kathbug

I am new to quilting and was wondering , do most of you put a finished backing on your quilts that match the front or us Muslin? Thank you for your help

happyquiltmom

It depends. I just finished a charity kids quilt with muslin on the back, simply for the cost savings.

I often will use fabric from the sale rack at our LQS (still excellent quality) that doesn't necessarily match perfectly, but blends or adds interest.

If it is an heirloom quality quilt, I will use a print of one of the fabrics used in the quilt top.

I've also been known to piece my backs. I even have a reversible quilt, made from the same blocks on the front and back!

ptquilts

I usually use a print that coordinates with the top.

QuiltnNan

i second this advice

teddysmom

Same here!

joyce888

When I first started quilting I thought all backs had to be solid color (think I based that on what my grandmother did). So I bought a lot of Kona cotton solids. Didn't take me long to realize I like to coordinate the back to the front. So my suggestion would be put on the back what you think would work the best (muslin, print, or whatever). Then only purchase backings as you complete your first few quilts and I think you'll see your opinion and taste change as you grow more confident with your fabric choices, colors, and patterns. The last few months I've actually had the backing picked out before I've gotten all the fabrics for the front. It's always fun for me to have the back be kind of a surprise for someone when they look and discover there's more than just the front to a quilt.

dunster

I've actually never used muslin on the back of a quilt, although I have used it on the front and I do think it can be a nice backing, depending on the quilt. On scrappy quilts I often try to use up the leftovers from the front. I very seldom buy a fabric just for the back, but when I find fabric that I really like at a REALLY good price I buy a bunch of it and put it aside for backings. One thing to think about is that your quilting stitches show a lot more on a solid back. If you want to hide them, use a print; to highlight them, use a solid.

feline fanatic

I love, love, love using a solid backing. But I LAQ and adore how a solid muslin shows off the quilting stitches. Or any solid for that matter. But I most often back my own quilts with whatever whim comes my way that day. Many of my quilts are basically double sided. I have pieced backings with leftovers and orphan blocks from the front adding big blocks of fabric to fill it out. But I have a sizeable stash of wide backs right now that I will start digging into very soon. Even though the price of a wide back is shocking at first glance (averages around $14 per yard on Thousands of bolts), once you do the math you quickly realize it is much more cost efficient to go 108" wide. For a queen size you only need 3 yards. When using standard 44" wide fabric you need 7 or 8 then you have to piece it. The final price will often work out to be more when using a coordinating LQS quality fabric for the back and that isn't even considering the cost of your time to cut it, square it up and piece it and thread used. I am considering buying a bolt of 108" wide muslin just to have it on hand for backings and to use on fronts as well.

Lori S

For me it depends on how it will be quilted. If its just a simple stipple or meander , I use a backing with a print . If its detailed custom work ... I use a solid or close to it... as I want the back to show off all those beautiful stitches.. it looks like a whole cloth quilt on the back side.

Pat625

I use muslim a lot due to cost..It gives me the ability to finish more quilts...Otherewise I usually look at clearance fabric...Many times the back is unrelated to the front, but now the quilt has 2 completely diffeerent looks by being reversible