Here I go again, got the piecing done and the amount of fabric I bought for the backing is lacking! Now I have to do a search and pay top dollar to get the same fabric to match.
What is the rule of thumb when buying fabric--6 yards?
Thanks.

What about a scrappy backing? My backs don't always coord w/front...it's the back is my theory. When I buy fab "just because" I Usually buy three yards.

I'm with Julie I make scrappy backs sometimes..

Yep, me too...

i've seen some recent postings where the quilter put a stripe of other fabric vertically or horizontally on the back. many times, this stripe is pieces of the other quilting fabrics from the front. it does not detract from the quilt at all. in fact, quilts from the past used all of the front fabrics on the back in some way in case they needed to use a piece to fix the front.

I buy it by the bolt, no half measures for me! LOL

Oh My! If there is a rule then I have seriously broken it!!

Scrappy backs are great.

I do this often, so if you search my pictures, you should see some.

Here's one:http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-91207-1.htm

I like to add extra whenever I have to piece backings...but most of my quilts are lap size (not larger than 80 inches either way), so I tend to get 4 yards that I cut into two 2 yard pieces and then run the 2 yards horizontally with the extra strip between the two.

I dislike having a seam between the two pieces...to me it distracts where an extra pieced strip looks like I meant to have that seam!

I rarely buy the 108 width.....and without a seam, I wouldn't piece extra.

Rule of thumb? Rule of arm? Rule of foot??
None of them suit me, I purchase what moves me at the moment. Piece the backs; I always have.

Jan in VA

The amount of fabric needed for the backing depends on the size of the top - and if the quilt is to be long-armed or hand quilted.

not for a backing..it usually 8-10!

but you can frame/border what you have already..or make large blocks like window panes....a backing does NOT have to be all one fabric!

that is cute..rule of arm...as that is what it costs you know..an arm, a leg, a DH...a few kids...quilting/sewing/crafting has gone through the roof...

I never felt happy with the one piece of muslin. I don't know if it's the thread count or the boring. I might make something as simple as a rail fence and make it a reversible quilt.

I have always used a solid backing, and I just buy what the instructions say for my pattern (not very creative am I!) But, I've seen so many nifty stripes and such on the QB here, that I've decided my first BIG quilt will have a backing of two different fabrics.

Can't wait.

When I buy fabric for backing with no project in mind I buy 7 yards of it. I have never regretted buying that much when I decide it's the perfect backing fabric I need for future quilt. If it's a small quilt I can get several backings out of it or it if it's a big queen or king I have enough. I always buy backing fabric on sale or clearance. I very seldom pay full price for backing fabric.

Must send quilt police to your house. If they get to you first, maybe they will by-pass me. ;)

I have a preference for quilts that are reversible, especially if the quilting will be in an attractive pattern. And I had much rather have the back side have a large solid piece for the center framed by borders, than to have it pieced in a cross or striped pattern. That's because I think the bordered design looks better when/if it shows on a bed than a big cross does. Either way will stretch fabric that wasn't sufficient to back a whole quilt.
The borders on the back side should line up with the blocks or borders on the front side inorder for the quilting pattern to stay at its most attractive position.

I have a preference for quilts that are reversible, especially if the quilting will be in an attractive pattern. And I had much rather have the back side have a large solid piece for the center framed by borders, than to have it pieced in a cross or striped pattern. That's because I think the bordered design looks better when/if it shows on a bed than a big cross does. Either way will stretch fabric that wasn't sufficient to back a whole quilt.
The borders on the back side should line up with the blocks or borders on the front side inorder for the quilting pattern to stay at its most attractive position.

Fat quarters are fun & a good way to sample fabric. Most of my quilts are from 'scraps'.

(please help me - I've started yet another quilt top with this method...)

I like to use the 108" wide fabric. Save time - no piecing.

Thats not an uncommon occurance, I'm afraid. What size quilt are you making?

Can you send a photo of the top?

Lanny

The rule of thumb would change depending (obviously) on the size of the quilt, but I'd have to say I agree with most of the folks here who recommend a pieced back. Much more interesting!

NO PLEASE DON'T!! I enjoy me freedom too much!! :-)

I don't buy my back until I have the top finished... then I can measure it and get only what I need.

How much more fabric do you need for the backing? How short are you?

Thank you for all your suggestions. The quilt is lap sized (maybe a little larger) and I had bought all coordinating fabric but it won't be enough. Never thought about scrapping the back and I have quilts that are like that-duh.
Now I can experiment with the back, besides I like piecing the best so it prolongs the border, binding stuff.

Pat

My GM and GAs always used what was at hand. I was always under the impression that the back was never seen so what difference does it make? Whatever crumbles your cookie. I never worry about the back cause my quilts are to be used. Never had a guest walk into my bedroom and turn my quilt over to see the back. Very bad manners.

I am with CJ, "there is rules?" If I run out of material, I head for the stash and do a little creative designing to come up with what I need. Have been known though once or twice to have to go back to store for a yard or so more to finish something special I was working on.

There are no rules. Quilting rules are best broken. I often run short of backing fabric. I try to use things I have or fabric I got on clearance. Put a block of another fabric in the middle or put a strip of some blocks down the middle.

I use whatever I have around for the backing. If I don't have enough, I'll buy something on sale.

how big is your top and how big is the backing you bought?
Perhaps the slip and slide techinique will save you.
Sally

I'm with you on a solid back!! The last quilt I made had a decorative background and ended up making the front side larger than I intended. Different strokes for different folks.

According to a quilt appraisor I once talked to, a pieced back represents more work, and increases the value of your quilt. Just saying!

Yeah, like others said, I agree to go with scraps from the front.
I've seen strips and whole blocks created.
I've even seen stuff totally off the wall.

I ran out of what I needed recently and used fat strips of the leftover stuff from the front.
If the backer is too detailed (with lots of seams) it can make hand quilting a challenge.
I say, be creative!

geez i learn every day that there are quilting rules i do not know about.....rules for buying fabric? well, i just buy what i like, and usually i finish the bolt off.....

I LIKE this idea.

I just finished a quilt and didn't have enough so I used all diferent colors on back. i like the back better than the front
Daryl

I have several quilts with white backs. The quilting on the front is such that the backs look like planned whole/cloth quilts. I love turning these quilts over.

My grandmother taught me 6 yds. Cut it in two. Split one of those in half length wise and sew each two the sides of the large piece. That way, there is no seam down the middle of the quilt back.

I blew it on my last quilt too... so I used a scrappy border around a length of my original backing fabric then added the not perfectly matched fabric along that border. The scrappy border hid the color slight variation wonderfully. I'm happy with results.