BETTY62

I have a pieced top ready to go to a longarm, however, I need to know how much wider the backing needs to be than the piece top. I have allowed 5 inches on the top and bottom of the quilt but do not remember what the minimum extra fabric allowance I need on the sides. I'm am trying to avoid having to purchase additional fabric.

Thanks in advance for your help.

osewme

I've never paid someone to quilt but I would think it would depend on the type of quilting machine & preferences of the quilter. I would say to get in contact with the quilter & ask what backing requirement size they recommend.

luvspaper

I have to agree that you should check with whoever is quilting it. I quilt on a sitdown and don't need more than about 1 inch on the sides (or on the top/bottom) but do know that LA quilters often ask for more.

greensleeves

Usually the same amount of extra on all sides. The LA quilter needs space to pin top & bottom and hook on the sides.

mamagrande

Most LAers ask for 4 inches on all four sides. I have quilted one that the backing was flush with the top. It was for a friend and It was the first time that she had one quilted.. I added a 2inch strip to the top of the backing and was able to quilt it very close to the edge. Good thing it was a small quilt and she was happy with how it turned out. She learned that we needed some extra fabric to pin the quilt on the leaders.

I don't really need 4 inches, 2 inches are enough for me if the backings are blocked but sometimes the backing are not blocked and it that case in order I have to straighten them up and that means needing more fabric to work with on either side.

Jeanne S

I agree with asking your quilter. Mine asks for 3-5" extra on all 4 sides.

quiltingshorttimer

I long arm and usually can get by with 3" extra on all 4 sides. I find that if the backing is all squared up, then I can get by most times with 2" on all four sides--but it's a squeeze on the top and bottom with less than 3". The way I attach the sides allows the 2" on the sides though. But do check with your long arm quilter cause it does depend somewhat on the way it's attached to the frame.

ka9sdn

I like to have 3" on top and bottom and can get by with 2" on side if both quilt and backing are really squared up.

PaperPrincess

Check with your quilter. Everyone has a different setup!

MaryKatherine

I've had people bring me backing that was an exact fit. I tell them to baste on about 6 inches top and bottom using waste fabric. The width isn't as critical. When I have to do it I charge them.