Mathematically Challenged...
#1
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And, I can't "conceptualize" either.
Maybe someone can help.
I need a backing for a quilt and the backing needs to be 80" by 56". I want the seam to run horizontally, across the width of the quilt, not vertically, along the length.
How much fabric, at a regular 45" do I need to buy?
Thanks, Watson
Maybe someone can help.
I need a backing for a quilt and the backing needs to be 80" by 56". I want the seam to run horizontally, across the width of the quilt, not vertically, along the length.
How much fabric, at a regular 45" do I need to buy?
Thanks, Watson
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Org. Texas now Florida
Posts: 847
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And, I can't "conceptualize" either.
Maybe someone can help.
I need a backing for a quilt and the backing needs to be 80" by 56". I want the seam to run horizontally, across the width of the quilt, not vertically, along the length.
How much fabric, at a regular 45" do I need to buy?
Thanks, Watson
Maybe someone can help.
I need a backing for a quilt and the backing needs to be 80" by 56". I want the seam to run horizontally, across the width of the quilt, not vertically, along the length.
How much fabric, at a regular 45" do I need to buy?
Thanks, Watson
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,429
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My method. Most fabrics have usable about 40 inches wide. Most times it doesn't matter whether you do WOF or LOF.
So divide 80/40 = 2 widths to make your length.
2 widths x 56 inches = 112 inches total length of fabric
112 inches divided by 36 inches in a yard = 3 yds (108 inches) + 4 inches = 3.11 Yds.
Round the .11 up 1/8 (4.25") or 1/4 (9 inches)
Edited to add: When I make my backings like this, I use a 1/2 inch seam allowance and iron the seam open. This takes most of the bulk out of the seam.
So divide 80/40 = 2 widths to make your length.
2 widths x 56 inches = 112 inches total length of fabric
112 inches divided by 36 inches in a yard = 3 yds (108 inches) + 4 inches = 3.11 Yds.
Round the .11 up 1/8 (4.25") or 1/4 (9 inches)
Edited to add: When I make my backings like this, I use a 1/2 inch seam allowance and iron the seam open. This takes most of the bulk out of the seam.
Last edited by Barb in Louisiana; 08-21-2017 at 08:21 AM.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,867
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Using Barb's calculations, I'd buy 3.5 yards. It might shrink a little when you launder it before use and you need extra on the ends - I like at least 2 inches (4 inches for 2 ends) , sometimes 3 (6). With a longarm, you might need more. (Remember to double the amount you allow for each end). 3.5 yards = 126". You need 112 + 1 for seam + 6 for ends=119", so 3.5 yards doesn't too allow much for shrinkage.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,581
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For starters, I would also "assume" that the fabric only had 40 inches usable width.
Are you planning to have it long-armed? How much "extra" will you need?
If I was doing the backing and needed 5-inches extra all around, I would buy 5-2/3 yards of fabric and would have leftovers.
I would also wash it before cutting it.
But I just checked - and you live in Canada where fabric is more expensive (usually) than in the USA.
I don't remember if you are in the wash before cutting group or not -
Anyway - I have found some fabrics have shrunk over two inches in width - some have shrunk over two inches in length - very very few that have not shrunk at all.
Are you planning to have it long-armed? How much "extra" will you need?
If I was doing the backing and needed 5-inches extra all around, I would buy 5-2/3 yards of fabric and would have leftovers.
I would also wash it before cutting it.
But I just checked - and you live in Canada where fabric is more expensive (usually) than in the USA.
I don't remember if you are in the wash before cutting group or not -
Anyway - I have found some fabrics have shrunk over two inches in width - some have shrunk over two inches in length - very very few that have not shrunk at all.
Last edited by bearisgray; 08-21-2017 at 10:40 AM.
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