Have noticed some of the quilts posted use pieced backings in one manner or another. I usually tape my backing to the floor, lay batting on top then my pieced top. If I choose to do some decorative piecing on the back, how to I know how to align the top with the backing so that the backing is "squared" and not lopsided since the backing is hidden when you cover it with the batting which is 4" larger than the pieced top? :( :shock: :?:

I always put registration marks on my top and back in the seam allowances. I fold the back in half, then in half again and mark the fold marks with a pencil. You do the same with the top. Since the back is supposed to be bigger than the front, you make sure the marks are aligned as you sandwich. (I make sure my batting is slightly smaller than the back so I can still see my marks) I haven't done a pieced back other than a seam but it is best to get that running straight as well.

When I tape down my backing, I use longer pieces of tape to mark the centers; I can center my top cleanly knowing the longest bits sticking out are the center points of the top, bottom and sides.

I often do decorative backs. I usually fold in quarters and mark with pins, but the marking pencil is probably a better idea. Will have to try that.

Ok, here's how I do it, but you have to promise to be careful! I take the back and put thumb tacks thru the places that I want to match with the front. Insert the tacks from the right side of the fabric. Lay the backing down, the points will be facing up. Lay the batting down, then the top. It's easy to use the tacks to align the top with the backing using the tacks. Put little erasers on the tacks to keep from sticking yourself.

Thank you so much for all your quick responses...WOW! I knew it had to be something relatively simple and that, in MY mind, I was just "overworking it"! Thanks again!

Lots of great suggestions here!

I don't really worry about it. As long as the top is straight on the back (which I would want anyway), I just put it together and quilt away.
:)

I tape backing piece down, add batting & then I stick a straight pin through the top to see where it comes out on the backing piece. Then, move top to where I want it to match the backing key points.

I like the 'longer tape' idea. I'm going to try that next time I have a pieced back.