How To Cut Fabric for Quilting – A Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Backing Fabric

A Comprehensive Guide to Cutting Backing for Your Quilt

Whether you’re a beginning quilter or a seasoned pro, cutting the backing fabric for your quilt can seem like a daunting task. There are so many decisions to make – what type of material to use, how much you’ll need, and the best way to cut it. In this article, I’ll explain all the ins and outs of cutting quilt backing from my years of experience as a quilter. By the end, you’ll have a solid plan for cutting your backing with confidence.

Choosing Your Backing Material

1. Cotton is the most popular choice for quilt backing. Look for a medium to heavyweight variety (called “quilting cotton”) for durability. Lightweight cotton can pill or wear out quickly.
2. Flannel makes for a cozy backing and is ideal for baby quilts. It doesn’t ravel when cut but may shrink more than cotton in the wash.
3. Batting scraps or recycled fabrics also work well as backing if you’re on a budget. Just make sure to pre-wash them.

Avoid using polyester or synthetic materials, as they don’t breathe as well as natural fibers. The moisture can get trapped between the layers.

From my experience, I’ve learned cotton or flannel are the safest bets for quilt backing that will stand the test of time.

Determining How Much Fabric You’ll Need

To calculate the required amount of backing fabric, you’ll need to know the finished measurements of your quilt top. Then add extra inches to allow for quilting and a border if needed:

1. For a small lap quilt measuring 40″x50″, add 12″ to the length and width for a total of 52″x62″.
2. For a king size quilt of 108″x108″, add 24″ to both dimensions for a backing of 132″x132″.

It’s better to have extra backing fabric and cut it down than run out partway through quilting! Don’t skimp here.

An online quilt backing calculator can also help determine exact yardage needs based on your project’s measurements. This helps avoid buying too little or too much fabric.

Cutting Your Fabric

Now for the fun part – actually cutting your backing! Here are some tips:

1. Fold the fabric selvage to selvage and press a sharp crease with a hot iron. This helps keep the layers aligned.
2. Use a long quilting ruler and rotary cutter to cut straight lines. Go slow and cut through both layers at once for clean edges.
3. For large backings, you may need to piece the fabric by sewing panels together edge to edge with a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Pro Tip: Lay the backing fabric right side down on a clean cutting surface. This keeps fuzzies and loose threads from getting stuck to the front.

Taking your time during cutting ensures a nice, flat backing with no wonky edges to contend with later. Precise cutting is key!

Joining Multiple Pieces

If piecing panels is necessary, follow these guidelines:

1. Place two right sides together and pin the edges to match up. Repeat for all pieced sections.
2. Stitch panels together with a 1/2″ seam. Backstitch at the beginning and end for added strength.
3. Press seams open to reduce bulk. This helps the backing fabric lie flat once quilted and washed.

Be sure to label each pieced section so you know how the backing goes back together later. Trust me, you don’t want to get confused!

Adding a Batting and Quilt Top

Now that your backing fabric is cut, here’s what to do next:

1. Lay the backing wrong side up and smooth any wrinkles with your hands.
2. Center the batting over top and smooth it out so it isn’t bunching up anywhere. Tack in place if needed.
3. Do the same with the quilt top, right side up, making sure to leave plenty of extra fabric for the edges.

Use safety pins, spray basting, or a longarm basting thread to secure the three layers temporarily before quilting. Then you’re ready to roll!

Final Thoughts

I hope this comprehensive guide has answered any questions you had about cutting quilt backing material. From fiber choices to yardage calculations to proper cutting techniques, following these best practices will set you up for quilting success.

With the backing cut and attached to the batting and quilt top, the real fun can begin! Happy quilting – let me know if you have any other questions along the way. Enjoy your new handmade creation!

Quilt Backing Cutting Guide

FAQ

1. How do I cut fabric for the backing?

   The first step is to measure the dimensions of your quilt top. Then add 4-6 inches to both the length and width. This gives you enough extra fabric to ease around the curves when you quilt it. Use a rotary cutter and cutting mat to cut your backing fabric to the finished size. Make sure to cut straight lines.

2. Should I use one piece or multiple pieces for the backing?

   It’s up to you if you want to use a single piece or piece together multiple fabrics. Basically, a one piece backing will be easier but piecing fabrics allows you to use scraps or make designs. However you do need to plan the piecing carefully so the seams don’t show through the front of the quilt. As the old saying goes, measure twice and cut once!

3. How much fabric do I need total?

   To figure out how much backing fabric is needed, sort of take your quilt dimensions and add extra inches all around. A standard amount is 4-6 inches extra on each side, so if your quilt is 50×60 inches, plan on cutting your backing 60×70 inches. This allows plenty of room for squaring up afterwards. Basically, always buy a little extra fabric just to be safe!

4. Should I preshrink the backing?

   It’s generally a good idea to preshrink or prewash your backing fabric before cutting and assembling your quilt. This prevents shrinkage down the road which can cause puckering. Nevertheless, check the fabric care instructions in case it’s the type that shouldn’t be washed. On the other hand, cottons and other natural fabrics almost always benefit from a hot wash and dry cycle before quilting.

5. How do I piece the backing fabric?

   To piece multiple fabric pieces for the backing, first cut them oversized then place right sides together and pin carefully along the seams. Use a 1/2 inch seam allowance and stitch with a straight seam. Press the seams open or to one side, depending on the fabric. Then layer, baste and quilt as usual! Amazingly, well pieced seams become almost invisible on the back of a finished quilt.

   

6. In what order do I assemble the quilt sandwich?

   The standard process is to layer the backing right side down first, then the batting, then the quilt top right side up. However, some quilters reverse this order by putting the backing right side up last. Apparently both methods work fine, so do whatever feels most comfortable for you. In the end, it’s the same cozy quilt regardless!

7. Any final tips for cutting backing fabric?

   When cutting, keep your rotary cutter, mat and ruler in fantastic condition so you get nice straight cuts. It really makes piecing so much easier if your raw edges are even. And don’t get snip happy – measure twice as they say! Overall just relax and have fun with it. The backing fabric is the part no one sees, so don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ve got this!