gingerd

I am working on a 68 x 68 quilt kit. The kit has come with 1 piece of fabric for the back of it. Do I leave the backing as 1 piece or is it better to cut it apart in sections/sew it together to use it for the back? If I have to cut it apart do I cut vertically or horizontally? How many pieces?

I will have the quilt machine quilted.

TIA-

DogHouseMom

It depends on what you want. Do you want all the same fabric on the back - if so, leave it in one piece.

The only time I piece 'same' fabric for the back is if I can't get a single piece in the whole size that I need.

I'll also piece different fabrics together either for a "pretty" back or to use up scrap.

If I had a whole piece that fit though, I'd just use it that way.

gingerd

Ok! Thanks for the quick reply! The rest (4 quilts) that I've worked on since the middle of October have had pieced backs. This is the first kit I've done.

I enjoy piecing the back, but this is a heck of a lot quicker than the past 4-

Thanks again-

krisgray

If the piece is only 44" wide, then you will have to cut into sections for a 68"x68" quilt, allowing a few inches extra on each side. If the piece is wide, maybe 90" or 108", then you should be able to use it as one piece. Measure it and see.

Kim Bohannon

i would recommend keeping the back in one piece if it is big enough... if it's wrong demensions, you'll have to cut it some. quitling is much easier for me if my back is in one piece, since I handquilt, that's pretty important to me. But, you can do it anyway you want! that's the joy of quilting!

gingerd

Oh, daaahhhhhh, in regards to the size of the fabric! I haven't taken it out of the baggie yet. Yeeesh.....I'm a goof.....

Thanks so much ladies!! I guess I'll take it out and iron it to see what is in the bag-

mucky

Why would you want to cut it up and put it back together again?

gingerd

My thoughts for 1 piece! I thought I read or heard some where that the back shouldn't be a solid piece. Please don't ask where because I don't recall. It may of been years ago when I first started to quilt (back in the 80's). I've just gotten back into it and this is the first kit I've done.

deemail

i always do a one piece back when i can... it is much less hassle...

Holice

One piece if possible. You might check out John Flynn's method for increasing the width of 42" (or so) wide fabric into around 60". It is on his web site. He takes longer fabric than the top and cuts a diagonal moves one side down and stitches. It saves on fabric and produces a stonger seam (so I am told). It does save on fabric.