Thread: backing fabric

Do you prefer to buy "real" backing fabric, or do you piece the backs of your quilts? I have done both, but I am wondering if one is "preferred." I realize either works. I have rarely bought backing fabric, as I have found it expensive. I did notice last weekend that Hobby Lobby now carries backing fabric, and not just the wider muslin like they had before. I may be using my coupon and splurging more on the wider backing fabric.

So, that is my question. Do you lean towards the wider backing fabric or do you piece the backs...or do you prefer one more than the other?

Just curious, I guess, and I realize it doesn't make any real difference.

Dina

I have always bought the wide backing although I have several 8 plus yards of fabric that I have bought at yard sales and such and will cut and sew to make a large backing piece.

I check my stash and often that is one reason I buy extra yardage.

​I prefer wide backing as you don't have to worry about the seams being straight. I will go for the colour I want over no seam though.

Originally Posted by Tartan

​I prefer wide backing as you don't have to worry about the seams being straight. I will go for the colour I want over no seam though.

Me too, though I always seem to gravitate to a fabric used on the quilt top, and piece if necessary. On my Mom's birthday quilt I had to use every last scrap to make it wide enough for the long armer. I thought it came out cute though, as the front was all churn dash blocks.

I have done both, it just depends upon the quilt, it's purpose, where it is going and my budget. If I have the coordinating fabric, I love to do a little piecing in the back to add interest and 'tie it together'. If I am pressed for time or budget constrained, I like to buy used cotton sheets from the thrift store and use them for a back--can't beat $3 for a back. Other times if I don't have any inspiration, I use a wide muslin backing with no seams.

I recently bought some wider muslin for backing, but that is the only time I've used wider fabric for backing. Some quilts seem best backed in one fabric, while others lend themselves to a pieced backing. I do enjoy doing a bit of piecing for the back when appropriate. But I also love a plain muslin back when it seems most suitable.

I prefer a pieced backing. It makes the quilt reversible. Two for one.