Adding blocks to backing question
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Central Ia
Posts: 1,120
Adding blocks to backing question
I am thinking of adding a column of 9 in. square blocks to yardage.
The quilt top is 49 in. wide, yardage is 43 in. wide.
Can I get by with a 1/4 seam vs 1/2 seam?
If my math is correct, the semi finished backing = 51.5 in.
quilt top =49.0 in.
The column would be on the side of yardage.
Thanks for your help!!
Jo Anne B.
The quilt top is 49 in. wide, yardage is 43 in. wide.
Can I get by with a 1/4 seam vs 1/2 seam?
If my math is correct, the semi finished backing = 51.5 in.
quilt top =49.0 in.
The column would be on the side of yardage.
Thanks for your help!!
Jo Anne B.
#2
I don't use a wider seam allowance when piecing backing, so I think you're fine there. I only use a wider seam allowance for rag quilts, or when the fabric weave is very loose. I assume you're cutting the selvage off the backing.
The problem is that when you quilt, it is very hard to keep the top and backing exactly straight together. This means that when you trim the quilt, you will probably be cutting off some of your blocks that are on the back. Also, it's better to make the back more than 2.5" bigger than the top. Would it be possible to put another strip of fabric next to the line of blocks, so that the top is wider? It could be a different fabric, if you're out of the one that is 43" wide.
The problem is that when you quilt, it is very hard to keep the top and backing exactly straight together. This means that when you trim the quilt, you will probably be cutting off some of your blocks that are on the back. Also, it's better to make the back more than 2.5" bigger than the top. Would it be possible to put another strip of fabric next to the line of blocks, so that the top is wider? It could be a different fabric, if you're out of the one that is 43" wide.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
The idea behind the 1/2" seams on the back is that you press the seams open rather than to one side. The purpose is to reduce bulk & make it easier to quilt. Generally, the back does not have foundation quilting like the front so those seams do not get any extra reinforcement from the quilting. As a result, the only thing holding together a seam that's pressed open is the stitching itself. If you don't have enough fabric to do 1/2" seams, I'd definitely shorten your stitch length to between 1.4 - 1.6mm (16-18 stitches per inch) so it has that added reinforcement and would probably backstitch the beginning & end of any seams that won't be enclosed when you start quilting. Also, I'd strongly recommend using a cotton thread in that case as it will swell and shrink closer to the same rate as your cotton fabric when washed, reducing the rubbing & stress on the seams.
EDIT: You can also get a tiny bit more mileage out of the WOF by leaving part or all of the selvedge edge on. I do this all the time & it works out quite nicely.
EDIT: You can also get a tiny bit more mileage out of the WOF by leaving part or all of the selvedge edge on. I do this all the time & it works out quite nicely.
Last edited by Bree123; 06-01-2016 at 07:54 AM.
#4
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Central Ia
Posts: 1,120
I do have enough yardage to add a strip, my concern is the alignments(?) (the fabric is directional) will come out wonky.
I have the option not to add the blocks and just piece the yardage.
I can make the blocks a column or a row. Here's a pic of the backing.[ATTACH=CONFIG]551354[/ATTACH] The design is bigger than a quarter, smaller than a 50 cent piece.
I have the option not to add the blocks and just piece the yardage.
I can make the blocks a column or a row. Here's a pic of the backing.[ATTACH=CONFIG]551354[/ATTACH] The design is bigger than a quarter, smaller than a 50 cent piece.
#5
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Central Ia
Posts: 1,120
My thought is: if adding blocks it will break up, a less noticeable probable off center direction of the print when pieced together.
Or... the original hope of adding a column of blocks and avoiding directional wonkiness.
Or... the original hope of adding a column of blocks and avoiding directional wonkiness.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
If you have enough, I would definitely make it finish more than 2.5" beyond the quilt top ... but that's me. I like to have 2-3" on each side to quilt on my DSM so what I'd do if quantity of fabric isn't an issue would be to find a place on the flower print where I could match them up nicely & then just cut the excess seam allowance down to 1/2". In theory, sewing the two selvedges together should match up perfectly, but I know it doesn't always work out that way in reality. Having just the one seam would certainly be the easiest option for quilting. I did that for a similarly arranged backing fabric with matryoshka nesting dolls by Robert Kaufman. The backing came out perfectly straight & you couldn't see the seam unless you were within a couple inches of the quilt and were looking for it.
The other option I'd consider if I really wanted those 9" blocks on the back (they sound lovely) would be to add a 2-3" finished strip between the 9" blocks & the print fabric to give you a bit more backing to play with. I'd seam them in with a 1/2" seam and press open.
The other option I'd consider if I really wanted those 9" blocks on the back (they sound lovely) would be to add a 2-3" finished strip between the 9" blocks & the print fabric to give you a bit more backing to play with. I'd seam them in with a 1/2" seam and press open.
#10
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Central Ia
Posts: 1,120
Think I will concede, keep it simple and add the blocks as a row even though it speaks to me as a column.
I have 3 yds(108 in) of the backing fabric, cut at the 54 in. add the row of blocks and then add more yardage.
This quilt was one of my first, and I am replacing the backing, maybe best to get it right the second time.
Thanks everyone for your input!! JB
I have 3 yds(108 in) of the backing fabric, cut at the 54 in. add the row of blocks and then add more yardage.
This quilt was one of my first, and I am replacing the backing, maybe best to get it right the second time.
Thanks everyone for your input!! JB
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ckcowl
Pictures
16
01-31-2013 12:11 PM
greenini
Main
0
12-04-2011 09:43 AM