Squaring Up the Backing

The success of longarm quilting relies on several key issues, one being that the backing is square for proper loading and large enough to quilt the top edge to edge.

Backings must be 8 inches larger than the quilt top. In other words, if your top measures 70 x 90 then you back should measure 78 x 98 AFTER it has been properly squared.

No matter how hard you try, if you cut two lengths of fabric or more to piece a back it WILL need to be squared, even if you "tear on grain" the finished product will not be square. Even 108" wide fabric must be properly squared prior to loading on the longarm. - so purchase a few more inches to allow for this. Squaring a back is no different than squaring a fat quarter for rotary strip cutting, just larger!

Find the center of the back lengthwise, fold in half, then carefully smooth the fabric and fold again as necessary to fit on your cutting table. You will quickly notice that the fabric does not line up when it is smoothed out. These rough edges need to be tamed with a rotary cutter. See the photos below. Repeat this procedure for the other side. Then fold the backing widthwise and repeat the process on each of the width sides. Ta-da, now you have a square back! Now press the seams open, trim any loose threads, give it a once over with a good ironing and you are ready to bring it in along with your top for quilting! And you saved a service charge ~ Quilts 'N Kaboodle charges an additional fee to square your backing.

Do take into consideration when you are purchasing your fabric and constructing your backing that you may possibly loose several inches in the squaring process ~ for this reason plan on the back starting out much larger than the intended final result of 8 inches on each side.



Even though I cut the same length of fabric to join together, it wasn't square. As you can see, it is possible to loose several inches in the squaring up process. Please allow for this when making your fabric purchases to assure that the final size of your backing is the min. 8" larger than your quilt top. All these extra steps in paying attention to detail result in a better quilting job and your satisfaction.