WHW RS Sampler Quilt Class: Sashing and Backing

Alrighty then.  The next thing we need to do for quilt class is assemble all our blocks together!

Wahoo! Because the blocks are all so different and we don't want them to get all muddled together, I highly recommend assembling then with sashing (the thin strips of fabric between the blocks, creating a sort of frame around each block).

Here are my finished quilt tops!  Regular blocks in the 12" size on the left, alternate blocks in the 9" size on the right.  I had just enough fabric left over to create the checkerboard borders for the alternate quilt, bringing it up to the same size as the regular quilt.  I'm planning to make a double-sided quilt!

At our quilt class last week, rather than give exact measurements for our particular quilt, I explained how to calculate and prepare sashing strips for ANY quilt. There is even an alternate method for creating sashing. the instructions I made are attached at the end of this pout.
I also found some great resources for you all if, in case you need more inspiration or guidance for assembling your quilt with sashing:

This is an awesome article about sashing:

Craftsy

And a great follow-up on borders:

Craftsy

This is a great blog post for new quilters about sashing and borders, with lots of helpful links:

Sew Fresh Quilts

Check out Jenny Doan's Video here for ideas:  Missouri Star Quilt Company: Quilt Sashing Ideas

A few more pictures of pretty quilts with sashing:

A Quilting Life

A Little Bit Biased

Of course, you don't have to assemble your blocks with sashing. You don't even have to assemble them in a traditional grid - do a Google images (or Pinterest) search for "modern sampler quilt layouts" and you'll see what I mean.

Once your quilt is assembled and you know exactly what size it ends up, it's time to prepare your backing and batting so that you are ready for the quilting process.

Again, I prepared a (pretty extensive) handout explaining all your options here and attached it at the end of this post.

Basically, you need a piece of batting that is at least 2"larger than your quilt top all the way around, and a backing that is at least 4" larger than your quilt top all the way around.

I found some awesome links for you with some ideas for preparing your backing, particularly if you want to piece it to save money.  Check them out:

Holly has a some great tips for creating pieced backs here:

Bits of Everything

Here's a great example of a pieced back made from leftover fabric:

Quilt Story/Nancy Noodle

One idea we never covered is to create a big border to go around your yardage to make your backing bigger:

Cabbage Quilts

 And here's one more post with some ideas for you:

Victoriana Quilt Designs

ONE MORE NOTE - In the handout, I show you an alternate method of creating sashing by sewing sashing pieces onto two sides of your blocks, then assembling the blocks together as if there were no sashing.  Another option similar to this one would be to sew a skinny border around all four sides of every block, then assemble the blocks together.  :)

And here are the handouts
WHW RS Sampler Quilt Class: Sashing and Backing