FMQ with the back facing up

[bec]

Has anyone ever tried FMQ on the back instead of the top? I did a sample piece and noticed that the back actually looked better than the top. The top was more crinkly and places where I left more space between my design was puffy and obvious. The fabric on the back was much more smooth. I used spray to hold the sandwich together and it was smooth.

I'm also thinking that it will be harder to see where I've been on the top because of all the different prints. It is a fence rail variation so there are lots of different fabrics.

Here are pics so you can hopefully see what I'm talking about. The first one is the back of the sample. The second one is the front which doesn't show the puffiness as much as is seen in real life. The bottom one is the quilt that I'll be quilting.

Are there disadvantages to FMQing on the back?

[BellasQuilts]

That is so funny, I was just thinking about doing this today. Looks good to me!

[buckeyequilter]

I've been thinking about trying that too....I've noticed that the back often looks nicer than the front.

[jingleme]

That was one of the tips on a recent Fons & Porter episode....quilt on the back if the top has a lot going on or is very busy. Much easier to see where you're going & where you've been. You can put decorative thread in the bobbin & just have fun. (so they say....I am not that good yet...)

[Granny Judy]

There are NO rules....NO Quilting Police here. If it works for you..do it!! (just have to share with the gang here!! )

[AngelaLashley]

I'll have to try this. it definately shows a difference.

[Denis]

In this case, because your top is busier than the back, it's a good way to see if you have full and even coverage of quilting over your quilt, esp if doing FMQ. Many quilters will use a busy fabric for the back with flowers, quilt from the back and use the floral motif to quilt around. If you were doing SID or crosshatching (straight lines in a grid) then I would stick to the front.

BTW, your quilting looks really good. Great job!

[madampolo]

That is some nice quilting! I never thought to do it that way. I just make squiggles.

[bec]

In this case, because your top is busier than the back, it's a good way to see if you have full and even coverage of quilting over your quilt, esp if doing FMQ. Many quilters will use a busy fabric for the back with flowers, quilt from the back and use the floral motif to quilt around. If you were doing SID or crosshatching (straight lines in a grid) then I would stick to the front.

BTW, your quilting looks really good. Great job!

Thanks! The only thing I've FMQed before is some stippling on my sewing machine cover and a little on a wall hanging where I followed the lines of a template. The practice piece went pretty well, but I know that it's much harder on an actual quilt.

[bec]

That is some nice quilting! I never thought to do it that way. I just make squiggles.

Thanks! Personally, I've tried the squiggles/stippling and I think it is harder than the loop-de-loop.