Beginner Quilter
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2
Beginner Quilter
I'm trying to cut my first quilt backing. I have used my cutting board, yardstick and my sewing measuring tape and I'm getting 3 different measurements. Which one is more accurate?
Thanks
Audrey
Thanks
Audrey
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Utah
Posts: 2,097
That happened to me once, when I was measuring big yardage. I decided that the yardstick was most accurate. I think another factor in the situation is securing the fabric. I'll actually pin the fabric to the floor sometimes, just so I know it's not shifting while I measure.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Welcome! Fortunately, backing gives you wiggle room. Depending on how you are going to quilt it, the backing should be 2 to 4 inches longer on all sides possibly more if you are sending it out (so 4 to 8" longer & wider).
Your cutting mat is not the best for measurement as it can warp. A quality yardstick or tape measure should measure the same, however. I would go with your tape.
Your cutting mat is not the best for measurement as it can warp. A quality yardstick or tape measure should measure the same, however. I would go with your tape.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 2
Thank you for all the replies. I'm actually cutting it smaller than top because I'm adding a 6" strip that will wrap around for my edging and then I'll have 5 " of a different color around back edge. That's why I needed to be a little more accurate on this one. Leave it to me to make my first one a hard one. Hahahah
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 410
As PaperPrincess said, the yardstick and tape measure should both be accurate. I wonder if trying to measure fabric with a stiff yardstick is throwing it off? I find it easier to use measuring tape myself. For the heck of it you could measure the yard stick with the measuring tape and see if the lines all match up.
Depending on how the ends of the yardstick and tape are, sometimes it's helpful to start measuring from the 1" mark instead of the 0" mark. The end of the stick/tape might not be even. Just remember to subtract off that inch! My measuring tape has a little blank area before the 0 so I don't have to do that, but I've had others where I measured from the 1" because the 0" was right at the end (hope that makes sense).
Depending on how the ends of the yardstick and tape are, sometimes it's helpful to start measuring from the 1" mark instead of the 0" mark. The end of the stick/tape might not be even. Just remember to subtract off that inch! My measuring tape has a little blank area before the 0 so I don't have to do that, but I've had others where I measured from the 1" because the 0" was right at the end (hope that makes sense).
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Michigan Thumb
Posts: 1,956
Thank you for all the replies. I'm actually cutting it smaller than top because I'm adding a 6" strip that will wrap around for my edging and then I'll have 5 " of a different color around back edge. That's why I needed to be a little more accurate on this one. Leave it to me to make my first one a hard one. Hahahah
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post