If your quilt is more than about 42 inches wide, which is the typical width of a yard of fabric, you will need to keep in mind that you will have a seam in the backing, unless you use 108” inch wide backing. There’s a lot of pull put on this Seam when you quilt the quilt. When you use polar fleece to back a quilt, you do not need to add a layer of batting between the quilt top and the quilt backing because the fleece acts as both the batting and the backing layers. Example: 60" x 68" throw quilt. Is your fabric stash getting a little unwieldy? Use a backing that coordinates with the quilt top if both will be visible during use. The back of your quilt should be about 3-4” larger all around than the top of the quilt. A high quality flat bed sheet may be large enough to serve as your quilt back. An example would be my halloween quilt, which has a lot of one type of halloween fabric on it (see the my Quilt Gallery), but also has a section made up of great seasonal fat quarters which may never have been used on a quilt top. Make a small test quilt sandwich and give it a go. As always when a quilt is quilted on a long arm, the backing must be square for best results. This is another no-sew alternative, which is more likely to be available locally. Adding the quilt backing is your next step. This is a great way to use fabrics that have been hanging around for awhile or ones that are more fun whole, rather than chopped up for patchwork. Quilting without backing by: Gail You answered a question about quilting without BATTING. The batting and quilt back fabric needs to be at least 2" (5cm) bigger all round. This approach often means you can buy less yardage than the above approach. For example, suppose the backing you need for a quilt is 52 inches wide by 96 inches long and the fabric you wish to use for the backing is on a bolt of fabric whose width is 43 inches. 3- trim your backing fabric to 3/4″ from the quilt top. This means if the length of your top, plus the 4” top and bottom, adds up to less than 90" (45”x2)then you could use two widths of fabric. ! Wide backing fabrics make the cheapest and easiest quilt backing. Measure the short side of your quilt to determine how much yardage to order. Here are some ideas to help you push on to make that quilt backing. Step 4: Cut the fabric to your backing length and piece together with 1/2″ seam allowances. This four-way tension ensures that puckers and tucks won’t be quilted into the back. Dee says: October 20, 2017 at 10:32 am I agree. 60” x 2 = 120”. If you cannot find extra wide backing fabric that co-ordinates with your quilt, then you have to purchase enough yardage of a quilting cotton so that you can sew it together and make it big enough for your quilt. When sewing 44” fabric together for the back, rather than make just one seam down the center of the back, it is best to put one full width of the fabric down the center, and add two narrower widths down each side as shown below. An added benefit to Quilt As You Go is the ability to easily square up the quilt front with the quilt back. Well, that depends upon your quilt top, of course. Maybe I'll try overdying it! In contrast to the improvisational puzzle method, here the quilt back is made up of consistently-sized fabric cuts. That way you can use the same thread in … Spread out the batting onto the backing. Did you buy way too much fabric for your quilt top? This no-sew alternative is my go-to for large quilts, think twin-size and bigger. Making your quilt sandwich is arguably the single most important step for success when backing a quilt with minky fabric. A busy backing hides less-than-perfect quilting stitches on the back of the quilt. Do not buy a stretchy sheet fabric, such as jersey or “t-shirt” fabric. Now, if for instance, your quilt is about 60” wide, then I would not make two narrow side panels, -- I feel it is already offset from center by having one full panel of 44” and adding about 20” on one side only. I normally wouldn’t quilt to the edge using this method and instead quilt 1” away from the edge or so…but it was an afterthought with this little quilt. If the quilt is wider than the normal 45” fabric (it is also a good idea to measure the exact width of the fabric you are purchasing as widths vary from 40-45”), then you will need two lengths, i.e. This is the "duh" part. That way you are guaranteed to have enough backing and batting for your machine quilting project. When I use extra quilt blocks for the quilt back, I like to design the backing on the floor using the Puzzle approach from No. So, I occasionally "use up" bits and pieces for the quilt backing, and unfortunately I'm not always happy with the result. Reply. Wide back fabrics are usually 108” wide. If the naps are running opposite there will be a noticeable difference in color and sheen. Using extra quilt blocks in the quilt back also instantly boosts the sense of unity between both sides of your quilt. Look for 100% cotton sateen. Yuck! When loading a quilt back onto a quilting frame, it is rolled onto two rollers – one at the top of the fabric and one at the bottom. I'm afraid I must also say that I have in the past purchased yards of fabric at a sale, thinking I could someday use it on the back of a quilt. Selection is limited. DOUBLE 78” x 87” 5 1/4 yds. This provides a nice flat surface with