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 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.

This is also my way--depends on the situation. I do often buy wide flannel backing (I make LOTS of flannel quilts); the piecing seams on the back can be a little bulky sometimes, depending on the number and placement of seams on the top.

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 love piecing my backs with leftovers from the top plus fabric pulled from my stash, if needed to bring it to the proper size. It's fun to put the puzzle together and it makes for an interesting surprise when you flip it over.

It really depends on the colors or theme of the quilt top I am making simply because colors of the backing fabric are limiting and sometimes the theme or the print just does not want to blend with the top. Another thing that helps me decide is if i have a collection of coordinating fabric to do the top and i know i have enough yardage of one that can be pieced for the backing, i prefer to do that even if i can find backing color to match my top, I'd rather use the same collection.

When I have a quilt custom quilted, I use a wide backing of a solid or near solid color. The back of the quilt looks like a whole cloth quilt.