Backing Yardage Amount

How much 44" backing fabric do I need for a finished 44" x 53" quilt? Believe it or not the instructions did not include the backing yardage amount. Thank you.

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ANSWER

You need 3 1/2 yards of backing fabric. This figure includes an extra 8" on the length and width of your quilt. That gives you 4" extra fabric on each side of your quilt. You'll need this extra fabric during the quilting process. When you're done quilting, you can trim off the excess.

So, to figure your backing yardage, add 8" to your length and width, which would be 52" x 61". Since 52" width is wider than the 44" width on the bolt, you'll have to sew two strips of fabric together to form the backing.

Now, add 1/2" to the width of both strips for the center seam allowance. Normally, we use 1/4" to piece our quilt, but we use 1/2" to piece the backing. So, cut both strips 52 1/2" x 61" before you sew them together.

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