even tension on which to quilt. It saves you time because you don’t have to sew long pieces together, and if you are hand quilting you don’t have any extra seams to sew through. When you sew the yardage together, you’ll have a piece approximately 80” wide. The yardage required is 5 1/3 yards. If possible, tumble dry or let it air dry. 3. It still "goes with" the quilt top, without being overly expensive. Its still waiting for the perfect top to use it on! The only downside? Also it is more comfortable if you are snuggling under a quilt, to NOT have the seam down the middle. Quilter's Field Guide to Color, Quilter's Color Quest, neutral. This makes the blocks a large puzzle piece. It is possible to purchase extra wide fabric made specially for the purpose of quilt backing, and it is great. Example: 60" x 68" throw quilt. Example: 88" x 98" queen quilt. But wait! Quilt backing can be either quite plain, just one color or one pattern, or very busy and vibrant. I actually prefer to choose a backing that co-ordinates with the top of the quilt. Fold the backing fabric out of the way and use scissors to carefully trim away the extra batting all around the quilt so that the batting is even with the edge of the top.If you did stitch beyond the edge of the quilt top, pick out the extra stitches with a seam ripper or a pair of sharp scissors before you trim the batting. The long side is 68”, which will work with the 80” joined-yardage width. If you find yourself losing steam after your patchwork quilt top is made, you’re not alone. Sure, sometimes it’s nice to just do something easy and move on to the next project. That means add 8" to the width and 8" to the length and cut your backing and batting fabric to those dimensions. In traditional quilting, the binding is made from a separate strip of fabric that is sewn onto the quilt. Sometimes I try to "use up" what I've got -- after all, isn't that what quilting is all about? This is the surest way that they will actually get used, instead of buried in an “orphan block” pile. Fat Quarter Shop has one of the largest selections I’ve seen. Other times you might enjoy lingering over that quilt back construction if you give yourself the space to be creative. So if this is your first quilt, you may want to use a background fabric that matches your quilt top in value—lightness or darkness— or in busy-ness. Reply. Hi Gayle, at this point I wouldn’t worry about prewashing the top or backing. Use any leftovers on the quilt back! Another nice way to make a quilt back style is with two different fabrics. Use the full-width of one fabric and arrange the other fabric as a smaller row or column, to bring the quilt back up to size. For most throw quilts, the backing fabric is seen and felt almost as often as the quilt top. This would be a good time to use the glue sticks for basting the backing to the finished top. Measure the width plus 8” and purchase two times this number. You don't want the back of your quilt to wear out long before the top. Now tension needs to be added to the sides as well. A fine needle would suit the sheet, but may not be hearty enough for the rigors of quilting. Finished with "Quilt Backing"? Quilt Size Dimensions Backing 2 1/2” Binding Assembly Diagram TWIN 63” x 87” 5 1/4 yds. Smooth out all the wrinkles. Your seam is not down the center so that is okay. I'd like to know if I can quilt a portion of my quilt through the batting before adding the BACKING. Make the quilt back using fabrics on hand in colors that coordinate with the quilt top. Connect them to create a long column and then join the column to the main fabric. The reason for this, is that a quilt gets most of its wear down the center and a seam there will wear faster. How Much & Which Batting Do You Need for Your Quilt. When it comes to binding your quilt, there is one little thing that I like to do to make the quilt just a little bit nice– match the bobbin thread to the quilt backing fabric. Once you have the quilt completed and bound, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle. That provides a cut of fabric 42” wide and 72” long. This is okay as long as it is good quality fabric. Buy enough yardage to equal the short side of the quilt multiplied by two, with some extra. Place the large cut(s) on the quilt top with a bit extending beyond the quilt top at the edges. Maybe you’d like to create something special that shows off your favorite fabrics or other features from the quilt top. if your quilt top is 70x85, add 8” each way making it 78x93, then you will need 93” times two, or 186”. Bindings are used to enclose the raw edges of the 3 layers of the quilt (quilt top, batting and backing materials). However, taking a little extra time preparing the backing can make a huge difference in the quilt’s longevity as well as how easy it will be to quilt it. 4- fold the backing fabric 1/4″ 5- fold the backing fabric again 1/4″ 6- … Make sure your back is cut square. Grain line and seam direction are two considerations when calculating backing yardage. I also require the seam to be pressed open, too. Unless it is a fun and funky quilt like the halloween one, I think I'll stick to a co-ordinated backing! The small row or column can be pieced so that there is not a bunch of extra fabric left over. Just how do you showcase the quilt backing? To fix it, you have to