The last quilt (and first I might add) I made was 33 years ago for my first born daughter. The original plan was that I would make a quilt for each child. A son and daughter followed but unfortunately due to being very busy, they didn't get their quilt. Daughter #1 is now pregnant and I have decided that each and every grandchild of mine will have their own quilt! So, I am exploring quilt making once more and found so much has changed. The crib quilt, with the help of a rotary cutter and piecing techniques, is progressing. (I've learned alot that has made it fun and it is feeling addictive.......which seems to be a common feeling on this board) I do have a question, though, that maybe someone can address. The pieced top is all 100% cotton and I am thinking of using polyester fleece for the backing rather than more cotton. It would be soft for a baby.....Would that be bad? What do you guys think? Thanks in advance! :D ----Joan

As everyone here so kindly reminds us, there are no rules. You can do whatever is pleasing to your eye. I think your idea sounds very soft and would be perfect for a baby.

Joan. Welcome to the board. Ther ae a lot of new things out ,like you said, in the quilting world. Many manufacturers now design flannels and soft cottons just for baby quilts. So there are a lot of options available. We do not adhere to quilt police rules here, so whatever works for you and the little one is simply a design choice and all yours. Have fun. You have lots of excitement ahead. :-)

THANKS for all your words of advice and encouragement. I am so excited to report that I have completed the top and am trying to decide between flannel and fleece for the backing. It has been so much fun and my mind is spinning thinking of other projects that I can do. This Quilting Board is a wonderful source of information and most importantly a friendly place. ------ :lol: Joan

For years I put flannellette on the back of all my baby quilts & they were nice & cuddly. But then I found this jacquard fleece - it's a little pricier - and I love it. I've used it for the last 6 baby quilts. The only thing to remember is that it does stretch more, so baste closer & slow your machine quilting down so you don't end up with puckers. Look forward to seeing all the quilts you'll be making for your grandchildren.

I can't wait to go to Joann's to see what jacquard fleece looks like, Thimblebug. Do you still use batting? The lady who is going to machine stitch my baby quilt said that she didn't usually use batting if fleece is the backing. (she said it made the quilt too warm) What do you do?

If you use a fleece (there are so many cute ones) be sure it is safe for babies and children's sleepware....or you can test it yourself by touching a scrap with a lit match (over a sink full of water of course). If the fabric continues to burn or starts to melt when you remove the lit match, I would use something else.

Gotta love those babies.

K Cama

I have never tried the fleece but am a sucker for all the darling flannel prints that are out nowadays.

Welcome Joan! I think fleece on the back would be a wonderful idea. That would be very cozy and warm.

HI Joan, the last few baby quilts I've made have a poly jacquard fleece backing & a poly batt with a cotton top. I know there are alot of mixed feelings on the different types of fabrics being used BUT....I feel comfortable with the ones I have chosen for the babes I have gifted them to. For many years I made cotton tops, poly batts, and cotton flannelette backings as per the instructions for our guild on preemie quilts....to be honest, if you were to consider the horrific happening of a fire where a little one was involved, I doubt that 100% cotton or poly/cotton quilts or clothing would make a difference in their survival....this is just my opinion....and I hope it doesn't offend you, and we each need to do what feels right in our own heart at the moment.

Sounds like you will have plenty of help for the gr--baby. I'm in Wyoming and just want to know what part of Ca. are you from? I was raised in Susanville, (Lasen Cnty).

I live in Tulare, California which is just south of Fresno in the middle of California. (although we will be moving to the mountains near Jackson in about a year) All the comments about backing have been appreciated. I decided on a blue and white striped flannel fabric whcih I think will work well.
Someone should have told me what making this baby quilt would do to me, though...... :shock: I am haunting this site and others and fingering and buying fabric like mad for various future projects. The "new" ideas to quilting (since my last baby quilt 30 years ago) have made this activity so enjoyable for me. Being able to cut straight and use "strip" construction is great! I have been continually impressed by the pictures of quilts on this site and the level of difficulty that has been successfully achieved. I certainly have alot to learn!!!!!

I agree. this board should have a warning lable attached to it stating that this hobby can be addictive, read postings at your own risk :lol:

Yes, it can get to the point that you have to read some most everyday just so you won't get behind on what is going on. It even can cut into actual quilting time if one isn't careful, yeah right! :roll:

Hi Joan:
I've used cotton, flannel, fleece and Minky...Minky is so soft and cuddly but is hard to work with and quite expensive. I think I love flannel the best but like Sandra Jennings said, there are no quilt Police here...do what feels good to you and baby will love your decision.