Quilting 101: Calculating Quilt Backing Needs with Natalie of Missouri Star
We've got your back! Covering the back of your quilt with the right amount of fabric may seem tricky, but Natalie will explain just how simple it is. She'll help you calculate the right amount every single time without the guesswork so you don't overbuy or underbuy fabric. Learn how it's done in Quilting 101, a series of quick and easy quilting tutorials especially for beginners.
Instructor
Natalie Doan
Natalie is the host of Quilting 101, Embroidery 101 and the Creative Strategist and Editor of Block Magazine at Missouri Star Quilt Company. She was taught how to sew by her mom, of course, and began quilting when she grew up.
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Common Questions
What is covered in Quilting 101: Calculating Quilt Backing Needs with Natalie of Missouri Star?
We've got your back! Covering the back of your quilt with the right amount of fabric may seem tricky, but Natalie will explain just how simple it is. She'll help you calculate the right amount every single time without the guesswork so you don't overbuy or underbuy fabric. Lea...
How long is the tutorial video?
The tutorial video is 00:04:26.
Are supplies listed for this tutorial?
Yes. The tutorial page includes the supplies and materials connected to this project.
Is a transcript available?
Yes. A written transcript is available on the tutorial page.
Video Transcript
The most important thing is that your backing has to be larger than your quilt top. It doesn't need too much bigger, but at least enough that you can quilt the quilt top accurately and ensure that everything in your quilt sandwich is secure.
The first thing you'll want to do is measure your quilt top accurately. If you're working with a large piece, you can fold it in half (or smaller) to measure it. Just be sure to include that extra fabric in the width and length!
Typically when you're backing a quilt you'll want to add 4" to the measurements you take so that you'll have an extra 2" on all four sides as you quilt.
Next you'll have to take into account the dimensions of the fabric that you'll be using for the backing. Quilting cottons are great backing fabrics, but they are between 40" and 45" wide, so you'll need to decide whether you want seams in the finished backing fabric, or how much yardage you'll need if you don't want seams. (Pro tip: remember that for each seam you add to the backing you'll lose 1/2" in measurement.)
When you're quilting at home on your domestic, you'll want to trim the backing down to just the 2" larger on each side than your quilt top to reduce bulk. If you're sending the quilt to a longarmer to be quilted, you can leave the excess fabric on there as they can use it to attach it to the frame and clamp it appropriately.