rip out the quilting. Score! Use Wide back Fabric. Quilting probably started when someone wanted to use up the scraps left over from dressmaking. Backing Fabric should be 3” all around larger than quilt top. Finishing that quilt is going to be soooo rewarding. Buy 2 yards of the main fabric (the bee fabric above). Once joined it’s much easier to see what you need to add in order to complete your quilt back. Quilts that will be used on a bed should have backings that complement the fabrics on the front of the quilt. Lay your quilt top on the floor, to provide a visual reference for the quilt back size needed. Third, apply basting spray to the back of the batting and center it on the backing piece. Consider using a border or even contrasting colors to sew a quilt back with style. Buy 3 3/4 yards for 135” of backing fabric. It’s helpful to use a backing piece that is approximately 2.5” longer and wider than a mug rug top, or 3″ wider on all four sides of a quilt to make centering it easier. The fabric is folded in half before attaching to the quilt so when you fold it over the raw edge of the quilt, it also encapsulates the raw edge of the binding. How many fabric cuts do you need? Some quilters also like to piece the quilt backing, using the left over fabric from the front. I hope this list has sparked your imagination. If you’ve made a few more quilt blocks than you actually needed for your quilt top, incorporate them into the quilt back. As much as you can, keep it away from hot water and heat drying. Here are some examples of my quilts, back and front, where the quilt back makes more of a statement. Not only is fleece soft and cozy, but it comes in a variety of colors, prints and patterns, making it an exciting fabric to use for quilt backing. I would purchase 5 1/2 yds or 4.8 m (186" divided by 36" for yard, or divided by 39" for meters. When I create a quilt back this way, I don’t even half to measure the quilt top. The short side is 88”. Here, the seam runs in the direction of the 96 inch side. This is probably the most important step in making your quilt, because if it’s not done correctly it can ruin your quilt no matter how good you are at quilting! When you self bind, you use the backing … BackSide Fabrics is an e-tailer specializing in wide quilt backing fabrics, extra wide panels, Quilters Dream Batting, and Moda Bias Binding. If you think about it, making the quilt back is actually an opportunity to sew another quilt in fabrics/colors that coordinate with your first one. Now you are ready to quilt! Sometimes all that is needed is a compatible stitching design on the back to support a beautiful pieced quilt top. Buy 2 2/3 yards for 96” of wide back fabric. This comes in super handy when you are machine stitching the binding down. Fat quarter shapes or big 20” squares - the larger you can go, the faster your quilt back will sew together. With bed quilts the backing fabric is rarely appreciated. Ask your local quilt shop to stock wide back fabrics or shop online. Keep in mind that your quilt back should be 2-4” larger than the quilt back in all four directions. Your Quilt is not complete without one When shopping for quilt backing some people like to purchase inexpensive fabric, or plain muslin for the backing of their quilts. Generally, the binding fabric used is the same fabric as used on the back and/or border of the quilt. You will quilt the project as desired prior to finishing the binding. Jessica from Anita Goodesign takes you step-by-step in this tutorial on how to finish your quilt. Then add smaller cuts to fill in the gaps for your quilt backing. Remember - your quilt back should be 2-4” larger than the quilt top in all four directions. You can also make a horizontal seam on the back. That’s probably large enough for the longest side of your quilt. I can give you a method to make it a little easier. This is okay as long as it is good quality fabric. It can be squares or strips or whatever you want to create. Binding a Quilt with the Backing Fabric~ 1- make sure your backing fabric is larger than the quilt top by at least 2″ 2- trim your batting to the edge of the quilt top. “Basting” the quilt refers to making a quilt sandwich of backing, batting, and your quilt top. Decide upon a size that suits your fabrics, and then cut them to the same size. Join Blocks. For more examples of my quilt backs, browse through these Finished Quilts posts. When shopping for quilt backing some people like to purchase inexpensive fabric, or plain muslin for the backing of their quilts. Cut it in half to yield (2) 24” x width-of-fabric sections. Before basting your quilt sandwich, check that your sewing machine will sew easily through the bed sheet. Buy 1 1/3 yards of the column fabric (stripe fabric above). Simple multiplication will reveal the answer when you are working in a straightforward grid. So, unless it’s a baby quilt, you almost always have to piece a quilt back. Start by identifying 1-2 appropriate fabrics that you have in full-yard cuts (or larger). Measure your top before you go so that you know how much to get. Using one, truly special fabric for the backing can really enhance your enjoyment of the finished quilt. The quilting pattern should be appropriate for the style of the quilt. If you quilt to the edge of your quilt top…you’re going to see it in the binding of the quilt on the back. You see about ½" of the binding from the top, side and back of a quilt. Do you have more energy for creating that quilt back than you thought? Regular quilting cotton yardage is 42-44” wide. I usually measure the length of the quilt and add 8”, and then measure the width and add 8”. Instead of cutting two separate pieces of fabric and sewing them together, you cut one long piece, fold it together and then sew right down one side. I prefer to use this method only if the quilt is going to be hung on the wall because I feel it gets more wear on the seams when they are horizontal. It is harder to see the quilting on a busy fabric. 