The Basics of Choosing the Perfect Quilt Backing Fabric
When quilting a new project, most of the focus is placed on choosing beautiful fabrics for the quilt top. However, the backing fabric is also an important element that can influence the overall look and feel of your finished quilt. In this article, I’ll discuss the various options to consider when selecting fabric for quilt backing and provide tips to ensure you choose the right material.
Weave and Fiber Content
The weave and fiber content of a fabric will affect its flexibility, durability, and how well it holds quilting stitches. Two of the most common choices are:
- Woven cotton – An affordable and breathable option. It can wrinkle more easily than nonwoven fabrics but provides good stitch definition. I always use 100% cotton for quilt backs.
- Nonwoven polyester – More durable than woven cotton with minimal wrinkling. However, it doesn’t have the same natural fiber appeal and breathability as cotton. I prefer to save nonwoven fabric for quilts that will see heavy use.
In general, look for fabrics with tighter weaves that won’t ravel or snag easily. Avoid loosely woven or knit materials, as stray warp or weft threads can catch on your needle. The tighter weave will better hold quilting stitches over time.
Weight and Texture
Consider the weight and texture of potential backing fabrics. Too light, and your quilt filling may show through. Too heavy, and it can distort the quilt top. Aim for a medium-weight fabric (around 4-6 ounces per yard) that is flexible but not too sheer.
Some quilters like the extra loft provided by minky or flannel backings. But those fuzzy textures can pill or snag after repeated laundering. I usually stick with smooth or sateen weaves that are durable without adding too much bulk.
Color and Pattern
When it comes to color, solids work best for backing as patterns can show through the quilt layers. Darker neutral shades like gray, charcoal or navy are classic options to complement any quilt top without distracting from its design. Stay away from bright hues unless using scrappy patchwork bits.
That said, I have found prints and textures like gingham, dots or stripes can really add some extra personality from the backside. Just be sure the pattern is fairly muted to avoid competing with the quilt design. Trust your eye – if a print makes you smile, give it a try!
Amount Needed
To determine yardage for backing fabric, add the length and width of your quilt top and add 12-18 inches on each side for extra borders. Then add another 10-15% to allow for piecing seams. You can check the fabric width – go for 42-45 inches or wider for larger projects.
I once underestimated the backing needed for a queen-size quilt and had to piece it in a hurry from leftover scraps. Now I always overbuy just to be safe! Measuring twice can prevent multiple return trips to the fabric store.
Finishing the Backside
Once you’ve selected the perfect backing fabric, finish the raw edges before sandwiching it with your quilt layers. I like to serge or zigzag stitch all four sides for a crisp, professional look. Another trick is folding the two long edges 1/4 inch to the back and stitching close to the inner fold – this creates mitered corners without bulk.
For extra reinforcement on queen or king size quilts, consider sewing binding directly to the backing instead of just the quilt front after doing your quilt stitching. It guarantees a neat and durable finish all around.
So in summary – choose a medium-weight cotton or polyester in a dark, muted color or subtle print. Allow plenty of extra yardage and finish all raw edges before assembling your quilt sandwich. Following these basics can help ensure your backing fabric enhances rather than detracts from your beautiful handiwork.
Common Challenges and Solutions
No matter how much planning goes into backing fabric selection, things can still go wrong. Here are a few issues I’ve faced with quilt backs over the years and how to remedy them:
- Puckering or wrinkling: If this happens after quilting, try steaming from the front with an iron set to wool until wrinkles relax. A dryer sheet in the dryer can also help smooth things out.
- Sheerness problems: Backings that are too light may cause shadowing. Add a second layer of fabric behind problem areas and quilt them together for opacity.
- Pilling or lint buildup: Fuzzy textures like minky can pill. Toss in a fabric shaver or disposable razor to fluff up the fibers periodically.
- Stain or soil issues: Pretreat any marks before washing as usual. Baking soda paste can help if washing doesn’t do the trick.
