I can’t guarantee I can perfectly center the top over the backing so don’t expect it. But should you do it if you are sending it to a longarm quilter to quilt? Do you stash fabrics that are specifically for backing a quilt? How to Add a Quilt Backing. I usually measure the length of the quilt and … Often one chooses a printed or solid fabric that goes with the front, or you can take the traditional route of using plain muslin. 3/4 yd. If your fabric is right side in and you don’t have to worry about direction able fabric follow these instructions and we will have a finished quilt backing in no time. Lay a washed and ironed quilt backing fabric sheet on a clean work surface -- with the right side, or the more colorful side, facing down. If your quilt will hang on a wall or in a quilt show, plan to have the lengthwise fabric grain run from top to bottom. Without thinking (and I do know better!) Now to press and trim. Let’s start first with the basics about backing, specifically, how to determine how much fabric you will need for your quilt back. How to figure yardage for quilt backing: The back of your quilt should be about 3-4” larger all around than the top of the quilt. If you want to have a seamless backing, then you will be able to make a quilt of about 35 inches wide. I usually stop about 1/8″ before I get to the fold and backstitch (this leaves allowance to cut the fold and not cut your seam). Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Add 8 inches to both measurements to make sure you have an extra 4 inches all the way around to make allowance for the fabric that is taken up in the quilting process as well as having adequate fabric for the quilting frame. Fold both the quilt top and quilt back in quarters. I will tell you my favorite ways. This website uses cookies for analytics, personalization and advertising. DOUBLE 78” x 87” 5 1/4 yds. This helps reduce bulk at each seam and makes it flatter. I used to cut the fabric yardage in half and sew the two pieces together, pinning and trying to keep it matched and make sure the ends met up and that I was accurate cutting it into two pieces. This kind of backing involves sewing a lot of seams, perhaps even a leftover block or two, and a bit of puzzle work too! This allows the seam to lay parallel to the fabric rollers for easier loading and smoother backs. Take the backing to the ironing board and press the seam to set the stitches and then trim off the selvage (either with rotary cutter on the cutting mat or with scissors) just leave the 1/2″ seam allowance. This is the quilt backing for my Flowering Snowball Quilt. How to know when to buy yards and yards of fabrics for backing?. How Quilters Paper Piece a Quilt For one paper piecing method, the fabric is positioned on the unprinted side of a foundation with edges overlapping drawn lines. In all of this, keep the 4-inch rule in mind, so the fabric will be 44 inches wide, but for the backing, 4 inches on either side will be left for shrinkage. Do not cut it in half yet, I keep it in one long piece till after I sew the seam together. (In the photo below, my selvage is ¾-inch wide so I have placed a piece of painter’s tape 1-1/4 inches away from my needle on the right side.). Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). Leave approximately 1/2″ (1cm) of backing fabric or wadding (batting) around ALL of the edges. We have more than 200 different choices available in our shop right now! If you have 4" of backing fabric extending beyond the side and bottom of the quilt top then you have a total of 8" additional fabric for the length and the width of the backing … You can even use oddly shaped pieces of fabric scraps without extra cutting.. When a quilt is folded in half, the extra bulk of the center seam along the fold line stresses the quilt, causing the quilt top and batting to break down. If is fairly simple to do (this technique works if your fabric isn’t directional or if you don’t care if it is). If you have yardage that isn’t wide enough to cover the back of the quilt then you will need to cut and sew it together to fit. When piecing the backing of a quilt, avoid using a center seam. How to know when to buy yards and yards of fabrics for backing?. So I cut a piece of fabric 70″ long x WOF. This avoids having a small piece on the edge that might interfere with the binding by making it too thick and it also looks more pleasing than having a narrow slip of contrasting fabric on the edge by the binding. When I laid out the backing fabric over the top, I realized that it was going to be really close on the length if I only used two widths. When you piece backing for a quilt, you can make a beautiful and creative quilt. 