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How to square up backing


pstagl

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I have had to square up the back before also. I have also told folks not to use sheets on the backing. I usually fold the top and use my long ruller and rotary cutter to even it up. There needs to be plenty of extra backing inorder to make it even.

Good luck. Be sure to tell your customers to give you at least 4 inches on each side.

Barb Wetzel

Ivy Corner Quilting.

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Also, VERY IMPORTANT, make sure your customers know they should measure the back AFTER squaring it up, otherwise you may get something less than the 4" required on each side.

I know it sounds like common sense, but . . . well . . . it happens all the time.

Sara

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I hold the backing folded with the selvedge edges up in my fingers. If the fabric does not fall straight and "wobbles" a bit, I shift the edges back and forth till it falls stright. Then I take it to a big cutting board with gridding, and using that, i cut each edge straight. I repeat the same process holding the cut edges this time. That usually does the trick.

That being said, I would rather my client NOT do this, as they won't get it the way I like it. I instruct them simply to tear all width of fabric edges, and once it's sewn together, tear off teh selvedges that are in the seam. In other words leave the outermost selvedges on. That way I have to very little squaring up.

You may want to read the "Preparing you backing" page on my website. You may use any of it you like in a handout.

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Hi - I use Carons method also and like my clients to bring their backs squared - with a little teaching - they do jut fine - the problem I had was describing the selvedges together thing and trying to explain to them how to watch the "drape" of the fabric - I always ended up saying "It's really hard to explain but I'd be glad to show you how when you get here. Then have them bring in their back "really big" and show them how - I finally,k after many months of laboring over how to explain this process, have come up with a hand out with pictures and I'd be glad to email it to you if you'd like - it has become invaluable - and the backs are starting to come in machine ready. :)

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Another thing you might want to mention to your customers who like to wash their fabrics..tell them to cut the backing after washing not before..This is of course from experience where the customer left 4 inches before washing but barely had an inch on each side when I mounted, it was also cheap Wal-Mart fabric so a lot of shrinking!!

Hester:P

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Originally posted by quiltaholi_518

I hold the backing folded with the selvedge edges up in my fingers. If the fabric does not fall straight and "wobbles" a bit, I shift the edges back and forth till it falls stright. Then I take it to a big cutting board with gridding, and using that, i cut each edge straight. I repeat the same process holding the cut edges this time. That usually does the trick.

That being said, I would rather my client NOT do this, as they won't get it the way I like it. I instruct them simply to tear all width of fabric edges, and once it's sewn together, tear off teh selvedges that are in the seam. In other words leave the outermost selvedges on. That way I have to very little squaring up.

You may want to read the "Preparing you backing" page on my website. You may use any of it you like in a handout.

I really appreciate your sugjestions and was greatful for the use of you web site.
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Originally posted by angiemueller

Hi - I use Carons method also and like my clients to bring their backs squared - with a little teaching - they do jut fine - the problem I had was describing the selvedges together thing and trying to explain to them how to watch the "drape" of the fabric - I always ended up saying "It's really hard to explain but I'd be glad to show you how when you get here. Then have them bring in their back "really big" and show them how - I finally,k after many months of laboring over how to explain this process, have come up with a hand out with pictures and I'd be glad to email it to you if you'd like - it has become invaluable - and the backs are starting to come in machine ready. :)

Could you e-mail those instuctions for the squaring. I sure appreceate it. Iolveitsew@yahoo.comMy e-mail address needs to be corrected. It is iloveitsew@yahoo.com
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Originally posted by iloveitsew

Originally posted by angiemueller

Hi - I use Carons method also and like my clients to bring their backs squared - with a little teaching - they do jut fine - the problem I had was describing the selvedges together thing and trying to explain to them how to watch the "drape" of the fabric - I always ended up saying "It's really hard to explain but I'd be glad to show you how when you get here. Then have them bring in their back "really big" and show them how - I finally,k after many months of laboring over how to explain this process, have come up with a hand out with pictures and I'd be glad to email it to you if you'd like - it has become invaluable - and the backs are starting to come in machine ready. :)

Could you e-mail those instuctions for the squaring. I sure appreceate it. Iolveitsew@yahoo.comMy e-mail address needs to be corrected. It is iloveitsew@yahoo.com
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I have one customer who brings me sheets for backs. She takes out the hems and presses the fabric. I haven't had any problem with them.

I find most people don't really know what "square" means, and I would rather square the backs myself. Tearing the fabric rarely makes them square, as something in the weaving or wrapping on bolts causes the fabric to be warped. I went to the hardware store and found a builders

t-square, the long arm is 48" and the short arm is about 18", made of aluminum. It works well for squaring. I draw a ling with a sharpie marker and then cut with scissors. I don't have a table big enough, so I do this on my livingroom floor. :cool: (What-ever works!)

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