I'm always confused on what size to make my quilt backings. Some blogs say to cut your backing at least 6 inches larger than your top. So on a quilt top that measures 58" x 70" does this mean to cut the backing 64"x 76"? Or do I add 6 inches to each side of the quilt which makes it 70" x 82"? I'm going to write your answer down and put it on my bulletin board!! Thank you ladies...you always have great answers!

If you are having it quilted by a longarmer I think they require approx. 4" on each edge.

However if you are quilting your own... I have been known to only have about 1"..... only in an emergency though... I prefer about 2" on each edge for handling. (I mostly hand quilt, but do some basic machine quilting on my home machine)

I leave 3" on each side although, like thimblebug, I have quilted some baby quilts with just an 1" on a side.

Agree .... though, if you are sending it to a LA, it would be better to ask them what their requirements are, as each may have different requirements for their own ease in loading.

Years ago, I read that you are supposed to have something like six inches of batting and backing past the top. I've always thought this is quite wasteful, so I only go about 2 inches. I quilt my own by hand, and I have never had a problem.

I do longarm quilting and ask that the backing and batting be at least 4 inches larger on all sides, so one would add 8 inches to the length and width. There are good reasons for this. When the quilt backing is loaded onto the longarm they are either pinned or clamped onto the leaders requiring extra fabric. The batting rests on the top of the backing and then the quilt top rests on the batting. Longarmers need this extra fabric for attaching the backing and also they baste the sides and top and bottom of the quilt top to the backing and batting before quilting. They also quilt off the sides of the quilt top to ensure that the quilting will be secured when the binding is attached. Clear as mud, then there are many YT videos that show how longarmers load quilts. It is interesting to watch this process. It will give one an appreciation for their longarm quilter. I realize there is cost involved but it is truly a work of heart to finish quilts for others.

If having it quilted by a longarm quilter ask them, each has their own preferences. If doing it yourself you can get by with less, but you do need a little extra - the process of quilting causes the fabric to draw up a little, how much depends on the loft of the batting and the amount of quilting.

I mostly use high loft poly batting. I don't like the scraps from cutting backing too much bigger. After about 300 quilts of all sizes I started 100 or so quilts ago to just add about 2" extra. Works for me. I quilt all my own quilts and have a technique I use for laying out layers to be pinned with safety pins.

Thank you ladies. Sometimes I quilt my own, and then it's not a problem, but lately I've sent two quilts to Missouri Star for quilting and wanted to be sure the backings were large enough. PEWA88 gave me the answer I was looking for..special thanks to you!! I made a diagram and posted it on my bulletin board. Consider me happy now!!

I feel comfortable allowing 3 to 4 inches on each edge on my midarm for two reasons. Since I use a variety of threads, it is important for me to check the tension before quilting. A scrap is laid on top of the batting/backing edge so that I can adjust the tension before getting on the actual quilt top.

Once the quilted top is off the frame and squared off, the leftovers are usually wide enough to make strips for binding and/or jelly rolls.