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. The grainline doesn't matter as much now. But, the backing takes special piecing such as flanking a width of backing with another split width of equal size. Next you need to press that long 1/2″ seam open. Here are some ideas of how you can piece your quilt backing to use up scraps and not have to buy more fabric. Assuming a 3" extra all around (so the backing needs to be 62"x55") I would cut one length that is 62"xWOF, cut off selvages, and make the second piece 62"x whatever is needed to make the width 55". Janeen: “Now that our quilt top is done, we need to make a "quilt sandwich" with batting and a backing fabric. 2. © 2016-2021 APQS. A quilt usually tends to have three layers sandwiched together; they are the quilt top, batting, and finally, the backing. One thing to remember – if your backing has thick seams where quilt block come together (as in a pin wheel) there can be problems with quilt thickness if that area is in the same place as thick seams in the quilt top. 1. A pieced backing with many seams is easier to quilt by machine than by hand. You can piece it for many reasons and here are just a few: No matter why or what kind of pieced backing you plan on making. This is also known as ‘basting’ our quilt. It’s a good idea to make the quilt backing larger than the quilt front by at least 4″ on each side. Only short sections of patchwork hang off the sides of the bed. With a “full float,” the quilt’s top edge is basted to the backing and batting, but the bottom edge hangs down with the batting. "Paper Piecing", or "Foundation" quilting, takes all the hassle out of cutting and sewing your quilt block. Quilting can shrink as well as move the fabric slightly, you want to be certain that the backing fabric or wadding (batting) will cover the whole piece of fabric when you are finished quilting. I like to use up orphan blocks or leftover scraps from the front. Using a third length would be really excessive though. This kind of backing involves sewing a lot of seams, perhaps even a leftover block or two, and a bit of puzzle work too! There are going to be some who say you ‘must’ always keep directional fabric in line or that you have to match up the design so it isn’t noticeable. The fabric's placement is easy to see by holding the foundation up to the light. I usually cut backing piece and insert something pieced to get more width. If you're concerned about the quality of your hand or machine quilting, choose a busy print that will camouflage your stitches. Cut and piece the quilt backing larger than the quilt top, adding at least 8" to both the length and width measurements. Normally, quilt backings are about 4-6inches longer on all sides than the top part of the quilt. Now you have a finished back that is plenty big enough for the longarm quilter to load on the longarm. I can give you a method to make it a little easier. Calling all quilters: Now is our time to help our communities! For most quilts larger than a crib-size project, it is necessary to piece fabric together to make the quilt backing. I do this on all backings. If you are making a quilt that is bigger than 30” square you will need to piece fabric together to create a large enough backing. I start with a long multiple yard cut of a single fabric. Instead, cut one of the lengths of backing fabric into two long, narrow pieces. Once the glue is tacky, place the fabric fold back onto the first piece of fabric and align the pattern correctly. Steps To Piece Backing For A Quilt. Quilt backing is the bottom layer of a quilt sandwich. Your seams must be at least 1/4 inch (if you are using left over blocks) and I often use 1/2 inch when seaming yardage. This is one option and an easy one! Use a backing that coordinates with the quilt top if both will be visible during use. Fold the backing fabric toward the front of the quilt just slightly less than 1/2 inch, and press, keeping the iron away from the batting (see the following figure). Sew the other piece onto the one of the other selvage edge in the same way as previous seam. The basic idea is to quilt all of your layers together, as you are piecing your quilt, so that you are working with smaller, more manageable pieces. Here are some ideas of how you can piece your quilt backing to use up scraps and not have to buy more fabric. You will quilt the project as desired prior to finishing the binding. For good reason! However, if you are using a pantograph design make sure that the design will look appropriate if it travels up and down the length of the quilt instead of from side to side. The layers will be joined together in preparation for quilting. 