I like the 'wanting and getting' are two different things.
You didn't say how old your son is. I'm just thinking guys are tough on things. If he is going off to college it is going to get some wear. If it is a decoration quilt the secondary backing idea sounds great but if it is a quilt for use and washing it seems like the d/c fabric will be free to rub as it washes and it will get the little nubbies on the fabric.
Can't wait to see how you decide. I love challenges. Especially when they belong to someone besides me. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Just had a thought about this. Could you use some plain backing fabric and quilt the whole top, leaving off the binding.

Then once this is done make it up like a duvet cover with fasteners along the bottom.

The top can be quilted however detailed you like it, and the back is untouched as he wants it, and unless he looks he won't see the fastening.

Also, when it comes round to winter or really cold nights, he has the added bonus of being able to add a duvet into his quilt. :wink: :oops:

Just noticed this idea has already been posted.

I don't know what the Cowboy's fabric looks like, but couldn't you use clear thread and outline quilt around the logos (quilt with the "back" on top)? it would actually make the logos stand out and then they'd sort of be repeated on the top of the quilt.

How about using flannel for the batting and quilting just those two layers. Then attach the backing when you put the binding on.

You guys are pretty inventive. I think the binding idea might work

To answer one of the questions here is a picture of the backing.

To respond to another one, the idea of a quilted pillow was what I was thinking of because i wasnt planning on putting battng in as it will make it to heavy cause i am using denim.

I like the idea of tacking it in strategic places but not sure what they should be.

Thanks for everyones responses.

If the front is denim I think she'll need a lot more than six inches to turn it, even if it is only a twin that is a lot of bulk to pull thru a small hole.

lots of good ideas from others already, let us know what you decide, have fun

You could use navy blue yarn or embroidery thread to tie the quilt. Make it so the "tie" part of it is on the back, right in the middle of the large stars. That way, it will still hold up, but you won't distort the pattern on the back.

Clear as mud? :lol:

i think i read earlier that you hadn't planned to use batting. if that's correct, then you don't really need to quilt it at all.

i don't remember ... is it a rag quilt, or will the seams be on the inside? if the seams are on the inside, you'll want to line it with someting to reduce lumpiness on the back (if that description makes sense). a nice, thick, prewashed flannel should do the trick. or a superthin cotton batting. (quilter's dream makes a really thin batting ... either "select" or "request" loft ... i can never remember which is the thinnest.)

anyhoooo ... do whatever you want to the top and lining. when it comes time to add the cowboys backing fabric, use a sturdy needle and thread that matches the fabric. take a small stitch that goes through the backing and lining. run the needle and thread under the backing as far as you can before you bring the needle back "up for air". then take another small stitch. repeat this, spacing them either evenly or randomly. the small stitches using matching thread should be all but invisible unless you look very closely.

i often do this when i want to make sure all the layers are secured to each other, but don't want the quilting stitches to detract attention from the piecing and or backing fabric. i will even go as far as to "blind quilt" the top to the batting first (hiding the stitches in the seam ditches) and then do the same to secure the backing to the other layers. on goes the binding when it's all done.

if you use a long needle, you'll be surprised how far apart you can place your stitches.