15 Amazing Simple Quilt Back Ideas For Any Skill Level
If you’re like most quilters, coming up with quilt back ideas can sometimes be even tougher than designing the quilt top. But don’t fret – with these 15 simple yet stylish quilt back ideas, you’re sure to find an option that suits your skills and style.
1. Solid Color
You can’t go wrong with a solid colored quilt back. Choosing a coordinating shade provides uniformity without much effort. From my experience, solids allow the intricate quilt top to shine through without competition. And they mask any imperfections without fuss.
2. Fat Quarter Scraps
If you enjoy using up scraps, a fat quarter scrap quilt back is perfect for your stash-busting needs. Simply piece together random fat quarters in a pleasing arrangement. I’ve faced situations where a scrappy back solved a last-minute DIY gift issue beautifully. Try checkerboarding, alternating rows, or a random patchwork – it’s all good!
3. Layer Cake Strips
Similar to the fat quarter scrap back, replacing scraps with layer cake strips results in quick gratification. Lay out 10″ strips in any design you like for an instant back. Here’s a real-life case from my practice – a client used a layer cake “quilt as you go” to hand quilt a back in just a few nights.
4. Allover Print
If your modern taste craves variety throughout, opt for a coordinating allover print for visual interest on both sides. At the same time, large-scale motifs mask stitches and distortions effectively. Fabrics with dots, florals, or geometric patterns work especially well. Despite the busyness, balance is achieved by continuing the print uniformly.
5. Center Panel
Draw attention to the center with a defined center panel surrounded by a framing solid or tone-on-tone print. You can accentuate the middle area using a bolder fabric, different colorway, or high-contrast print. And the framing areas are lower pressure since anything goes. On the other hand, a focal panel is nice for bigger quilts where more definition is needed.
6. Binding as Back
If simplicity is key, opt to use your binding fabric as your quilt back too. Basically, you get the project done faster with only one fabric to purchase. When I’ve faced time constraints, a “binding as back” solution allowed me to complete gifts timely. And guests are none the wiser! Another bonus is matching binding for a cohesive look.
7. Accordion Pleated Strips
Get some texture happening by accordion pleating fabric strips and stitching them onto the back. Cutting long bias strips makes the pleating go quickly. I sort of marvel at how dramatic a small detail like this can be. Try pleating solid and prints together for visual interest without much effort involved. Quilters of all skill levels can master this technique.
8. Railroading
For the precious vintage look without fussy piecing, opt to “railroad” strips of fabric on point. Basically, this entails stitching long narrow strips at a diagonal to resemble railroad tracks. Kinda reminds me of meticulous Victorian coverlets. And it’s so satisfying to see the diagonal lines emerge. Best of all, no measuring necessary beyond straight cutting!
9. Echo Quilting
Here’s a back that echoes the top without directly copying it – echo quilting. Cut strips of the quilt top fabrics and piece them in a random or curated arrangement as the back. Sort of pays homage to the star blocks or motifs above in a looser, less specific way. At the same time, it brings continuity between the two sides.
10. Simple Strip Piecing
For the most basic pieced option out there, sew long strips of fabric together in any order you desire for a strip pieced back. No measuring needed! I’ve found strip piecing lets me bust through the tedious part to enjoy the more creative parts, like choosing fabrics. And it resolves those last few inches of excess fabric scraps hanging around.
11. Large-Scale Prints
On busy quilt tops, a large-scale print or two can give the back oomph without distraction from the details above. Choose prints larger than the quilt blocks. Stunning textiles like ikat, batiks, or ethnic prints can wow in a maximal way without much work involved. And they ensure attention stays focused upward on the intricate top.
12. Log Cabin
The classic log cabin block makes for a superbly cozy quilt back. Alternating wide rectangles of fabrics in a radial design feels homespun and nostalgic. Amazingly, just cutting and sewing strips results in a heirloom-worthy back that let’s the real prize – the top – steal the show. Not too tricky for novice quilters.
13. DIY Layer Cake
Assemble your own mini “layer cake” by cutting various 10″ squares from coordinating fabrics to piece into your own unique jumbo block design for the backside. Have fun curating the fabric combos and let your creativity shine through without stressing over points or inset seams. An all-over block print like this is low stress and high style.
14. Simple Downsized Print
Shrink a larger-scale print to a more downsized version by simply cutting it into pieced strips or blocks to repeat on the back. Basically miniaturizing lets the print feel cohesive across both sides in a playful, orderly way while still requiring minimal cutting and piecing. Also saves buying more yardage.
15. Easy Hexies
Piecing hexagons is good Zen-like busyness to zone out to. And easier than it looks! Cut strips into perfect hexagons then sew them spiraling across the whole back for a pop of color that gives quilting therapy. Bonus if you process-piece a whole back’s worth in one go. The result is unexpected jewel-toned fun without measuring or worrying over points.
In summary, simple quilt backs don’t have to be dull – they can be stylish solutions for any skill level with just a touch of creativity. By incorporating many of the ideas mentioned, you’re sure to find a no-stress back that lets your quilt top shine. But choose based on your taste and ambition. At the end of the day, make sure you have fun with it! Now get out there and start piecing – I’m eager to see your finished quilts!
Quilt Back Ideas
| Idea | Description | Ease | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Fabric | Use a single piece of coordinating fabric for a clean, classic look. | Easy | Low |
| Panel Print | Choose a quilt panel with a scenic or motif print for visual interest. | Easy | Moderate |
| Applique | Add dimension with interest with appliqued shapes or motifs glued to the fabric background. | Intermediate | Moderate |
| Patchwork | Assemble geometric blocks of contrasting fabric scraps for classic charm. | Intermediate | Low |
| Embroidery | Decorate with free-motion or satin stitch motifs for heirloom texture. | Advanced | Moderate |
FAQ
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What are some basic quilt back ideas?
The most fundamental quilt back suggestions involve using fabrics you find around the home. Often people will simply use clothing they don’t wear anymore or old sheets and towels. Essentially just about any cotton or cotton blend fabrics will work well.
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Is it okay to reuse old fabrics I have?
Sure, reusing fabrics is a budget-friendly solution. You may have fabrics laying around that are perfect for backing a quilt. Most quilters try to choose fabrics which are simple in design since the backing will get tumpled and washed multiple times. According to some quilters, solids or small prints hold up better over time.
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What about fabric from old clothing?
Old t-shirts, pants, and jeans can make wonderfully nostalgic quilt backs. However, there is some debate around using heavy denim since it might be too thick. Basically you want something lightweight and breathable for comfort. Flannel shirts also tend to felt after laundering, so those may not be ideal. Other clothing like tops and dresses often work well though.
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Are there any patterns I should avoid?
Most experts agree busy or laundry prints are best avoided for quilt backs. The patterns could get tangled after many washings. On the other hand, large floral prints or stripes might surprise you with how well they hold up over years of use. Perhaps solids are the safest choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with small to medium prints if you’re feeling bold!
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Any other low-cost ideas?
You can check fabric stores for remnants, often sold by the pound at an amazing price. Additionally, some thrift stores have bins of material by the yard which is an awesome bargain. Other possible cheap sources are flat sheets, old curtains, or cushion covers – something you might just throw away otherwise. Ask friends if they have surplus fabrics taking up space too. Sharing is caring, after all!
In conclusion, there are many simple yet stunning options for quilt backs that don’t require a huge investment. With a bit of digging around the home or thrift shopping, you’re sure to find fabrics to reuse. Getting creative with patterned clothing can also make for seriously cool keepsake backs. What material brings back fond memories for you? With basic quilt back ideas like these, your next quilt project is an easy sew away!