Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   Choosing a backing when I can't match original fabric? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/choosing-backing-when-i-cant-match-original-fabric-t312785.html)

Cheshirepat 10-14-2020 02:45 PM

Wow, I'm the one dissenting voice! I'm kind of a color freak, and feel the need to be sure the front and back are 'compatible'...as in, I would easily use the shade/color on the front. I agree though, using a print on the back (non directional so I don't screw it up!) is very forgiving. I also think a lovely warm tan/golden would be gorgeous with this! I love the top, oksand!

oksand 10-14-2020 04:06 PM


Originally Posted by Schill93 (Post 8424920)
I agree using a print fabric on the back. It will compliment the solids on the front. You should easily be able to find fabric with the tones of blues you have in the front. You don't have to have but one of the blue colors in the print to have it work well.

My concern is finding something that includes the same shade when ordering online... maybe I'm being too fussy!

oksand 10-14-2020 04:10 PM


Originally Posted by Peckish (Post 8424922)
There is no rule that says you have to use the same fabrics front and back. 😉

Haha, good to know! This is only my 4th quilt so I wasn't sure if that was a big faux pas.

entangled 10-14-2020 04:56 PM

I love the back to be a surprise. A color pop, maybe some extra piecing, or an unobstructed view of the quilting. Definitely don't worry about matching colors, IMO!

wesing 10-14-2020 05:15 PM


Originally Posted by entangled (Post 8425002)
I love the back to be a surprise. A color pop, maybe some extra piecing, or an unobstructed view of the quilting. Definitely don't worry about matching colors, IMO!

I think it’s nice when the back coordinates with the front, but we don’t do every quilt that way. I think a bright fuchsia, coral, or tangerine print would be a fantastic finish to this quilt. Think “Tropical Paradise.” I definitely think you should go with entangled on this one.

cindi 10-15-2020 03:18 AM

I’ve never used coordinating backing on a quilt. I look for either a backing with the same colors or complementary colors. That way they’ve got a two-sided quilt!

Lena1952 10-15-2020 04:17 AM

As long as the binding works well with the back, I usually use a different fabric for the back.

lberna 10-15-2020 04:41 AM

I never choose a backing fabric that is the same in the top. I choose patterned fabric whose colors compliment the top.

Snooze2978 10-15-2020 04:48 AM

For me it depends on what the quilt was made for............a gift or utility. If a gift I usually try to buy the backing when I acquire the fabrics for the front or if I've pulled them from my stash then I start to look for the backing right away. Luckily I have some extra backings in my stash and have decided for all 12 quilts which backing I'll use when I get my mojo back. As I've placed myself on a "NO BUYING" fabric since Nov 2018 I've done quilt well. Having no sewing mojo helps too but need to get busy again now that things have slowed down outside in the gardens.

As to your quilt I was think a grey if not too dark would look okay or even a creme if that's what I'm seeing in your quilt.

lberna 10-15-2020 05:36 AM

One other thing that I almost always do is my binding has to be the same as my outer border. The exception is if I made a child/baby quilt. I don’t want someone's eye centered on the binding. I want the first thing they see is the quilt pattern, fabrics that I choose, and the quilting.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:47 PM.