Backing question

[HandsomeRyan]

As others have said, use a backing fabric that has a pattern which won't show the seams too much and just sew it together. Another really simple way to spice up the backing is adding a simple strip of some other fabric or fabrics down the middle.


Here is the backing of a quilt my wife and I recently did. (actually we did two of them just like this). That strip is just simple blocks of fabrics from the front. Super easy to do.

Some people also use wide fabric from the fabric store, or sheets in a matching color although use of the latter is somewhat controversial within the quilting community.

[oldsewer]

Any big piece of fabric can be a wrestling match, but I just finish a quilt using wide backing in flannel (Thousands of Bolts.com on sale) and got along fine. I checked and double checked the math to be sure I had a clear picture(on a note pad) and plan before laying it out to cut. I don't have a particularly big cutting table, so careful is better that fast!

[mary3100]

I just buy the flat sheets at Walmart! They work fine and are comparable to a nice muslin.

[snippet]

Ive used sheets or sewed two WOF together for my backs, but my favorite is wide backing. It's easy to use and to me it's just as cost effective. I love ThousandsOfBolts.com too

[bubba]

I usually but the 108" wide fabric to avoid the seam. I did seam my sisters backing, and the one I will be making myself with the fabric I bought in Hawaii will also have a seam.

[Mary Ann]

I love to create a simple design on the back of most of my quilts - gives me a chance to be a little creative, and in a minimalist way, makes my quilts reversible.

[Pattycake]

When it's necessary to have a seam in the backing of a quilt, I was taught to have the seam go horizontally (side to side). I make the backing for all my quilts out of one fabric with no squares on the back. It's just a personal preference.

[Granny Judy]

I use what I have on hand..if not purchased when I first start a quilt..

Then it is pieced with left over blocks or fabric from the front. I try not to put them in the middle.. but off to one side for visual effect and "use both sides" type of quilt. Often, My Fat quarter stash takes a hit when I am Piecing backs.

[GinnyKNC]

They do have wider fabric for backing (102", 104", 108", 110", etc.). I will try and buy that if I'm making a gift where I want a solid backing and no design. I've seen seams down the middle, two seams each off center, seams running across the quilt sideways in the middle and also off center. I guess it depends on the fabric you select and if you are going to have a solid backing or add some design to it.

[GinnyKNC]

Love this!

As others have said, use a backing fabric that has a pattern which won't show the seams too much and just sew it together. Another really simple way to spice up the backing is adding a simple strip of some other fabric or fabrics down the middle.


Here is the backing of a quilt my wife and I recently did. (actually we did two of them just like this). That strip is just simple blocks of fabrics from the front. Super easy to do.

Some people also use wide fabric from the fabric store, or sheets in a matching color although use of the latter is somewhat controversial within the quilting community.