Question about backing fabric
#1
Question about backing fabric
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.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
I think the 4 yard instruction was based on regular 42" wide fabric and you would cut it roughly in half in 3
2 yard segments then sew them together to get one piece roughly 72" x 84", which would be about right for your w
quilt. However you are right if you use wide width backing you would only need 2 yards.
2 yard segments then sew them together to get one piece roughly 72" x 84", which would be about right for your w
quilt. However you are right if you use wide width backing you would only need 2 yards.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 416
If you are using cotton quilting fabric for the backing the usable width is only 40-42 inches. If you were to seam this with the seam running vertical on your quilt (74 1/2 inch ) you need your quilt length plus 4 inches (backing should be about 4 inches bigger) times 2 to get the length of cotton quilting fabric needed for the backing - approximately 4 2/3 yard.
If you were having your backing seam run horizontal (61 1/2 ") you would need approximately 4 yards - ((61 1/2 " + 4) times 2).
If you are using wide backing you only need your length (or width) + 8 inches (4 at each end).
If you were having your backing seam run horizontal (61 1/2 ") you would need approximately 4 yards - ((61 1/2 " + 4) times 2).
If you are using wide backing you only need your length (or width) + 8 inches (4 at each end).
#6
Thanks for the replies! I had a sneaking suspicion that it was for regular fabric but when I think of backing fabric I automatically go to 106" and start thinking about the cost since we here in the UK seem to pay a large premium on fabric
But again ladies, thanks for the clarification!
Fiona.
But again ladies, thanks for the clarification!
Fiona.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: East Oklahoma - pining for Massachusetts
Posts: 10,477
Oh my goodness! Why have I never thought of that? Thank you so much for bringing this up.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,660
I would take the whole piece home - wash it - and divide it myself!
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08-22-2011 02:39 PM