A question regarding how much backing and batting to buy
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bar Harbor, ME.
Posts: 2,911
A question regarding how much backing and batting to buy
I just finished a lap quilt that measures 57wx70L. What size batting can I get away with and do you think 3-4 yards of backing will finish this quilt?
Money is super tight right now so I don't want to waste anything in getting more then is actually needed but for the life of me and after looking at charts, I can't figure this out. I guess you could call it being in a brain freeze and I need help.
Money is super tight right now so I don't want to waste anything in getting more then is actually needed but for the life of me and after looking at charts, I can't figure this out. I guess you could call it being in a brain freeze and I need help.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Posts: 1,012
My quilting calculator tells me that you should need 3 1/2 yards to 4 1/8 yards depending on which way you run the backing, so you might to able to make it. If you're a little short, you can always just add a strip of a coordinating fabric. Batting can be pieced with a zigzag stitch, so you might be able to use up some smaller pieces if you have them.
#3
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
You need a minimum of 2" more on all 4 sides so your batting and backing should measure at least 61" x 74". If you are buying prepackaged batting, a twin size would do. If buying batting by the yard, 2 yards of 90" wide batting will be more than enough. I find that wide quilt backing fabrics or wide muslin is less expensive than regular 42" wide cottons. If you buy a wide fabric backing, 2 yards will be more than enough. I like to use old sheets for backs if I can find one in the right color, do you have a Goodwill or other Thrift Shop close to go find a sheet for a couple of dollars for the back??
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
If money is tight, I usually pieced down the center using scraps so I only by the length that is needed. Batting if you are buying by the yard is usually 90" wide so just buy your width of your quilt.
#6
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,991
I'd look for a new cotton sheet. Flat sheets can often be purchased for less than $15 in my part of Canada. In spite of what some quilters think, sheets do make excellent backs and are a lot cheaper than quilting fabric.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Normal, IL
Posts: 563
It all depends if you are sending It to a LAQ or mot. Most LAQs have batting and they require a certain extra length and width to the backing. If you are quilting it yourself 3 inches all around should do for the batting and backing.
#8
Exactly... I rent a LA to quilt my own but I still add 3 to 4 inches on each side so that it loads easily. When I used to send them to be quilted I believe they required even more than that. Besides a zig zag to join batting pieces, there is also a fusible tape that works well too.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Thornton, Colorado
Posts: 1,023
Bet you have large pieces of batting left over from previous projects as well as a stash of fabrics including leftover pieces. They can be pieced into larger sizes as needed. The backings can look really sharp, like having another quilt on the back.
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