Pieced Quilt Backing Ideas to Try: Creative Designs and Patterns for Quilters

Pieced Quilt Backing Ideas To Make Your Quilt Truly Unique

Whether you’re a seasoned quilter looking for creative inspiration or a beginner in need of guidance, finding the right backing design for your pieced quilt top can seem daunting. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this article, I’ll explore some of the most popular pieced backing techniques and provide tips to help you select the perfect approach for your next quilting project.

Using Your Quilt Top Fabric Scraps

One of the easiest pieced backing ideas is to simply reuse the leftover fabric scraps from your quilt top. Not only does this minimize material waste, but it also helps tie the front and back together visually. When piecing the backing, try varying the orientation of the prints and solids to add interest. You can lay them out randomly or create a simple block pattern like stripes or squares. From my experience, it’s best to cut the scraps a bit larger than needed to allow for adjustments during piecing and quilting.

Incorporating Coordinating Prints

Another option is to introduce complimentary fabrics that coordinate with your quilt top but have a different print or colorway. This approach helps differentiate the front and back while still tying them together thematically. I like pulling in a few backyard prints when quilting with botanical yard, for instance. Or using different color variations of the same motif. You can either piece the backing scraps randomly or design simple blocks and sashing strips to frame the prints. Playing with scale, direction and value range adds visual movement.

Designing a Unique Block Pattern

For those seeking a more structured pieced backing, crafting an original block pattern is very satisfying. Break out your graph paper and get creative! Common block shapes like stars, hexagons and tumbling blocks mix nicely with more unexpected geometric cuts. I once used a tree branch-inspired block to back a landscape quilt—it was a fun surprise when turned over! Remember to keep your backing scales large enough for easy quilting. Printing paper templates from online quilt block galleries can provide endless design ideas.

Mixing Solids and Scraps

Those short on time or quilting experience may find it easier to partially piece their backing using solid fabrics interspersed with leftover scraps. Lay out solids strips or squares first to form the framework, then populate the backdrop with scraps randomly or in a planned layout. Consider prints with mild patterns that don’t compete with the quilt top patterns. Make sure solids contrast enough for easy piecing but don’t overwhelm the scrapwork. Breaking up large tone-on-tone areas helps reduce visual weight.

Additional Considerations When Piecing a Backing

No matter which piecing approach you select, keep the following factors in mind for best results:

1. Measure twice and cut once. Accurate cutting is crucial when piecing small scraps together. Mark 1/4″ seam allowances on fabric before slicing to minimize mistakes.
2. Press seams open as you piece. This prevents seam bulk from showing through to the front. Use a warm dry iron and starch as needed.
3. Pay attention to grainline. Orient all fabrics running parallel to each other for durability. Mixing grains can cause wrinkling later on.

Longarm Piecing Tricks

Those lucky enough to own a longarm quilting machine have some unique piecing perks:

1. Easily piece large background sections first before adding scraps. This reduces fabric wasting compared to hand piecing tiny strips together.
2. Accurately join strips and squares via precise 1/4″ piecing with the machine. No need to bother with large rotary cutters or ruler work.
3. Quickly press seams open as you stitch. The walking foot delivers consistent seam allowance feeding for easy pressing afterwards too.

The longarm lets you piece complex backs more rapidly compared to hand work. Just be sure to baste finished sections well before quilting to avoid shifting or stretching.

Final Backing Assembly Tips

After piecing your backing sections, follow these tips for trouble-free quilting:

1. Trim edges straight and even. This ensures a flat, wrinkle-free fit with the quilt top and batting.
2. Square up the backing to the same dimensions as the quilt top. Measure twice to avoid needingBinding can cover minor mistakes but try to get it perfectly sized first.
3. Baste the backing-batting-top sandwich very well before quilting. Use plenty of pins,brothers or a basting spray to prevent shifting or slipping under the machine foot.

With a little planning and careful piecing, you can create one-of-a-kind backing designs that truly complement your quilted masterpieces. I hope these ideas provide some inspiration! let me know if you have any other quilting questions.

Backing Fabric Ideas for Your Pieced Quilt

FAQ

1. What size of pieces should I use on a pieced quilt back?

   Basically, you want your quilt back pieces to be big enough that they’re not too hard to stitch together, but small enough that the quilt isn’t overly bulky. Pieces around 12-16 inches square tend to work pretty well for most quilt designs.

2. Should I use all new fabric or can I use scrap pieces?

   You can use just about any kind of fabric you want for your quilt back! New fabric works fine, but using scraps is a great way to put old pieces to use. Just make sure the scraps are big enough to fit your planned backing pieces. Mixing scraps with some full fabric pieces can give your backing an awesome scrappy look.

   

3. How do I prepare the backing fabric pieces?

   To get your backing pieces ready to stitch together, first cut them to size. Then lay each piece flat and press it with a hot iron to get out any creases or wrinkles. Trim any stray threads. You can even give the pieces a quick machine stitch around the edges if you want, though it’s not totally necessary. Prepping the pieces this way helps them fit together smoothly later.

4. In what order should I piece the backing?

   There’s no single right way, but piecing from the center outwards often works well. Start with a central piece, then add border pieces going row by row until the backing is complete. However, you may find it easier on larger backs to piece the backing in sections, like quarters, and then sew the sections together later. Do whatever allows you to progress without getting overwhelmed!

5. Should I baste the backing pieces before quilting?

   It’s a good idea! Basting keeps the pieced backing from shifting around under the quilt top and batting before quilting. You can baste with thread or even safety pins if you’re in a hurry. Then when quilting is done, just remove the basting. It takes a little extra time up front, but results in a neater finished quilt—and isn’t that what we’re all going for?

6. How else can I get creative with pieced quilt backs?

   There’s no limit to the cool designs you can piece for the back of your quilt! In addition to scrappy backs, try piecing log cabin blocks, stars, or curves. You could also try piecing images like hearts, animals or flowers—though that may take some pattern drafting skills. Maybe see if piecing a photo onto the back is possible. The backing is a spot to show off your skills and have some fun!