Welcome to the Quilting Board!
For me it depends on how it will be quilted. If its just a simple stipple or meander , I use a backing with a print . If its detailed custom work ... I use a solid or close to it... as I want the back to show off all those beautiful stitches.. it looks like a whole cloth quilt on the back side.
I use muslim a lot due to cost..It gives me the ability to finish more quilts...Otherewise I usually look at clearance fabric...Many times the back is unrelated to the front, but now the quilt has 2 completely diffeerent looks by being reversible
I do both. It just depends on my mood, I guess. I have liked the results every time...
Dina
I use what looks best with the quilt I am making. A lot of my vintage patterns look best with muslin, the more modern ones I usually use prints that match or go well with the top.
I use muslin, when I think it's appropriate. I use it alot when I'm making wall hangings, tablerunners and placemats. I've done some quilt backs with muslin, usually the unbleached as I like the look. I also do backs with patterned fabric that goes with the quilt and binding. A lot of the time I'll take leftovers from the front of the quilt and piece together a strip to go down the middle of the back, or off center, wherever I feel like putting it, and join it with other fabric to make a backer. I think this is a good touch too.
The trouble with Trouble is.....It usually starts out like fun!!
www.countryhousequilting.blogspot.com
The busier the back the better I like it because my FMQ is still not great. Maybe some day I will use beautiful solids to highlight my stitching but for now, I like things it can blend into.
I liked to coordinate my backings with the quilt top. I haven't made that many, but the backings are usually prints or blenders. I have added a border to a backing to make it large enough. I have yet to use muslin, but it's probably a good choice for some quilts.
My last quilt was backed with tea stained muslin, to me it was very boring....I do prefer a print coordinating with the front. I do love to piece my backs, that wasy they are all but reversible, and you get two for one. Current throw quilt I am working on has well over a dozen calico prints, with all my left over fabric, will cut squares, don't know what size yet and make the back. My inner brain (?) says it will be cut, will see.
Yes that is a real picture of my hometown Temecula, California. We feature premiere Wineries, World Class Golf Courses, Pechanga Indian Casino and Hot Air Balloons
I haven't used muslin yet. I like to buy the 108" print backing fabric from Joanns and then use a little of it in the design on the front to coordinate it. There's not a lot of print choices in the extra wide fabric.
Wow, I just learned so much from this thread. I am a quilt topper right now because I actually wondered the same thing but never asked. Guess it is time to break out some different backs and finish up the quilts with all these great ideas. Thanks to everyone!!
Lisa Gibbs
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
