I have a question about backing material

I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. Thank
you, Donna

dealer83 wrote:
I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. Thank
you, Donna

I see no reason why a horizontal seam would be structurally less sound
than a vertical one, but I would use a slightly more generous seam
allowance than 1/4". TANQP

Lizzy

Yeah, what Lizzy said. Also, no matter how tempted you are to leave the
selvedges, don't do it. They will shrink/pull a little or a lot. I have
seen some otherwise nice patterns for heirloom baby gowns that encouraged
cutting the opening with the selvedge so the facing wouldn't have to be
finished. Bad idea. Polly

"Lizzy Taylor"
dealer83 wrote:
I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. Thank
you, Donna

I see no reason why a horizontal seam would be structurally less sound
than a vertical one, but I would use a slightly more generous seam
allowance than 1/4". TANQP

Lizzy

i've done a few with horizontal seams, but have learned to quilt them
turning the whole sandwich on it's side.
then the quilt doesn't pucker as much.
amy in CNY

On May 23, 2:13*pm, amy in CNY wrote:
i've done a few with horizontal seams, but have learned to quilt them
turning the whole sandwich on it's side.
then the quilt doesn't pucker as much.
amy in CNY

Thanks gals, horizontal seam it will be with selvages removed! I
appreciate your help. Donna

dealer83 wrote:
I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. Thank
you, Donna

I thought that advice was for quilts that will be hanging vertically -
basically show quilts, or wall hangings I guess, I think it's to avoid
sagging.

I've seen instructions to make quilters width fabric into a wider
backing with diagonal seams. I have friends who piece every scrap left
from the front into the back - no one has complained of it causing a
problem.

So I guess it depends on what you are planning to do with the quilt.

Cheers
Anne

If you are having it "long-armed" you might be wise to check with your
quilter. At least some long-armers do not like vertically seamed
backings, because then the seam makes a ridge in the rolled up quilt. I
may not have explained it well, so just check with your quilter...

Julia in MN

dealer83 wrote:
I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. Thank
you, Donna


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On May 23, 8:42*pm, Julia in MN jaccola-AT-chartermi-
wrote:
If you are having it "long-armed" you might be wise to check with your
quilter. At least some long-armers do not like vertically seamed
backings, because then the seam makes a ridge in the rolled up quilt. I
may not have explained it well, so just check with your quilter...

Julia in MN

dealer83 wrote:
I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. *I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. * Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. *Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. *Thank
you, Donna

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This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus
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Thanks Julia....I'm going to quilt this myself, so that won't be a
problem. I appreciate your insight though and will remember that for
ones I send out. Donna

IMO it has to do with how you might usually fold the quilt. One of the
folds often goes down the middle in each direction.

If you have enough fabric, you might consider this method:
http://www.flynnquilt.com/workshop/FreeLessons/
Scroll down to "diagonal pieced quilt back". Using this depends a lot
on the design of your backing -stripes might not work well. Also, you
lose 2 triangles'-worth of fabric. But it's very clever for making
that seam less visible.
Roberta in D

On Sun, 23 May 2010 11:26:24 -0700 (PDT), dealer83
wrote:

I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. Thank
you, Donna

On May 23, 1:26*pm, dealer83 wrote:
I'm in the process of making a 'scrappy' quilt. *I have enough backing
fabric to run the seam horizontally across the middle but not enough
to use it vertically with it seamed on each side. * Every book I've
read says never do a horizontal seam on the back. *Is this just for
visual appeal or is there another reason like shrinkage or something?
If it's just for looks, I can live with a horizontal seam...if it's
for another reason, I'll have to find a Plan B backing fabric. *Thank
you, Donna

I've done horizontal seams, in fact, on a quilt I use and wash often.
Looks
great after many washings. Go for it!

Sherry