Finding the Perfect Extra Wide Backing Fabric for Your Quilting Projects
As a longtime quilter, I know the importance of choosing the right backing fabric for your quilts. A wide backing allows your quilt to lay flat without rucking or bunching, which is crucial for displaying or using your finished piece smoothly. In this article, I’ll discuss the various options for extra wide backing fabrics and help you determine which type is best suited to your needs and style.
Why Backing Width Matters
The backing fabric provides structure and support for your quilt, so you want it to be wide enough to allow the quilt layers to lie flat without Pulling. Most standard quilting cottons are around 42-45″ wide, but extra-large quilts may require backing over 108″ wide. Otherwise, the pieces won’t lie smoothly and you’ll see puckers and folds in the backing. From my experience, using a narrow backing results in an unsatisfying finish that diminishes your beautiful quilt top design.
Types of Extra Wide Backing Fabrics
- 108-inch Cotton Backing: Specifically meant for large quilts, 108″ or wider cotton is a classic backing choice. It comes prewashed for a soft hand and is durable for regular washing. 108″ width allows for generous seam allowances.
- 119-inch Cotton/Poly Blend: This blend provides the softness of cotton with extra stretch from polyester fibers for a wrinkle-resistant fit. The extra-wide 119″ width allows for sewing very large quilts without seams in the backing.
- Fairfield Wide Back Cotton: While not as widely available as other brands, Fairfield makes preshrunk 140″ wide cotton backing that is beautiful and affordable. The extra width accommodates even king/california king size quilts.
Polyester backs can also be found in extra wide widths from 108-120″. Visit your local quilt shop to see fabric swatches of these options and determine the hand, pricing and quality you prefer.
Deciding What Width to Use
When choosing a backing width, you’ll want to measure your quilt top and add 6-12 inches to determine your backing size needs. This allows plenty of room for seams and adjustments. I have faced situations where undersizing the backing resulted in a feeble final appearance due to pulls and bubbles. Play it safe with extra width.
For most large quilts from king to queen size, 108″ cotton or blended backing should suffice. California king and above may require 119″ or 140″ backing for a perfect wall-hanging fit. Extra large pieces like those spanning multiple king beds � require the widest backings for sleek results.
Piecing the Backing
Although piecing multiple back pieces requires more work, it may be worth it for very big quilts or custom sizes outside standard widths. Here are tips for joining backing pieces seamlessly:
- Trim selvedges and press seams open to reduce bulk
- Match patterns and prints carefully before sewing seams with 1/4″ seam allowance
- Use a walking foot for best feeding of double thick fabric layers
- Use a lightweight fusible web to adhere multiple pieces if seams pose a challenge
Proper preparation leads to invisible pieced seams. In my experience, the extra effort results in a backing that lies as smoothly as a single piece fabric.
Securing the Backing During Quilting
After piecing or cropping your backing, take care to smoothly anchor this large piece when layering and basting the quilt sandwich. Here’s a real-life case I faced: when my extra wide 108″ backing slipped during quilting, it led to puckers that weren’t evident until finishing. Now I take extra steps like safety pinning the backing edges every 2 feet for security. Using temporary spray adhesive along the edges and folded corners also helps control the backing.
Being diligent pays off – your viewers will be none the wiser that you pieced or used extra wide backing fabric! A well-executed wide backing ensures your beautiful quilting shines from a well fitted foundation.
I hope these “basics” on choosing and handling extra wide backing fabrics help you make the right selection for your next quilting project. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Happy quilting ahead.
Important Considerations for Choosing an Extra Wide Backing Fabric for Your Quilt
| Fabric Type | Width | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Flannel | 108-114 inches | Soft, cozy texture makes it pleasant for piecing and quilting. Might shrink slightly during washing. |
| Cotton | 108-114 inches | Durable and breathable. Won’t shrink as much as flannel if pre-washed. Excellent for piecing intricate patterns. |
| Batik | 108-114 inches | Colorfast and vibrant patterns. Wider selections available. More expensive than plain cotton. |
| Flannel-backed satin | 108-114 inches | Super soft on one side for quilting, slick satin on backside to ease quilting. Most expensive option. |
| Microfiber | 114 inches | Stretcher and stronger than cotton. Resists shrinking and wrinkling. Smooth finish on front and back. |
FAQ
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What size of fabric do I need for an extra wide backing?
Generally, you will want the backing fabric to be at least 6 inches wider and longer than your quilt top. This gives you plenty of excess fabric to fold under and hide the raw edges. Basically,measurements depend a lot on the quilt style and how much you want showing underneath.
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Is pre-quilted fabric a good choice for extra wide quilts?
Pre-quilted fabric can work well for larger quilts because it stays flat and doesn’t require basting layers together before quilting. At the same time, it limits your machine quilting options. Maybe go with pre-quilted for the backing and piece other fabrics for the top if you want more creative freedom! On the other hand, many quilters enjoy the process of basting and free-motion quilting big surfaces.
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How do I finish the raw edges on a wide backing?
Folding and stitching is the typical method. However, consider serging or zigzag stitching the edges first for stretchier, longer-lasting results. Another option is binding the entire back of the quilt like the fronts. But that takes some serious thread! Perhaps the best approach depends on your skill level and the look you want.
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Which is better for support – one large piece or pieced backing?
A pieced backing is a bit more work upfront but may offer better support in the end. The multiple seams help break up the fabric and reduce sagging in heavy quilts. However, a large single piece could allow for an impressive expanse of printed fabric or interesting textures. It really comes down to the individual quilt – different approaches work best depending on the scale, materials, and intended use.
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Is extra wide backing more or less expensive?
While wider fabric requires more yardage, that isn’t always reflected in the per-yard cost. Some nice cottons and flannels suitable for backings are amazingly affordable at wider widths. But specialty prints could get pricey for really huge pieces! Then again, piecing multiple smaller fabrics lets you stretch your dollar further and create one-of-a-kind patchwork goodness on the reverse. It’s kind of a toss up.
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Any tips for quilting extra wide backs?
To keep your lines straight and tension even on the big surfaces, try anchoring the quilt sandwich with safety pins underneath at regular intervals. Honestly it’s also just easier said than done! But taking breaks and marveling at your progress may help motivation. At the end of the day, sharing pics of the stunning backing could inspire fellow quilters facing similar challenges too.