Easy Quilt Backing Ideas – Fun and Creative Ways to Piece Quilt Backing Fabrics

Pieced Quilt Backing Ideas to Brighten Up Your Quilting Projects

If you’re looking for ideas to liven up the backs of your quilts, pieced quilt backing can add visual interest and personality. As a quilter myself, I know the challenge of finding unique ways to finish the reverse side. In this article, I’ll share several piecing techniques and examples to spark your creativity.

Why Use Pieced Backing?

1. It gives your quilts dimension and texture on both sides.
2. Piecing allows you to fully utilize leftover fabrics in your stash.
3. It adds timeless appeal and makes storage easier by disguising the backing.
4. You can incorporate sentimental scraps like old clothing or family fabrics.

From my experience, pieced backing vastly improves the overall quality and longevity of a quilt. The layers become integrated works of art meant to be admired from either side. You’re no longer restricted to plain solids or loud prints that may clash with the front design.

Blocks and Strip Piecing

Two foundational piecing methods are block patterns and strip sets. For blocks, cut squares or rectangles in a mix of prints and solids. Lay them out on graph paper first to plan color flow. Then simply sew them together in rows.

Strip piecing involves sewing long, continuous strips end to end. It’s faster than blocks and allows for random piecing without a set pattern. Stack your strips perpendicular and sew them together to create diagonal lines or unique stripes across the quilt back.

Pro Tip: To hide seams, alternate light and dark fabrics when piecing blocks or strips. Consider rotating strips 90 degrees every few inches for visual interest too.

Using Fabric Scraps

Do you have a bin full of scraps just begging to be used? Scraps make outstanding random pieced backs! Cut them into 1-2 inch squares or long skinny strips. Then piece them together without a plan for a carefree look. You could also arrange scraps in diagonal lines or stippling for texture.

I’ve found scrap piecing immensely satisfying. It transforms bits and pieces into something beautiful. Don’t agonize over perfect matches – let the varied colors and randomness shine through! A scrappy back also shows off your textile treasures in a new light.

Embroidered Pizzazz

For those with stitching skills, embroidered borders and accents add extra personality to pieced backing. Run dimensional stitches, cross-stitch motifs, or embroidered messages around block arrangements. You could also do some freeform quilting designs between pieced areas.

Remember to use embroidery floss that coordinates but contrasts with fabrics for visibility. A bit of thread artistry transforms simple piecing into lively works of folk art. Best of all, it allows creative expression on both sides of the quilt through fiber arts.

Backing Ideas to Try

1. Nine-patch squares in soft tones for a vintage look.
2. Strip sets of coordinating prints and solids.
3. Scrap blocks for a one-of-a-kind, improvisational flair.
4. Pieced squares accented by embroidered leaves or flowers.
5. Horizontal or vertical logs cabin blocks in a color story.
6. Freeform string piecing with short fabric segments.

The options are endless once you start piecing and integrating leftover fabrics. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different block styles, orientations, or additional embellishments to suit your unique vision. A pieced backing allows your creativity and textile treasure trove to shine.

Overcoming Challenges

Naturally, not every attempt at piecing turns out perfectly. However, remember that mistakes add charm and personality. Don’t get discouraged! Some trials I’ve faced include seams not matching precisely or pressing issues.

Beginners especially tend to cut pieces too small or struggle with consistent seam allowances. Take your time, press as you go, and don’t stress over tiny inaccuracies. You can also piece on a design wall to rearrange and envision the finished layout. Most importantly, let your passion for quilting and fabrics shine through.

Benefits for Skilled and Beginner Quilters Alike

Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, pieced backing offers rewards. It builds piecing skills through repetitive sewings and color/design choices. Beginners learn techniques like accurate cutting and pressing that translate to other projects too. Meanwhile, experts enjoy unleashing creativity and showing off mastery on both quilt sides.

At the end of the day, pieced backing transforms any quilting project into an original work of fiber art. Does that sound amazing or what? I challenge you to try it – you may just end up loving the process as much as the final result! Show off your unique style on tops and backs alike.

I hope these ideas and techniques inspire you to experiment with pieced quilt backing. Please feel free to contact me if you need any other tips. Remember that quilting is meant to be an enjoyable creative outlet. So have fun with it and let your fabrics shine through!

Ideas for Pieced Quilt Backing

FAQ

1. What materials can I use for pieced quilt backing?

   Basically you have a bunch of options for backing materials. Cotton is a classic choice since it’s durable and breathable. But other materials like flannel or fleece can make for a cozier quilt. I’ve even seen folks use old shirts or jeans! Get creative.

2. Should I piece the backing like the top?

   Kinda depends on your skill level and how detailed the piecing is on the quilt top. Piecing the backing can basically give you a mirror image on the flip side. However, it’s also kinda a lot of extra work! Perhaps start simple and just use one big piece of fabric for the backing on your first attempt. Is that fair?

3. How big should I cut the backing pieces?

   Most quilters say to cut the backing pieces about 8 inches wider and longer than the quilt top. This allows for plenty of extra fabric to squish around to the front during quilting and binding. It’s also helpful in case your measuring or cutting skills aren’t spot on. On the other hand, too much excess could add bulk you don’t want.

4. Should I pre-wash the backing fabric?

   This is a matter of debate among quilters! Some folks say it’s best to pre-wash all fabrics including the backing to preshrink them. But others argue that can distort the backing pieces. I guess it depends how you feel about surprises – do you want the quilt to relax all at once in the wash, or hold its shape? Consult the experts and do what appears wise for your project and materials.

   

5. Can I piece the backing from scrap fabrics?

   Using scrap fabrics is a fun way to give the backing personality and utilize odds and ends. It may even help hide slight imperfections in the piecing. However, mixing fabrics in this way could result in an uneven backing surface for quilting. And the scraps may not mesh appearance-wise. On the other hand, scrap piecing makes for stunning, one-of-a-kind backs! Perhaps try it on a small wallhanging first before a whole big quilt.

6. What’s the best layout for piecing the backing?

   There’s no single right answer here – it depends on the quilt design and your personal preferences. Running-bond layout (strips pieced horizontally then vertically) tends to require the fewest seams but may result in a busier backing than you want. Borders and squares could mimic the top design but involve extra pattern-cutting. Why not experiment with different layouts to see which flows for you? We’d love to hear what system works best for your specific project!