Backing size
12-31-2024, 01:06 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
Backing size
I just can’t understand why I need so much fabric. Any help would be appreciated. My quilt size with overage is 54” wide by 72” long. I seem to come up with needing 2 yards of fabric. WOF 42 +42 =84. 36 + 36 =72. Every calculator and even the instructions call for 3 yards of fabric. And I thought I was good at math! Apparently that’s a LOL! What am I missing here? Please help. I’m machine quilting in the ditch. This is not going to a long arm quilter.
12-31-2024, 02:51 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,972
That is a good question. First of all your math is off. If you take 2 one yard pieces (your first calculation of 42+42) get a piece that is 84x36 inches. If you take those same two yard pieces (your second calculation 36+36 ) you get a piece that is 72x42 inches.
In each case, you have to add another strip to get the size you need. Do the instructions say how to piece the backing? If it was me and I had 3 yards of backing, I would cut the length that I need--say 76 inches. I now have a piece 76 inches long by 42 inches wide. I would take the remaining 32 inches xWOF and divide it into 3 equal widths (in this case, 14 inches) and sew them together end to end. Then I would cut that long strip to 76 inches and add it to my first piece. I would now have a backing that is 76 inches long by 56 inches wide. A bit tight size wise but if it is not going to a longarmer, you should be able to manage with a lot of basting.
In each case, you have to add another strip to get the size you need. Do the instructions say how to piece the backing? If it was me and I had 3 yards of backing, I would cut the length that I need--say 76 inches. I now have a piece 76 inches long by 42 inches wide. I would take the remaining 32 inches xWOF and divide it into 3 equal widths (in this case, 14 inches) and sew them together end to end. Then I would cut that long strip to 76 inches and add it to my first piece. I would now have a backing that is 76 inches long by 56 inches wide. A bit tight size wise but if it is not going to a longarmer, you should be able to manage with a lot of basting.
12-31-2024, 03:24 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
That is a good question. First of all your math is off. If you take 2 one yard pieces (your first calculation of 42+42) get a piece that is 84x36 inches. If you take those same two yard pieces (your second calculation 36+36 ) you get a piece that is 72x42 inches.
In each case, you have to add another strip to get the size you need. Do the instructions say how to piece the backing? If it was me and I had 3 yards of backing, I would cut the length that I need--say 76 inches. I now have a piece 76 inches long by 42 inches wide. I would take the remaining 32 inches xWOF and divide it into 3 equal widths (in this case, 14 inches) and sew them together end to end. Then I would cut that long strip to 76 inches and add it to my first piece. I would now have a backing that is 76 inches long by 56 inches wide. A bit tight size wise but if it is not going to a longarmer, you should be able to manage with a lot of basting.
In each case, you have to add another strip to get the size you need. Do the instructions say how to piece the backing? If it was me and I had 3 yards of backing, I would cut the length that I need--say 76 inches. I now have a piece 76 inches long by 42 inches wide. I would take the remaining 32 inches xWOF and divide it into 3 equal widths (in this case, 14 inches) and sew them together end to end. Then I would cut that long strip to 76 inches and add it to my first piece. I would now have a backing that is 76 inches long by 56 inches wide. A bit tight size wise but if it is not going to a longarmer, you should be able to manage with a lot of basting.
01-01-2025, 06:45 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,980
Here's how I figure it out if I'm using regular 40-42" fabric. My quilt is 54x72 so I should have a backing at least 3-4" wider on each side to grab on to when quilting so that makes it at least 60 x 80. So take fabric that's 42" wide plus I want my seam to go horizontal and not vertical as the seam would make a bulge as I advance the quilt. So the 1st piece I cut at 60" so basically 1.5 yds and I'll need another one the same size pretty much so that equals 3yds with not much if any length extra as you need to take in consideration of seams. I make my seam 1/2" instead of 1/4" to make sure it doesn't come loose. I press the seam open also.
Most times I'll buy backing fabric and then keep the leftover for yardage for another quilt so it's a win-win situation for me. Plus if you look at the prices of backing. You're getting 3yds for the price of 1 yard as most times its 108" wide so 2 yards of backing fabric will do the trick and gives you a lot of yardage left over for another quilt.
Most times I'll buy backing fabric and then keep the leftover for yardage for another quilt so it's a win-win situation for me. Plus if you look at the prices of backing. You're getting 3yds for the price of 1 yard as most times its 108" wide so 2 yards of backing fabric will do the trick and gives you a lot of yardage left over for another quilt.
01-01-2025, 09:12 AM
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 259
Unbelievable. I have a whole quilt journal of quilts I’ve made. This is not my first large quilt. I’ve been working on this all morning and I can’t believe it! My eyes got big as saucers when I read the word “seams”! I feel so weird having this backing problem. But your response came just in time for me to recalculate the next piece. I made a larger quilt this past May and got wide backing. Much easier. So thank you. Between your’s and GingerK’s responses I’m feeling more confident. I’m printing these out so I have the info for the next quilt. My memory must really be going. As long as I remember where my quilt room is I guess I’m still good to go!
