dakotamaid

Advice is needed. I have a king size flannel backing for a quilt. I seamed my 3 lengths together (40 inch wide each) without squaring each individual length. Now I've got a king size backing that needs squaring. I'm stumped. Help!

Tartan

Since it is backing I would just put a square on one selvage edge on the side and use the straight edge and extend the line. I wouldn't worry too much about it as long as the backing gives you 3 to 4 inches all around the quilt top. I would then square the whole quilt after quilting.

ManiacQuilter2

I agree with Tartan. Square it up after quilting it.

dakotamaid

My quilter requires the backings to be square so I need to square up the backing. I do square before binding. I ended up using a large 15 inch square ruler and my 8x24 ruler (Thanks Tartan) and squared it that way but not sure it is entirely square. Guess I'll go with what I have and see what she says.

Edited, it is at least the same length on both edges when folded in half so guess it will be OK. LOL!!

GingerK

If you have a spot that you can lay it out completely, take a looong tape measure and measure the distance from point to point diagonally. If they are the same (or at least close) then your backing is square. This is a trick that my DH (a woodworker by hobby) taught me and I used it all the time.

feline fanatic

Oh boy, I hope you checked with your longarmer for how much excess she needs to load it on the rack. I can tell you I need more than 3" to 4" on every side. My minimum is 5" on every side but prefer 6" if I can get it. Additionally, many longarmers prefer all selvages be cut off. They are a different weave and weight and some react differently and can cause needle/tension issues. They also shrink differently so once washed an unsightly pucker could form.

Tartan

I do remove selvages when piecing backs from the center portion but always leave the two sides to prevent fraying but I quilt my own.

quiltsRfun

I know this will make a lot of people cringe but I rip my backing pieces, both lengthwise and crosswise.

mom-6

Ripping and squaring up after doing so will ensure your fabric itself is on grain.

mike'sgirl

I also rip. I can get a much straighter edge that way.