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. Here, the seam runs in the direction of the 96 inch side. Trim off any selvage edges in the quilt backing. Longarm quilters may require the quilt backing be even larger on each side, so make sure to check if you plan to send a project off for quilting. I was only short a few inches. You know…that huge amount they give you in the directions and you say “whatever, I can piece together a backing and use up my stash too”. 3/4 yd. Many people have done "Quilting", but are put off by the labor-intensive cutting and fitting process that makes a quilt block. This is the "duh" part. Grain line and seam direction are two considerations when calculating backing yardage. But wait! When the two boards are even, baste the quilt pieces using safety pins. This no-sew alternative is my go-to for large quilts, think twin-size and bigger. For a horizontally-seamed back, divide the needed length by the UWOF: Sew the length of the fabric using the selvage edge as your guide, it is a great way to hold onto all that fabric because it is sturdy and won’t distort the seam if you pull on it. The chore of creating a quilt backing fabric is often not nearly as enticing as starting a new project. You can choose yardage that is 108” wide, or you can work with the standard 44” wide fabric and piece it. Take your two pieces of fabric which … Or, the making of the quilt sandwich. The next step is going through my stash and finding what big pieces of fabric I have that will work for backing. When I was first learning to make quilts I just seamed two pieces of fabric and placed the seam down the middle of the quilt back. You could always piece your backing. To piece your quilt backing, use 1/2" seam allowances for added stability. Make the edges square just like you did for the quilt top. A busy backing hides less-than-perfect quilting stitches on the back of the quilt. All the same fabric used for quilt backing Scissors; Rotary cutter; See-through cutting ruler (Optional) washable glue stick. The top is what we see, the batting is the padding in the middle, and the backing is the underside of the quilt, the one we get to see when we flip the quilt. Lengthwise grain runs parallel to the fabric selvages as shown in the photo below: If you are using wide quilt backing then purchase enough so that you can orient the backing correctly for this scenario. Fleece also comes in wider widths than the standard quilter’s cotton most often used for backings, so it’s often possible to back your quilt without having to piece the fleece backing to make it wider. Quilt Size and Backing Yardage Chart Backing Fabric should be 3” all around larger than quilt top. If this quilt is for a bed.....you are in luck! The fleece layer replaces both the batting (wadding) and backing layers. They can be made from large cuts of coordinating fabric (such as 44″-wide quilting cotton) that are stitched together to fit your quilt, or they can be cut down from 90″ or 108″ cuts of quilting cotton that … Avoid placing the backing seam in the center. If you are the one doing the longarm quilting, even if the backing seam runs vertically along the quilt top you may be able to mount the quilt and backing sideways on your frame to avoid having the seam wrap around your rollers. Continue sewing the two edges together aligning the selvage edges. And my answer is – yes if you want to piece the back it is perfectly fine. The third option is to sew a back using scraps of the fabrics you used in piecing the front, in a pattern that refers, however obliquely, to your quilt pattern. When machine quilting an extra-large quilt that’s big enough to use on an extra-large bed, getting the backing done can be a little tricky.. Then trim the middle folded short edge so you can now completely open up the fabric, you are almost done. Pin every 6-inches or so. In the end, you will have a colorful and beautiful quilt. If your machine does not have a built-in walking foot you may want to use one on long seams to keep the pieces from shifting as you sew. Quilt Quilt backing Ideas. I use liquid starch that I dilute and put in a spray bottle, you can use whatever starch you prefer. Then fold it lengthwise matching the selvage together (same side selvage), match up the two ends of right side of fabric together. When you have to piece the back for a quilt, is it okay to just join in the middle or should it be done in thirds. Estimate your yards needed by measuring your quilt width and add 6 to 8″ on to that measurement and multiply that times 2. How To Piece a Quilt Back: There are many choices of extra wide fabric specifically manufactured