Can I use fleece as a backing for a quilt? I'm looking for something warm..Or would it be better to use a heavier batting and a flannel back?

I've used fleece for two baby quilt backs. I was disappointed because once they were heavily quilted they lost their "softness". Also polar fleece is elastic and stretches, which made it difficult to work with. I also made the mistake of using it for batting, which really screwed up the quilt, again because of the elasticity.

Flannel might be a better choice, but wash it first, as it shrinks at least 10 percent. :shock:

I have used fleece for a backing once and am planning on doing it again with a WIP however, the first time I was a very new quilter and I used it with a very low loft batting. The quilting I did was very minimal and it didn't turn out too bad...actually it is one of my favorite quilts and I use it quite often in the winter. It is about 4-5 yrs old and is about a double/full size.
Go ahead and try it...who knows...
Trying to get my WIP done so it is ready for this winter with the fleece and retire the other one since it is starting to show wear.
Kirsten

Thanks for the replies..I don't plan on doing alot of heavy quilting on it, so maybe it will be ok..Should I use some kind of stabilizer on it..Like a fusible web or something like that?

I've used both fleece and minkee dot as backings and not had problems. It works better if your quilting lines aren't really close together . . . stitch in the ditch or a diagonal grid 2 or 3 inches apart will work well. If you baste or pin well you won't need any stabilizer. If you want to do a lot of quilting, flannel would be a good choice.

I used it ones also, and I was not happy with it. Flannal to me was better.

I have used fleece on the back of baby quilts successfully. You don't need to put any batting in between the top and the fleece. Just be careful not to stretch the fleece when layering it with the top or you might get puckering. If you really want a warm quilt, you might think about using wool batting. It is light in weight but really warm. The issues might be in the washing process. Another idea is to go to your local Salvation Army store and get a washable blanket to use as your batting. Again I have done that and the quilt was very warm, but kind of heavy. Hope these ideas help.

The quilt I just finished has fleece backing

i am a beginning quilter and truthfully I HATE FLEECE. I mean I love the feel and look and what not but working with it is so horrible that I don't know if I will ever get over it. If I did, I would totally use some kind of stabilizer to reduce how strechy it is.

I used fleece several times. I don't use batting and to reduce the stretchiness I just tack the front and back together. I found the the babies love the fleece. My Noah has a quilt I made of scraps- it was supposed to be for the floor of my living room when he played, but he took it with him to Japan and uses it everyday for nap. We call it "sensory overload" for all the crazy colors in it.

I'll find a pick and post it.

Barb