Dog proof Durable backing

Ok making a quilt for a lady who has dogs who sleep on her bed and they scratch to get their nest built. I need a durable material for backing.. I was thinking maybe an upholstery material...the only thing is she wants it as a summer weight quilt too so warmth is an issue also, this is a king size quilt that i talked about in earlier post of When you sell a quilt...I will be tacking this quilt. I even thought about duck material, again my concern is that she doesn't want it too warm.. Colors of this quilt is brights with sand and sea shells thrown in.

All input is welcome.
kellie

Any possibility that she could pull the quilt off the place on the bed the dogs sleep and put down an old blanket for them? I love my dog and he used to sleep on our bed every night but I wouldn't let him sleep on one of my good quilts., too much work went into it to have it torn with his nails. Just a thought-

cathy nope not a possibility.... not even gonna ask her... she has had these dogs longer than her husband...

Could you make a small quilt for the dogs that she could put on top of her quilt so they'd be scratching their quilt instead of hers? I recently saw a book with patterns for bed runners -- kind of like a table runner but it goes across the bottom of the bed -- hangs over each side a bit -- it didn't look too wide -- you could make it as wide or narrow as you want. Just a thought.

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Originally Posted by Cathy F

Any possibility that she could pull the quilt off the place on the bed the dogs sleep and put down an old blanket for them? I love my dog and he used to sleep on our bed every night but I wouldn't let him sleep on one of my good quilts., too much work went into it to have it torn with his nails. Just a thought-

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I want to make a quilt for my daughter, but she has 3 dogs and at least 2 of them sleep on the bed. I won't make the quilt until there are only humans in the bed, not canines. My cat has claws, and he furs up the blanket, but doesn't do damage to it. He saves that for his favorite chair, which he has clawed the corner off of.

I have 4 cats and only one has decided to use any part of my furniture as a claw post...unfortunately she's chosen one corner of my bedspread. I will never put a quilt on my bed because of that. No offense to her...I just don't want my quilts torn up.

Pam in Vegas

I'd be more concerned about the top of the quilt rather than the underside. The top of the quilt is going to take a beating from their claws. I'd be more inclined to make a one-fabric quilt out of lightweight upholstery fabric back and front - flannel for batting. I might even consider just using cotton on the back to lighten it. If she wants patchwork I'd use drapery fabric and I'd come up with a pattern that has large blocks (no small pieces). I'd try to find a pattern that only requires several fabrics. Jenny's new tutorial could work.

I'm agreeing with Rebeccas here. It's the top I would be concerned with.

I guess i have a different perspective than most.... She is paying for the quilt, once it is in her house, its hers...now if i were to GIVE it to her that would be a different story.

kellie

I don't know of anything that is totaly "dog proof" maybe Kevlar (sp) and not sure that would be either with some dogs!!! LOL. So just go for it how ever you feel it will work and makes you and her happy, and like you said "she is paying for it" and once she has done that and in her house it don't matter! Her quilt and her dogs. :)

Hugs
Jan G.

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Originally Posted by sewmuchjan

I don't know of anything that is totaly "dog proof" maybe Kevlar (sp) and not sure that would be either with some dogs!!!

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Yep, I reckon my dog would even get through that

I understand your feeling about the quilt but I'd still double-check with her about the top of the quilt getting more abuse. She might really appreciate you pointing out the fact. Folks who don't sew or understand the construction process don't always think things through very well. The reason I say this is from working with customers who were often grateful when I'd point out something that might work better for them. If after it's brought to her attention and she still says she'd rather have it made with the stronger fabric on the bottom so be it. Then go with her choice. Just my opinion, take or leave it.

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Originally Posted by rebeccas-sewing

I understand your feeling about the quilt but I'd still double-check with her about the top of the quilt getting more abuse. She might really appreciate you pointing out the fact. Folks who don't sew or understand the construction process don't always think things through very well. The reason I say this is from working with customers who were often grateful when I'd point out something that might work better for them. If after it's brought to her attention and she still says she'd rather have it made with the stronger fabric on the bottom so be it. Then go with her choice. Just my opinion, take or leave it.

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I agree with Rebecca...but you might also point out the fact that she is going to be spending big $$$$ and that you cannot guarantee your work if she allows her dogs to lie on with her. I believe I would have her sign something saying she understands and will not hold you accountable for the condition of the quilt once she allows her precious babies to sleep on it. Here is something we nurses say "COVER YOUR BUTT, COVER YOUR BUTT"!

Take photos and keep sample swatches of the fabrics too.

I'd find some twill. That is pretty durable and fairly lightweight. Check near the denim & bottom-weights section of the fabric store for it. It comes in neutrals and some brights.
I don't know if they still sell brush-popper anymore, but it is lighter weight than denim and is designed to be made into long-sleeve shirts to protect your arms while riding through or working with bushes that would like to chew up your arms. That would also work.
I am with the others, I'd be more concerned about the wear the top is gonna take!
Good luck!

I have a policy of not making quilts as gifts for people who have dogs on the bed, commision would be with a disclaimer that normal wear and tear does NOT include Dog claws. If they want to spend the money anyway, thats their decision eh?

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Originally Posted by kelliedi

I guess i have a different perspective than most.... She is paying for the quilt, once it is in her house, its hers...now if i were to GIVE it to her that would be a different story.

kellie

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That's how I look at it. Her dogs, her bed, her money, her quilt. As long as you get it in writing that once she takes posession of it you are not responsible for wear and tear.

What about high thread count cotton? I found some at Hancock's, VERY limited colors but very wide and I think it's more durable. Less space in between fibers for claws to catch hold.

I made a nightgown out of it, it is so much softer and much more comfortable than the other one I made with the regular cotton.

I liked it so much I got some high thread count sheets to cut up because sheets have a better color selection.