With some trial and error, you’ll learn to troubleshoot potential backing fabric issues. The key is choosing carefully at the start and handling your quilts gently over their lifetime of use and washing.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have the basics and more on fabric quilt backing selection! I tried to cover the main considerations – weave, fiber content, weight, color, pattern and yardage needs. It’s definitely worth the time upfront to find the perfect backing to complement your quilt top design.
In the end, backing fabrics are like quilting tools – you kind of got to go with your gut based on experience. If a certain fabric speaks to you, don’t be afraid to go for it – and have fun matching solids or prints to personalize each new quilt project. Happy quilting!
Characteristics to Consider When Choosing Quilt Backing Fabric
| Fabric | Weight (oz/yd^2) | Best Uses | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muslin | 2.5 – 6 | Beginner projects, practice quilts | Low, intended for short-term use |
| Flannel | 5 – 8 | Quilts for indoor or occasional outdoor use | Moderate, will last several years with regular indoor use |
| Cotton | 6 – 10 | Most standard quilting projects | Good, will maintain shape and last 10+ years with normal use and care |
| Canvas | 8 – 14 | Heirloom quilts, outdoor use | High, extremely durable for generational use |
| Batting | Varies | Controls thickness, loft, and insulation level | N/A, batting does not directly impact durability |
FAQ
- What kind of fabric works best for quilt backing?
Basically, there are a few fabrics that work well for quilt backing. Cotton is a great choice since it’s breathable and washes well over time. Flannel is cozy for colder seasons. Evening feels fantastic too. On the other hand, you’ll want to avoid fabrics that could end up rather stiff like felt.
- How much fabric do I need to buy for backing?
When picking up backing fabric, it’s important to purchase enough but not too much. As a basic guideline, get fabric that’s about 10% larger than the top pieces all sewn together. So for an 80×90 inch quilt top, you’ll need fabric around 88×98 inches. Does that seem like enough? Perhaps add an extra couple inches just to be safe!
- Is it okay to piece the backing fabric?
You can totally piece together the backing fabric if needed! In fact, it’s a fairly common thing to do. Just be sure to leave at least a 1/4 inch seam allowance so it doesn’t show through the layers. Using a walking foot can help things feed evenly. All in all, patching backing is no problem – it just takes some extra time.
- What’s the best way to prepare and attach the backing?
Getting the backing ready in a way that makes quilting fun seems sort of amazing! Basically, start with an iron to remove any wrinkles. Then spray or rub onstad basting sprayto hold the layers together smoothly. This appears to work better than pin basting and saves a ton of headache. Another great option is using a glue stick to secure the edges. Either way, a smooth back will make quilting a dream!
- How do I finish the raw edges of the backing?
Finishing backing raw edges helps prevent fraying later on. There are a few good options here. One approach is folding the sides under 1/4 inch and sewing close to the inner fold. Binding the edges works too but takes more steps. For a quicker solution, consider pinking the sides with decorative scissors. No matter which technique you choose, neat edges will make your quilt last a lifetime!
- Is it okay to overlap backing fabric at the corners?
Overlapping backing fabric at sharp corners is fine to do. It basically just takes some extra material to fold over without stretching the fabric fibers too much. One trick is using a 45 degree corner ruler to get nice, crisp folds. You may need to trim away a tiny bit afterwards so it doesn’t add bulk. Overall, overlapping gives professional results with clean looking corners throughout your backing.
- How can I get rid of wrinkles in the backing?
Removing wrinkles before starting is key to smooth quilting later on. A bit of steam from an iron can work wonders – just be careful not to press too hard or it could distort the fabric shape. Letting it air dry outdoors on a sunny day occasionally works wonders too. For stubborn creases, consider a spray bottle of water to re-moisten the fibers. Press gently with an iron afterwards. With some patience, those pesky wrinkles will basically vanish into thin air!
- What’s the best way to attach backing around a binding?
Attaching backing securely at the binding edge takes a bit of care. One approach is folding it over 1/4 inch before sewing the binding strip on top. Glue basting along the fold location helps it stay put nicely. Another option is binding the raw edge first. Then topstitch the folded backing fabric close to the inner fold. No matter which style you choose, take it slow near the edges to avoid any slip ups. The results will look polished!