Question about backing fabric
06-02-2014, 06:47 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 609
I would only do this if you trust the person cutting to measure correctly and cut straight. My LQS cant cut a straight line for anything.
06-02-2014, 10:11 PM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: east kilbride Scotland
Posts: 1,330
Hi Fiona, nice to hear from a 'neighbour' on QB, I live in East Kilbride, same comments as everyone else re amount of backing, like you if I can get double width that matches, I use that also as its usually cheaper. I did use batik for one of my backings and it probably cost more than the front lol, but it looked so nice I couldnt resist.
06-03-2014, 12:44 AM
#13
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: The Granite City, Scotland
Posts: 1,635
Here's a simple quilt calculator. There's also a free one for a iPhone/Android by Robert Kaufman which I keep on my phone - here - handy for those impromptu visits to your LQS!
If you're joining 44" fabric, another tip I was given is to join the two pieces along the selvages to form a tube. Then use one of your 'tube' fold lines to cut it open (probably best to use scissors, lol). This way you'll have two equidistant seams instead of one seam bang in the middle of your back.
If you're feeling brave, here's a link to a Diagonal Backing Calculator! Happy quilting
If you're joining 44" fabric, another tip I was given is to join the two pieces along the selvages to form a tube. Then use one of your 'tube' fold lines to cut it open (probably best to use scissors, lol). This way you'll have two equidistant seams instead of one seam bang in the middle of your back.
If you're feeling brave, here's a link to a Diagonal Backing Calculator! Happy quilting
06-03-2014, 06:30 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
Plus, if you're at Joann's (or similar) and using a coupon, 2 cuts usually count as 2 separate items so only part would be discounted!
06-03-2014, 06:11 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,148
1) I do not prewash but if I did then I would still have them cut 2 pieces since it is easier to handle when ironing. 2) often when fabric is cut you will get a smidgen more than requested so with 2 pieces you could get more extra. 3) Joanns will accept Hobby lobby 40% off coupons on fabric so you can use more than 1 coupon to buy the 2 pieces. Just go on line uinder HL ad print out thhe coupons. 3) 2 smaller pieces is easier to handle when ironing and cutting.
06-04-2014, 08:18 AM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Campton,Kentucky
Posts: 1,397
I dont know if Im having a problem understanding the amount of fabric required for backing fabric.
The quilt that Im working on is 61 1/2" x 74 1/2" finished dimensions. The pattern calls for 4 yards of backing fabric. So in working out how much fabric 4 yards actually is I found that 4 yards is way too much. 1 yard is 36 inches in length so 4 x 36" = 144" which is 1" shy of being double the length of fabric needed. If I buy 106" backing fabric I understand that I will have a surplus going across the width of the fabric and thats fair enough, but I really dont get the length thing at all.
Can anyone explain to this newbie why so much fabric is needed?
Fiona.
The quilt that Im working on is 61 1/2" x 74 1/2" finished dimensions. The pattern calls for 4 yards of backing fabric. So in working out how much fabric 4 yards actually is I found that 4 yards is way too much. 1 yard is 36 inches in length so 4 x 36" = 144" which is 1" shy of being double the length of fabric needed. If I buy 106" backing fabric I understand that I will have a surplus going across the width of the fabric and thats fair enough, but I really dont get the length thing at all.
Can anyone explain to this newbie why so much fabric is needed?
Fiona.
06-04-2014, 09:47 AM
#20
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,660
I would say that more than half of the "regular" width quilting fabrics are only 42 inches or less wide. I have measured hundreds of them and kept a tally sheet of the widths.
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