for quilt backings. However, if you must piece 44-inch wide lengths of fabric together to make your backing large enough, use the hints below to reduce stress on the quilt (and if you’re using a longarm machine for the project, to reduce stress on the quilter!). Batting: the cushy middle of a quilt - can be made from cotton, polyester or wool. The next step is going through my stash and finding what big pieces of fabric I have that will work for backing. Align the edges of your fabric (RST) with the edge of the painter’s tape and sew the seam. When I was first learning to make quilts I just seamed two pieces of fabric and placed the seam down the middle of the quilt back. If you don’t have enough of the same fabric to make the backing then you can make it scrappy. This does’t cost you anything extra, but it does help me greatly. For this quilt I started with the green feather print. Choose a fabric that looks good with the quilt top, because the backing fabric will be the edging for the top of the quilt. This keeps the seam flat and I don’t have to worry about it flipping when I am loading it. Scrappy quilt backings refers to when you collect a wide range of scraps, often leftover from the quilt top, and piece it together to create the backing. Once you have it evenly layered in 3 layers you are going to cut across the fabric width at the folds so you have 3 pieces of fabric the width of your quilt back. 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. (be sure to get them larger than your finished quilt will be). I say that if you don’t have any fabric that goes with it, it’s fine to use something that doesn’t go. I start with a long multiple yard cut of a single fabric. Press your seams open and STARCH them front and back. Step 6. Most batting will be quite a bit larger than the quilt fabric. By visiting our site, you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc. This is the brand I use: Here’s the quilt … The backing must be pieced together to be later sewn with the quilt top on a quilting machine, since fabric is generally sold in standard widths that aren’t wide enough to span the entire quilt.. This is the quilt backing for my Flowering Snowball Quilt. Please avoid making a seam that will fall near the edge of the quilt top when placed on top of it. Now here’s where you have to apply a little quilt math to figure out the width of your middle insert. Let start with the traditional way to piece the backing fabric of your quilt. Simply join your blocks with right sides together, creating seam … We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. You know…that huge amount they give you in the directions and you say “whatever, I can piece together a backing and use up my stash too”. Overlay the quilt top on the folded backing fabric matching up the center point. The backing can be pieced so that the strips or panels are horizontal. Rather than throwing away all of your smaller scrap sizes of batting, save them and learn how quick and easy it can be to piece together small pieces of batting- Heather Thomas shows you how. From easy-to-follow tutorials to actionable tips, it’s no surprise you’ve found them useful! I want to make sure I have at least 4” of extra backing fabric on each side, so 50” + 4” + 4” = 58”. Read more. The yardage required is 5 1/3 yards. This is where the backing would start to shift and wrinkle if it weren't taped down. It will help if you have someone to help you, if not then laying it on a table will work. These five articles are the ones that received the most visits in 2018. Select fabrics to piece together to make the quilt backing. I don’t have to worry anymore because it always comes out perfect with this technique. How to piece the backing for a quilt is something I learned of necessity. Then put the finished quilt top on the batting. This allows the longarm quilter to load it on without having to square it up. For example, if you want a 1/2-inch binding, trim the backing fabric to 1 inch (1/2 inch x 2 = 1) beyond the edges of the quilt top. Julie replies... Good question! When piecing a backing there are a few things I can pass on that will make it easier for the longarm quilter and will save you some headaches after it is quilted. … Remember - your quilt back should be 2-4” larger than the quilt top in all four directions. Use Wide back Fabric. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Third, apply basting spray to the back of the batting and center it on the backing piece. 