Everything You Need to Know About Picking the Perfect King Size Quilt Backing Fabric
When it comes to making a king size quilt, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right backing fabric. With such a large quilt, you’ll want a durable, comfortable material that won’t pill or fray over time. As someone who has made more than a few king size quilts in my day, here are the top things to consider when selecting backing fabric for your next oversized quilt project.
Consider the Fiber Content
- Cotton – A classic natural fiber, cotton makes for a breathable, soft backing. Look for a tighter weave to minimize wrinkling. It’s durable but more prone to shrinking and fading over washes.
- Polyester – Synthetic but sturdy, polyester resists wrinkles and won’t shrink. It’s less breathable than cotton. Cheaper polyester may pill more easily.
- Bamboo – Slightly softer than cotton but just as breathable. It’s pricey but extremely fade resistant and wrinkle proof. In my experience, bamboo is worth the extra bucks for a king size quilt.
- Microfiber – Ultra soft and smooth, microfiber is lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle. But watch out – the super fine fibers may pill or snag more easily than other options.
Basically, for a king size quilt you’ll want a tightly woven, fade resistant fiber like bamboo or a higher quality polyester to ensure it holds up over years of washings without getting all wrinkly or balled up. Cotton is cozy but more high maintenance long term in my opinion.
Pay Attention to Thread Count
The thread count, or the number of threads per square inch, really impacts a fabric’s durability, softness, and wrinkle resistance. For king size quilts, I always go for a higher thread count backing of at least 180 TC or more. Now before you freak out thinking more $$, hear me out. A higher thread count means the fibers are more tightly packed together so the fabric won’t pill or wear down as quickly from regular laundering and use. Totally worth it to invest in something that will last, if you ask me.
Consider a Print or Solid?
This one is kinda subjective based on your personal style preferences. In general, a basic solid color is versatile and less likely to show stains or wrinkles overtime versus a printed fabric. But hey, if you’re feeling funky go for a cool pattern! I’ve used everything from subtle tone-on-tones to full on jungle safari prints as backing. Pro-tip: Darker colors disguise dirt and pet hair better than lights. Either way, make sure the backing fabric coordinates with your quilt top without blending in too much. You wanna be able to appreciate that beautiful quilt top for years to come!
Check the Width of Fabric
King size quilts are really big, so you’ll need a king size quilt backing fabric that is extra wide to cover the whole thing without seams nowhere to be seen. Most standard quilting cottons are usually 42-45 inches wide. But for a king, I always go for 108-112 inch wide backing. That way you can lay it out flat as one big piece rather than piecing multiple widths together like a jigsaw. Piece seams don’t bother me as much on a smaller quilt, but on a king sized baby you want that wide, seamless span of fabric underneath. Trust!
Pay Attention to the Care Instructions
While you’re quilt shopping, don’t forget to examine the care tag closely. Look for fabric that can be washed in hot water and tossed in the dryer – crucial if you want a quilt you can really use and wash easily without hand washing or special care. Some bamboo and microfibers are more delicate. Also check if it can be bleached or ironed if needed down the line. A king size quilt gets lots of abuse, so picking a backing fabric you can wash however needed is mega important in the long haul. Kids, pets, snacks in bed…stuff happens with big quilts, amirite?
Consider Your Budget
Finally, think about how much you can reasonably spend on backing material. Quality costs more and as I said, it’s worth investing in something durable for a king size quilt you hope to enjoy for decades. But there are also plenty of great mid-range options if you’re on a tight budget. Keep an eye out for fabric store sales too. Sometimes you can score really nice bamboo or microfibers for way less than normal if you hit it on a good day. Flexible spending is key, my friends!
Putting it All Together
To recap, when choosing king size quilt backing fabric the top things to look for are:
– Bamboo, cotton or higher quality poly/microfiber
– 180+ thread count
– 108″+ wide
– Coordinate with quilt top
– Machine wash/dry safe
– Dark solid or subtle print
– Budget your dollars wisely
I realize selecting backing fabric may seem like a minor detail compared to designing your gorgeous quilt top. But trust, it is so worth taking the time to find the perfect heavyweight, wide material that will stand up to lots of love and washings. In the long run, a durable backing is what allows your beautiful creation to be enjoyed for generations instead of falling apart in just a few years.
Sometimes I get analysis paralysis browsing all the options, if I’m being real with y’all. But don’t be afraid to just pick something and get started! You can always make another quilt down the line with a different backing fabric if the mood strikes you. The best part is that no two king size quilts will ever be exactly the same. You get to put your own spin on this cozy craft each time. Happy quilting, friends!
King Size Quilt Backing Fabric Options
| Fabric | Width | Length | Cost per Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flannel | 108″ | 108″ | $5.99 | Soft and warm, comes in many plaids and solids |
| Quilting cotton | 108″ | 108″ | $4.99 | Durable for washing, large prints and colors |
| Microfiber | 108″ | 108″ | $8.99 | Smooth surface, lightweight and quick-drying |
| Fleece | 108″ | 108″ | $6.99 | Very soft and cozy, thicker than flannel |
| Fat quarters bundle | 45″ | 22.5″ | $9.99 | Good option to get variety at a lower cost |
FAQ
- What size are king size quilt backing fabrics usually?
- King size quilt backing fabrics are commonly 102 inches wide by 108 inches long. This allows for plenty of extra fabric around the edges to turn under and machine sew the quilt layers together.
- What fabric types are best for king size quilt backing?
- The most ordinary quilt backing fabrics for king size quilts are cotton or flannel materials. They’re soft, long-lasting, and comfortable. Polyester materials may function similarly but not breathe as well. “Basically”, search for 100% cotton or cotton-flannel in a king size measurement.
- How much fabric do I need for a king size quilt backing?
- For a king size quilt, you’ll want about 10-15% more fabric than the measurements of the finished quilt top. So for a standard 96″ x 108″ king size quilt, plan on buying backing fabric that’s roughly 108″ x 116″. That additional fabric offers a margin for errors when you sew the quilt sandwich together.
- Is one continuous piece of fabric best for king size quilt backing?
- Most quilt makers advise using one continuous piece of fabric for king size quilt backings if possible. It helps keep the backing smooth and wrinkle-free beneath the quilt layers. Still, many folks stitch separate pieces together without any issues. Maybe try one big piece first, then two pieces if it’s too costly.
- What if I can only find backing fabric in smaller widths?
- If you can’t find backing fabric wide enough, you’ll need to seam two widths together lengthwise. Place seams in the center back or along quilt sides to hide them once the layers are quilted. Be sure to wash and press the seams flat before assembling to prevent puckering. With careful measuring and sewing, multiple widths can work amazingly well for king size quilts too.
- Are there any tricks for handling a large king size backing fabric?
- Laying out and managing a big piece of backing fabric can seem intimidating. Some helpful tips include rolling it around a spare batting tube, folding it accordion-style, or slipping it inside a clean garbage bag for transport. Lay smoothing it with your hands as you unfold. With patience and perhaps a helping hand, you’ve got this! Let me know if you have any other quilting questions.