What type of fabric do you use for your quilt backs?

[Gayle8675309]

So far I've always used wide back quilt fabric, but the prices are going up. The least expensive I can find is at fabric.com, and that is still about $9.00 per yard. I need at least 3 yards for a queen quilt, so that is getting pricey. I do like to have the pretty backing though. I usually buy a scrollwork muted pattern in a color that compliments the quilt top.

So, what do you all use for your backings? Do you piece fabric from your stash? Or do you use muslin? (even that is about $8 - $9 per yard for the 110 inch wide).

[K. McEuen]

I normally get the wide backings. Even at $9.00 to $12.00 per yard it's cheaper than buying 45" decent quality cotton and piecing the backs. Sometimes I'll get the 110" muslin at Joann's with a coupon, mostly for everyday use quilts.

[Bubby]

Lately I buy the 108" backing fabric because our little fabric store here in town has them for $6-$8 per yard. They don't get a large assortment to choose from, but they are good quality and when they have something I like I will buy two 3-yd cuts and stash it away for future use. Other than that I buy coordinating fabric and piece my backs. If I think things through before I make the quilt top I will try to find a fabric for backing that I can also incorporate into a few blocks or borders of the quilt. I don't mind mixing things up a bit!

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I think anything you use for backing is pricey. You need 6-9 yards of 45" fabric to back something the same size as 3yards of 110" wide muslin. At $5 per yard that is more expensive. It is best, I think to figure that cost in while planning to make your quilt. You can make the top out of scraps, but then how are you going to back it? Yo've got to consider this in the planning. If I find bolts of potential backings on sale, I pick them up. My issue is finding bolts on sale that have enough yardage to be big enough for a quilt back. That Ben Franklin store I found last week had two bolts of fabric at $3.95 per yard of great backing fabrics. I was happy to find it.

[GrammaBabs]

Well,,, i'm the odd ball.... you may have noticed that a lot of my quilt back are "pieced"... i saw it done once and i'm hooked... even use up extra blocks this way.... Suffice to say, i'm a bit bohemian.. and always dance to the different drummer... LOL
Another cheat i do,,, (please don't judge...heheheh).... most of my quilts are for fun and spontaneous gifts... (you like that.... it's yours)..... so i sometimes use "sheets" for my backings... they work for what i need...EVERYTHING i make is to be "used and used up"... so it works for me... just wanted to share this idea incase there are any other.... "crazy ladies like me out there"....

[buckeyequilter]

Well,,, i'm the odd ball.... you may have noticed that a lot of my quilt back are "pieced"... i saw it done once and i'm hooked... even use up extra blocks this way.... Suffice to say, i'm a bit bohemian.. and always dance to the different drummer... LOL
Another cheat i do,,, (please don't judge...heheheh).... most of my quilts are for fun and spontaneous gifts... (you like that.... it's yours)..... so i sometimes use "sheets" for my backings... they work for what i need...EVERYTHING i make is to be "used and used up"... so it works for me... just wanted to share this idea incase there are any other.... "crazy ladies like me out there"....

I make stuff to be used to - I don't want to give something away and have it stored away. I'll post a pic of the table runner when I get it finished....it's bright LOL. I'm a lot like you if someone comes in and falls in love with it I'll give it to them right off my table. My grandma used to use those thin flannel blankets (the ones from the 50's & 60's for backings) and she always tied her quilts.

[Fabriclovr]

I have used everything from matching fabric to leftovers pieced together. I broke down and bought a sheet at wallieworld to go on the back of one that I was giving to my son for Christmas. I was out of money and the fabric store is 30 miles away, sheet was 12 dollars, gas and fabric would have been close to 60... you do the math! I just did a baby quilt and used Mickie.. I'm in love with Mickie!! it worked up great and was very easy to sew on. Holds the batting and in turn the batting held the top so everything was nice and flat and very very warm!

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I just was browsing Connecting Threads website and they have some very nice prints for under $3 a yard. They would be perfect for quilt backings.

[buckeyequilter]

I just was browsing Connecting Threads website and they have some very nice prints for under $3 a yard. They would be perfect for quilt backings.

I just got my first order from them...so far I love the thread. I got some cream colored fabric from them but haven't checked it out yet.

[mrsg730]

I usually buy 108" backing at Joann's with a coupon. They don't have a big selection but with the coupon I pay 4.99 a yard. I even found 108" flannel for my son's quilt which will make it nice and cozy. I just make sure I only buy when it is not on sale and I have a coupon. much cheaper.