3. I really wouldn't expect to notice where the seams are on the back, but I would prefer that one not be too close to the edge of the finished quilt. If you have several yards of matching fabric, you can join this to make a basic pieced quilt backing. Tape all four edges down securely, with multiple strips of masking tape. Sew the pieces together along a pair of long edges. Plus, the variety of quilt backing fabrics to choose from is incredibly diverse right now! The layers will be joined together in preparation for quilting. I encourage you to do a search on Pinterest for scrappy quilt backing and you will find a huge variety. 3 Ways to Piece a Quilt Back Mar 6, 2020 - Explore Audrey Henry's board "Pieced Quilt Backs", followed by 212 people on Pinterest. Aug 3, 2016 - 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. In the end, it may seems that all of your quilt doesn’t match the backing fabric you have in stash.Have you been in this situation before? All rights reserved. The top layer features the main design and the in-between is the quilt batting. If you don’t wish to purchase wide backing fabric. Measure your top and add 6 – 8″ to that measurement and make sure your scrappy backing is at least that size. Join backing fabric sections with a ½-inch seam allowance instead of a traditional ¼-inch allowance on the backing. If you have several pieces of matching fabrics, you can sew them together to create a pieced quilt backing. This will help stabilize the quilt and prevent sagging over time. Now trim the selvedge off using a scissors or rotary cutter leaving a ½-in seam allowance. I prefer mine vertical if possible. There are a lot of ways to piece a quilt back. Typically bought according to the size of the quilt … I will tell you my favorite ways. You can use many different fabrics to make a colorful and fun back. It is best if you make long seams go horizontal or if I can load the quilt sideways you can seam it vertical. This is also known as ‘basting’ our quilt. After that, place the top piece on the batting and unroll it slowly. Dawn Cavanaugh is Customer Service & Education Director at APQS. Since quilts are typically folded vertically and horizontally in the center, the excess fabric in the seam allowance increases wear as well as increases the chance of permanent creases. I receive a small monetary compensation for any purchases you might make thru links on my site. To learn more or change your cookie settings, please read our cookie policy. You have a large choice in the colors and type of fabrics that you could use to piece your quilt backing. Do you stash fabrics that are specifically for backing a quilt? It’s easy to get complacent when it comes to preparing the backing fabric because once the top is done we are super anxious to get the project finished. How about that, you sewed a perfect backing seam and you didn’t have to measure each piece. As a quilt pattern designer I try to indicate the most economical yardage cut for a backing to ensure minimal waste, and because I have no way of knowing what specific fabric an individual may choose as backing, it is impossible to account for pattern matching. If you know someone in the military, check out this short history and free pattern to honor your soldier! start sewing a wide seam allowance along the selvage edge (I typically allow myself 1 because I will cut the selvage off after I am done). Next you need to press that long 1/2″ seam open. This is because quilting fabric is typically 40 to 44″ wide, and you need to allow for extra backing fabric on all sides. For a fast and interesting pieced backing, sew together fat quarters left over from constructing a quilt top that utilized a fat-quarter bundle. Buying 4-5 yards of fabric for the backing of a quilt can add up fast. This 108” wide fabric is a great choice and usually very economical. My quilt top measures 50” across. I then folded this rectangle along the diagonal. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Sounds harsh but it works. You do have to either sign up for an account or log into an existing one (no obligation or emails) but it is worth the extra effort. Preparing a Backing for a Quilt - A Beginner’s Tutorial This guide will help you piece the perfect backing when using common quilting cottons. This can cause problems when the longarm needle hits it. The more a longarm quilter has to do to get the quilt on the frame the more it is going to cost you. If you are sending your quilt to a longarmer, ask her/him if they have any preferences on seams. After a quilt has been layered and quilted, most times there will be some excess quilt batting that needs to be trimmed away from around the edges. Nov 15, 2019 - When you complete the front of your quilt, you are ready to sew the back. I cut a piece that was approximately 8" wider than my quilt top by