Is it necessary to always have an extra six inches of backing fabric in order to have a smooth top finish?

Answer 1

I am a better-safe-than-sorry person, so my preference is to have a good chunk of extra fabric available. There are several reasons for this; First of all, that extra fabric gives me a place to do a little stitching after changing thread or switching out a bobbin in order to ensure that my tension still looks good. Secondly, it helps me avoid crashing into my clamps and scaring the dickens out of myself when I approach the sides of the quilt with my machine. Thirdly, I do not ever like to place my clamps directly on the quilt top for fear that I will cause distortion in the lines of my quilt, so the extra fabric gives me a place to securely grip and stabilize the quilt without distorting the top.

But the most important reason is, in my opinion anyway, the extra backing fabric allows me plenty of room to work in the border area. If the edge of my quilt is way over here and the edge of the backing (and the clamps that are attached to it) are way over there, then I can move freely, smoothly and confidently when quilting the border. This is especially important when using rulers or templates. If I am using a ruler that extends past the edge of my quilt, I do not want it to be wobbling around and flopping off into space, or worse, whacking into my clamps as I’m trying to stitch out a nice smooth line. It’s much easier to produce successful border designs if there are a couple of extra inches of fabric to serve as a little platform on which to rest the extra length or width of my template.

Additionally, this extra fabric also provides a little free space to maneuver my template without bumping into a clamp, which would throw off my stitching line. Your mileage may vary, but me? I like to play it safe.

Happy Quilting!

Kimmy Brunner

Machine Quilting Teacher of the Year

Answer 2

There has only been one time when I did not allow the extra 6 inches of backing.  It took me months and dozens of fabric stores before I found matching fabric and was able to piece on the additional fabric at the bottom of my quilt.  You know, I never got back to it.  It's in a box in my sewing room, waiting to be re-introduced to the machine.  My heart isn't in it anymore.

In an effort to keep both the top and bottom taut on the quilting machine thereby avoiding tucks etc. we  exert a lot of force as we roll.

Because tops are generally pieced they have more stretch than a solid backing.  Each little seam can open just a bit farther and by the end of quilting your top may have stretched a few linches longer.

In addition, if the backing fabric is loaded on the lengthwise grain it will stretch only minimally.

Remember that the backing on most machines is on the outside of the take-up roller as you advance.  That means the backing will automatically need to be bigger just to go around the roll.

As for extra width? that's important too.  To avoid distortion it's important to baste around the edges.  Then we need  extra fabric for the clamps, test stitching, and to avoid distortion.  My favorite long clamps require about 1-2" of backing to attach.

Many times new customers bring quilt tops and backings that they have carefully trimmed to match.  When a customer first gives me a call.  I remind him or her that the backing needs to be a good 5-6 inches longer and wider.

Answer 3

For myself, I have had times where I did not have that much extra fabric for the backing. As I was machine quilting on a long-arm machine that I was renting, I knew that I would be taking more time and care to be sure centers were right and edges stayed straight and it would cost me more because of the extra time.

One quilt in particular had a woven plaid for the back and only 1 inch extra on each side. It worked but I had to be extra careful. So it can be done, but I would not recommend it as the rule.

Having the extra fabric makes the project go more easily and less likely to have issues. Your long-arm quilter will appreciate having that extra fabric to make their job easier and less stressful. They want to provide you with a beautiful finished quilt, not one that has problems.

If you are making a back for a quilt that is quilted on a home sewing machine, then 4 inches extra in length and width is more of what is needed.