Tips and Techniques – Page 8 – http://lrdesignsquilting.com

Here’s a couple pictures showing the backing fabric attached to the leaders of the longarm. Two parallel backing fabric edges are pinned to the longarm leaders, rolled up and pulled taut. If the backing fabric is not squared off, it will not load onto the longarm leaders smoothly. I hope these pictures help you understand the importance of proper backing fabric. Pieced backs are great but if they lay wavy and skewed on the floor they will be wavy and skewed on the longarm! For a small fee I will prepare your backing for you or you can purchase wide neutral backing fabric from me. I’d be happy to help you figure the yardage needed for backing fabric, too, just let me know how I can help you!

first step

final step

1. Backing must be 3-4 inches larger than the top on all sides. For example, if your quilt top measures 50″ x 50″ the backing needs to be 58″ x 58″.

2. Press seam open and trim selvages from the seam. Selvages can be left on the outside edges.

3. Backing must be “squared up” (see “Why it needs to be square” post) and lie flat.

4. Wash (if your top is prewashed) and iron fabric. Sharp creases can become puckers when stitched.

5. Do not use sheets for backing fabric.

6. When selecting fabric consider the color and pattern in reference to the quilting to be done. A busy patterned back will hide the thread where a plain solid back will show the thread. The top and bobbin thread are usually matched for the best looking stitch so think about that when selecting the fabric color.

7. Many wide backs are available which eliminate seaming and squaring. Usually tearing the fabric results in a straight edge.

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Category Archives: Tips and Techniques

Backing fabric continued…..why it needs to be “square”

How to prepare a back for longarm machine quilting