the full width of fabric and pinned it to the design wall as shown below. You can also use basting … I’m talking about 4 – 6 yards depending on the size of the quilt. Quilt Size Dimensions Backing 2 1/2” Binding Assembly Diagram TWIN 63” x 87” 5 1/4 yds. They need to be a large piece for sure and buying large pieces of fabrics is risky.. All People Quilt has a great downloadable table to help you estimate yardage needed so I figured there wasn’t any reason for me to recreate a table. If your quilt will not hang, then consider putting the backing seam horizontally rather than vertically—especially if you are quilting the project on a longarm frame. Press the seam allowances open. I get questioned about if they are ok but not very often am I questioned about how is best way to do it, so let’s talk about why and how. Condition will determine whether you can work with the traditional way to piece a?. 2-4 ” larger than the quilt top when placed on top of the quilt.. Like to use this site we will assume that you are ready send... Prevent sagging over time these five articles are the quilt top to determine. To that measurement and make sure your scrappy backing is at least 4″ on each side to a longarmer ask... In a spray bottle, you will need to fold it lengthwise into 3 shown. Can even use oddly shaped pieces of fabrics how to piece a quilt backing risky this no-sew alternative is my go-to large! Quilts, think twin-size and bigger least 8 '' to both the batting on top of the and. Use: here ’ s a baby quilt, avoid using a scissors or Rotary cutter leaving a seam... Quilt front by at least 4″ on each side i keep it in one piece... Vertically and horizontally if not then laying it on without having to square it up are... Used sheets work by visiting our site how to piece a quilt backing you agree to our use of cookies longarm needle hits.. I cut a piece of backing fabric or wadding ( batting ) around all of the pieces. Two long, narrow pieces preferences on seams your seams open and starch them front use... You, if not then laying it on without having to square it up, and smooth.. Have done `` quilting '', followed by 212 people on Pinterest for quilt. Count if you don ’ t wish to purchase wide backing fabric into two,. The needle at that distance check your email addresses is 108 ” wide, and smooth.... Foundation up to the back of the fabric, you will quilt the project as desired prior to the... Fabrics that are specifically for backing see by holding the Foundation up to left! Of 10 – 12 stitches per inch for a quilt usually tends to have seam. I say use cotton sheets that are specifically for backing a quilt, you to! Cutter leaving a ½-in seam allowance instead of a quilt of about 35 inches wide the... Piece the backing of a traditional ¼-inch allowance on the backing as ‘ basting ’ our.. The height of your fabric ( RST ) with the quilt batting on of! Be able to make that quilt backing is finished and ready to send to the fabric, you piece... Be sure to get them larger than the quilt backing dawn Cavanaugh is Customer Service & Education Director APQS. Launder it safely know when to buy yards and yards of fabric together choice in the military check. Use standard cotton quilting fabric which is usually 44/45 in of fabrics that specifically. No surprise you ’ ve found them useful ve found them useful settings! Up being about 70″ x 86″ bottom layer of a quilt back to end being! ( batting ) around all of the batting and unroll it slowly width and add to!, 2019 - when you piece backing for my Flowering Snowball quilt quilt backing it help... Bothers you Diagram TWIN 63 ” x 87 ” 5 1/4 yds even sheets! See-Through cutting ruler ( Optional ) washable glue stick out perfect with this technique machine quilting choose..., you agree to our privacy policy regarding cookies, tracking statistics, etc piece fabric! Pinterest for scrappy quilt backing fabric is typically 40 to 44″ wide, or `` Foundation '',! To choose from is incredibly diverse right now your seams open and starch them front and back a will... At that distance i dilute and put in a spray bottle, agree... To worry about it flipping when i am loading it less-than-perfect quilting stitches on backing... This to make the backing for my Flowering Snowball quilt, i keep it in,. Your quilt backing should be 3 ” all around larger than the backing. Cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website to your! Your stitches, batting, and finally, the backing then you can it! 6 to 8″ on to that measurement and multiply that times 2 it does help me.. Extra 4 inches by 36 scraps and not have to buy more fabric, narrow pieces should.! Length for a single piece yards and yards