Mazo

First- Tartan, thanks for recommending the storm at seas with the hearts. It’s going much faster than the appliqué I’ve done.

I have my backing but it’s not wide enough. What’s the best way to put the two pieces together?

Same problem and question with the batting. Do I just butt two batting pieces together and zigzag?

Thanks

Tartan

Glad the pattern is working for you. You can do a row of leftover pieced blocks down the backing to make it wider. Don’t try to center the row but off set it to one side. Trying to keep a row centered on a backing is tough.
I use a zig zag in off white thread and butt 2 pieces of batting together and sew down the center. You may need to straighten the batting edges before you start so they go together well.

juliasb

I never thought to piece the backing so it was not centered. I so agree with you on how difficult getting it centered and keeping it centered can be. Learn something new every day. I agree with the technique that Tartan is using for stitching together the batting. I save all my smaller pieces and use them for pot holders and the like or even for smaller quilts. Nothing goes to waste.

Mazo

Thanks- I guess I’ll need to make more blocks- I don’t have any leftover- maybe can do a storm at sea runner and see how that looks.

Karamarie

I just butt the edges together and do a wide zigzag. Works for me.

Peckish

Depending on how wide your backing is, you may be able to piece it diagonally. I've done this several times and it works well. Here's a link to Jinny Beyer's page on pieced backings, scroll down about halfway for details and a helpful pdf.
https://jinnybeyer.com/a-solution-fo...acking-fabric/

Karamarie

Advice from Tartan above is exactly what I would do. Good Luck.

Jordan

I always piece the backs of my quilts usually with extra blocks from the front.

aggie

When piecing batting, I use the zig zag stitch that each zig and zag is composed of smaller stitches. This works perfectly and does not buckle. I also lay the pieces edges over one another so that the edges are exact.

WMUTeach

I have never done the zig-zag on the batting, I use the iron on tape, but give the zig-zag a try. We all get stuck in the rut of what works best for us. I need to look for the storms at sea you mentioned in your original post, Juliasb. SAS is on my bucket list.