5. Because minky is slippery it is often not cut square when you purchase it. The quilt blocks become part of the puzzle! Most longarm require selvedge cut off and 1/2″ seam allowance. When the quilt backing is inferior in … I leave my backing seam at 1/2 inch. You don't want the back of your quilt to wear out long before the top. Simply join your blocks with right sides together, creating seam … I think it looks prettier if it appears that you put some effort into choosing a complimentary back. When I baste the quilt, I am careful to gently stretch the minky just a tiny bit and tape it in place on my floor (or you can use tables for easier accessibility if … Take the time to make it If you have smaller blocks or lots of blocks, start by sewing them together, perhaps with sashing. Sometimes a sheet's tight weave resists quilting. In combination with sheets or blankets, the quilt backing doesn’t even touch the skin. Having said that, I confess that I do break my own rules sometimes by not purchasing nice co-ordinating fabric for a back. Longarmers will need at least an extra 4″ of backing on EACH side of the quilt, if not more, so as to allow them to properly load the quilt on their machine. Go to "Lesson 5 - Basting/Layering", Please, leave us your thoughts, stories and comments by clicking here, © Copyright 2007-2016 quilt-lovers-guide.com NO REPRODUCTION PERMITTED, Quilt of the Month | Quilting & Binding | Classes | Cruises | My Personal Experience |Quilting | Testimonials   Quilting Retreats: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9, © Copyright 2007-2016 quilt-lovers-guide.com. For this approach, you’ll have to buy enough yardage to sew two large pieces together. The one thing you can do, to make sure the backing fabric is not too short, is measure the quilt top and add 8" to each dimension. Choose a quilt backing with an interesting motif and then quilt from the back along the fabric's printed lines, to transfer the design to the front. … Sometimes it gets flipped over, or scrunched somehow and the back shows. It’s going to be so soft and cuddly! This no-sew alternative is my go-to for large quilts, think twin-size and bigger. Then put the finished quilt top on the batting. Everything you need to finish your quilt! 3/4 yd. This way, when the bed is turned down and part of the quilt backing is exposed there will be a nice aesthetic effect. Ask the shop assistants to explain the differences in batting so that you can decide if you would like to have a thicker or thinner mini quilt. Since you can see the quilt top during this process, it’s easy to imagine how your developing quilt back will coordinate with the quilt top! 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A fine needle would suit the sheet, but may not be hearty enough for the rigors of.., think twin-size and bigger the batting and quilt back this way, the... The above approach buy a stretchy sheet fabric, such as jersey or “ t-shirt fabric... When the bed is turned down and part of the 3 layers of the binding is made from separate! Quilters Dream batting, and then cut them to create a quilt to... If possible, tumble dry or let it air dry another nice way make! The faster your quilt back this way, I confess that I do break my own rules by! If both will be visible during use two times this number be pressed,. ’ t even half to yield ( 2 ) 24 ” x width-of-fabric sections should! Four-Way tension ensures that puckers and tucks won ’ t worry about prewashing the top of the quilt also... Simple multiplication will reveal the answer when you sew the yardage together, perhaps with.! 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In wide quilt backing without being overly expensive sides of your quilt is... Use it on, using the left over from dressmaking seam is not down middle! Your seam is not a bunch of extra fabric left over the quilt back stock wide back or! One, I think I 'll stick to a co-ordinated backing much yardage to order and materials. ) on the back of your quilt sandwich is arguably the single most important step for when! Quite plain, just one color or one pattern, or scrunched somehow and the back and/or border the! Pattern, or scrunched somehow and the back of the binding Quarter shapes or 20! Said that, I confess that I do break my own rules sometimes not! Also make a horizontal seam on the floor, to not have the to! When a quilt is quilted on a long column and then measure the width and add,. Super handy when you are working in a straightforward grid larger all than. On hand in colors that coordinate with the quilt backing fabrics, extra wide fabric made specially the... 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