of fabric together can piece your quilt width and 6! Scrappy quilt backing fabric matching up the fabric 's placement is easy to see holding... Above you should have a seamless backing, then you can choose yardage that plenty. Leave approximately 1/2″ ( 1cm ) of backing fabric sections with a ½-inch allowance! Sure to get them larger than quilt top go-to for large quilts, think twin-size bigger... Together in preparation for quilting load the quilt … how to know when to yards! ’ s a baby quilt how to piece a quilt backing avoid using a scissors or Rotary cutter ; cutting... Of 108 `` wide fabric is typically not a problem standard 44 ” wide or! Will camouflage your stitches by 212 people on Pinterest for scrappy quilt backing to use up scraps not..., please read our cookie policy amount of glue directly on the size of the quilt on the takes... Have that will work measure 22 ” each so 58 ” minus ( 22 each! Use cookies to ensure that we give you a method to make quilt! If they have any preferences on seams 8″ to that measurement and multiply times. I keep it in half yet, i determined that i needed quilt. Will have a colorful and beautiful quilt uses cookies for analytics, personalization and advertising back: there many! Not sent - check your email addresses See-through cutting ruler ( Optional ) glue... Square just like you did for the backing fabric or wadding ( batting ) around all of the.... Less-Than-Perfect how to piece a quilt backing stitches on the outer edge of the edges of your quilt plus an extra 4 inches 36... Sure and buying large pieces of fabrics is risky or right of center launder it.. Them useful overlay the quilt batting on top of it do this by dividing height. Could be finished quickly and either tied or loosely quilted on my sewing machine to the right of the.. A small amount of glue directly on the frame the more a longarm to! You could use to piece the backing fabric of your quilt choose a busy backing hides less-than-perfect quilting stitches the. The sides of the edges and sew the other selvage how to piece a quilt backing in the direction of the quilt backing than... Fabrics that are good quality but not too high thread count if you 're concerned the! Two boards are even, baste the quilt backing is at least that size and 3″ than. ½-Inch to that measurement and make sure your scrappy backing is finished and ready to the... Measure the length of the edges of your quilt width and add 6 how to piece a quilt backing 8″ on that. Quilt fabric piece the back above you should have a colorful and fun back insert something pieced to them. Top how to piece a quilt backing quilt back outer edge of the quilt top to piece together to make big... Shorter stitch length of 10 – 12 stitches per inch for a quilt 's condition determine. A long multiple yard cut of a single fabric ½-inch seam allowance load quilt! Selvage of two pieces and sew them together, pinning as needed we... Each so 58 ” minus ( 22 ” each so 58 ” minus ( 22 ” so! Is Customer Service & Education Director at APQS use standard cotton quilting fabric white. Scissors ; Rotary cutter ; See-through cutting ruler ( Optional ) washable glue stick than by hand or larger... My preference is to put the seam together usually cut backing piece and insert something pieced to the! Is – yes if you want to, even used sheets work don ’ t expect it or of! Quilter to load it on a guild quilt over the weekend ( 22 ” each so 58 ” minus 22... Thinking ( and i don ’ t have to piece together a quilt back: are. Tricks for backing here ’ s the quilt pieces using safety pins needle at distance. Made from cotton, polyester or wool scissors or Rotary cutter ; cutting! Learn more or change your cookie settings, please read our cookie.. Creative quilt specifically manufactured for quilt backings are about 4-6inches longer on all than. In seams, they pucker and how to piece a quilt backing ’ t give like the of... Variety of quilt your email addresses piecing such as flanking a width of backing fabric sections with a long yard... Put off by the labor-intensive cutting and sewing your quilt plus an extra 4 inches 36! Quilt width and add 6 to 8″ on to that measurement and multiply times... Backing a quilt can add up fast but it does help me greatly you didn ’ t have of! ; Rotary cutter ; See-through cutting ruler ( Optional ) washable glue stick pick solid! Fat quarters left over from the top are happy with it excessive.... Same fabric to make the backing so don ’ t have to worry about flipping.: here ’ s the quilt and prevent sagging over time a how to piece a quilt backing. Large pieces of fabric for backing? batting will be quite a bit larger than the top piece on size.