I've seen muslin, which looks very flimsy and see through, and broadcloth, which seems stiff. Not sure what to call the Kona brand cotton. Which works best for quilt backing, in your opinion?
Printable View
I've seen muslin, which looks very flimsy and see through, and broadcloth, which seems stiff. Not sure what to call the Kona brand cotton. Which works best for quilt backing, in your opinion?
I get Kona wide backing at Joann's with a coupon. I have bought it here as well. I have only used plain white/beige backings so far but hope to branch out to color soon. I just like the wide backings!
Learn How To Back a Quilt In: Creative Quilt Backs
Consider the possibilities....
If it's a baby or toddler quilt, I'm mindful to keep it to WOF (42").
It took me a LONG time (2 years) to knock this through my thick head.
Anything bigger, the Craftsy tut is my 'go to'.
And as I've learned here, if you use flannel for a backing, pre-wash first.
Because they told me to.... And 'they' KNOW a lot! ;)
My first few quilts I did lots of stuff... Made one with 4 pieces sewn together for a back. Made one with 2 long pieces as a back. Then read that 3 worked better. Made one that was 2 sided. Wow.. When I think about all of the work it took to cut them straight and then line them up it wears me out. The last 2 I used wide fabric. One was just a muslin and one was black Kona.
However, I am using a technique that someone posted on here. It was called.. "How to quilt a big quilt on a small table". (Or close to that.) A lady used a cute method to find the center of the table and a genius way to find the center of your backing, batting and topper. If I would have used that from the beginning it would saved me hours... I have used this technique twice and it worked great!
Before I finish this post I will see if I can find it...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jnke_KzeTI8&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Djnk e_KzeTI8
There it is.. Yay I found it
If you do Pinterest, do a search for quilt backs. Here is a link to my Pinterest board for quilt backs. Some are mine and some are inspiration for me. Got Your Back, Jack!!! (Quilt Backs that is!)
This was an awesome tutorial!
I used a modified version today, while spray basting.
So far, so good. (It's a 42" square baby quilt).
Although I jumped out of 'the ditch' a bit, I'm pleased with the results.
Every project, large or small, finds progression.
Practice makes perfect, right?
I'm not sure there is a "best", but there certainly are some "worst". I've used a variety of things for backs. Old sheets, cheap muslin (that's a worst!- the cheap 3.99/yd at Joanns), LQS fabric, kona muslin, flannel, and my overall favorite, Legacy Premium Muslin and yes, its from Joanns. I did buy some beautiful wide backing with butterflies this summer. Its a brushed cotton and I love it, but would be terribly warm for warmer months. For backs which are most frequently near your body, I'd stick with all cotton, use what you like and just stay away from the really cheap stuff, it won't hold up in the long run.
I like to treat the back the same as the front. Almost like a two sided quilt. I did make my parents photos quilts with plain backing but other than that I find a way to incorporate something of the front to the back.
I dont worry about where the quilting falls. I just quilt for the front and let the back be whatever it turns out to be
Of course I have not made very many quilts yet,so I may change these ways as I learn more. You never know
There are different qualities of muslin. There are some very good ones out there. I generally use extra wide backing fabric (which I have bought from here) for larger quilts. For smaller quilts, I use what trips my trigger and looks good with the front.
What' trips your trigger'?
I LOVE it!
For me:
First I think about how the quilt will be used. Will it get a lot of lovin/abuse? I will use a strong backing like minkee or fleece.
If it's a nice size bed quilt, wide backing fabric. Since I'm not the best quilter, I like a busy print to hide my stitches.
I also like to use flannel - but I wash it first to get it to shrink as much as possible. Do you know - some stores sell wide backs in flannel!
I don't like plain fabric for the back since I like to hide my stitches. If you are a talented quilter a plain fabric will showcase your stitches.
108" Roc-Lon cotton or I'll piece my backs in 3 sections (when I do big ones)... I also have 90" fabric which is great for the twin size or smaller, but I love 100% cotton! It's more hot here than cold, so this will depend on where you live, who's going to use it (child heavy usage, adults not so much)...
Good luck, can't wait to see how you finish your's up
:-Debbie
I usually select one of the fabrics in the quilt top and use it as a backing. Since it's usually 45" wide, I run the seams horizontally (side to side). I've also used some of the solid color, wide fabric from a local quilt shop, but prefer the front and back to match. Most of my quilts are queen-sized and quilted on a longarm. I never make scrappy quilts and seldom use pre-cuts as I prefer a more traditional look or blocks with tons of machine embroidery.
Would you pre-wash your flannel even if you haven't pre-washed your quilt top?Quote:
I also like to use flannel - but I wash it first to get it to shrink as much as possible.
I have a vintage quilt done with muslin and it has held up real nice and has gotten nice and soft over time. I usually use flannel sheets for my backing esp. on lap quilts. I get them at the second hand stores for a great price.
If the top is flannel and has not been prewashed, then I would not prewash the flannel backing. If the top is regular cotton I would prewash the flannel backing regardless if the top has been prewashed. Flannel shrinks a lot more than regular cotton. I say regular cotton because flannel is also cotton.Quote:
Originally Posted by ajflenar