Do I need a backing?
 

I am about to quilt a top that will be used as the top for a dog bed. Therefore the underside of the quilted top will not be seen.

I have always used just something to back the batting but wonder if that is really necessary?

Could I quilt the top on just the batting?

I don't know the answer, but I would think that if it was going to ever be washed, it might need a backing? I will be reading this to see what others say.

Dina

And the dog understands this?

if you are using batting you need something on the back- otherwise the batting will just (disintergrate) pull apart- wear away quickly- dogs tend to play with their (beds) and would LOVE to dig-tear apart a batt!
you could just use fleece or flannel for a back to quilt to-instead of batting.

Do I understood that you are creating a quilted top that will be assembled to make a dog bed? If my understanding is correct then I see why you would not want a backing.

Depending on your batting you do not have to have a a backing fabric. If you batting is fluffy (like a wool blend or some polyesters battings) then the batting may catch on your feed dogs. However, if you are using a cotton or cotton/blend batting then you probably will not have a problem quilting the top without a backing.

Agreed. Also, Fido is going to get stinky and sooner or later the quilted cover will need to be washed, and washing without a backing is gonna be a thing.

I really think you need to back it!

I strongly encourage using a backing on the batting. I would definately use something cheap and possibly unattractive as this is never going to be seen by anyone who doesn't wash the cover. You could use an old sheet if you wanted to. I wouldn't use top of the line, $$$ fabric.

Backing, yes. However, I wouldn't bother with a fancy binding - ha!

Actually I'd opt for sturdy on the backing fabric; something that will get washed that much needs something stronger than a sheet.

I'm not sure the question being answered is the question you asked. Do you intend to make a big envelope, with the top part quilted, and stuff it with cedar chips or something like that? So the bottom of the quilted part will never be against anything but the cedar chips (or other stuffing)? If so, I would forget about batting altogether. If the reason for quilting the top is that it will be pieced, then I would put a backing under it (any fabric at all), but no batting. Or maybe I don't understand the question either.

Sorry for the delay in response
 

Somehow I didn't follow the replays to my question. Sorry.

I have made the covers with and without a backing to the top and batting. That would essentially form a 'quilt' although the backing would never be seen as it is enclosed in an envelope to insert the bedding.
I appreciate your responses.

I would put a backing on because dogs especially when on their on love to chew batting,

I would say YES your quilted top should be backed with something before quilting it even though it will be the top of an envelope type case for bedding. You said you have always backed before....I think you could get by with some very inexpensive lower grade muslin....or n ugly from your stash....or even head to your local resale shop and scrounge around for repurposing. Drapes, sheets...........

I agree with using flannel for the backing rather than batting. I quilted a top that I used for a duvet cover. I just quilted the top to flannel and then made the duvet cover with that. It has been washed many times without any problems. Well, except for where one of the dogs chewed on the corner :hunf:

...and I would think dog hair would stick to batting and fleece ( from my experience with dogs - haha) I'd vote muslin backing. Photo of finished item would be nice..