need your opinion on backing
 

I have made a batik quilt from a pattern called 'over and under' about a year ago I am still debating on the backing for it. Did not want to spend money on batik backing and all I can't find the wright color.

My thoughts now are on just white backing using either muslin or flannel.
What is your opinion on the flannel for backing, how does it wear?
thank you

I mostly use the unbleached muslin for backing, it works well and is less costly, I do make sure the muslin I buy is not the thin loose weave muslin.

delma

I love flannel backed quilts and have made literally hundreds of them. Not all flannel is created equal. Good quality nice flannel will hold up for years of use, love & laundering. Fabric. com has wide flannel. I've purchased the white then dyed it to the color I wanted.

Very nice pattern, piecing, and colors. Also love the embroidery.

Your quilt top is lovely and I really like the border treatment. Never seen this block before, maybe I am the only one. Would you mind to share the name of the block. Thank you.

I would look for a busy print with an light background with bits of color of shades of sea foam green. Very pretty top.

thanks for the nice comments and sorry but it is not embroidery but my drawings on press'seal, trying to figure out quilting motive.

it is 'Over & Under" block from Kim Brackett book Scrap Basket Sensations. I used bali pops. Enjoy and thanks for your comment

I agree with Tartan. Pick a color or colors from the front (not white) and use backing fabric(s) that are close in color. It doesn't have to be exactly the same. You could used a pieced backing that is similar to a portion of the block (9 patch maybe).

If you decide to use flannel, make sure you wash and dry it in a hot dryer first. Flannel usually shrinks A LOT! You could also check out Backside Fabrics. They have wide backing fabric for a decent price.

gorgeous quilt! I've never used flannel in my quilts, so I won't comment on that. If you do use muslin, I suggest a premium muslin (200 thread count). You can find them on sale about 1/3-1/2 the going rate of prints/batiks at a LQS. Kaufman, Southern Belle, Legacy are all very nice muslins. You can get wide widths also if you don't want to piece the back. I like the idea of a light green. that would be really pretty. a marble/tonal/small print would complement your top nicely.

I frequently put a "marbles" fabric on my batik quilts. Since they read as tone on tone, it works. Love the pattern .

Your quilt is beautiful. The light seafood green sounds nice.

I love your quilt top. Yes, buy good flannel and wash and dry it before cutting. The perfect snuggle quilt.

Your quilt is absolutely beautiful, I love your choice of fabric. Thanks for the pattern name. I see my library has the book, I will be checking it out.

I like your quilt top I would not chose flannel I would chose like a green or off white maybe.

I love the flannel backing as well. Make sure you wash it and dry it twice if you use it. As ckcowl said, make sure to use good quality flannel. You'll be pleased with the results!

Beautiful quilt! Check out Fatbacks- Christain Lane-they have Bargain Backs- leftovers from bolts different sizes backs 108" wide but shorter lengths. Love them!

I like a good quality muslin for backings. Jo Anns's sells a very nice wide muslin under their Legacy brand. My Jo" Ann's also has Kaufman muslin in wide for backings. Its tough to get just the right color or shade when buying on line as your computer monitor can be off buy a few shades or in intensity of the color.

Pick a solid color or small print that blends with the front. I would not use a white or cream. I like for the backing to be a surprise.

I love your batik quilt, colors are beautiful and great pattern... I am finishing up a queen size batik for my son but I chose 108" wide neutral batik for the backing as I wanted it to "wear" the same. I think you would be happier with a matching batik for your lovely quilt rather than muslin.

I would search for a simple solid in one of the medium tones of your quilt. Some one mentioned the sea foam green and the would be fine. I would not choose the darker colors because the contrast would be "too shocking". The soft lavender would work too. I often use a white on white for the back but it can depend on who the quilt is for and how it will be used.

I like your border. I always like that half hexie but never think of it when doing my own! Silly me.

I personally would not use the flannel, for all kinds of reasons beyond the color. Just my opinion.

thank you all for you comments and I agree with those of you who suggest using light green or violet for backing or even a 'mottled' color, it will help hide imperfections in quilting which I will be doing myself on my Juki.

My sister buys a lot of tone on tone white and off-white. I shop at her house all the time. It goes with EVERYTHING.

That's a beautiful quilt. I use flannel all the time as many of my recipients appreciate the warmth. I always pre- wash it and so far, I've heard nothing but good results. I, personally like flannel. Makes for a nice cuddly, warm cover.

I have made this pattern too - it was very fun and easy - as for the backing - if you watch online you can get great deals on backing fabrics. Fat Quarter Shop has a daily deal that last for 24 hrs - usually the yardage is around $ 4.30 yrd or so or check fabricshopperonline.com - they list fabric deals usually on Saturdays from all over the internet - also I have found many great deals on etsy - just start searching for quilting fabric or specific colors - you will be surprised. I love your quilt, by the way, one of my favorite colors.

One more thing, try Craftsy, they often have great deals on fabric yardage and I have seen many Batiks on the site too - check back often with them.

Your quilt is beautiful! For backing its often whatever there is enough of in my stash.
Batiks can cause problems with stitch quality because the fabric has such a high thread count. Good quality flannel makes a very nice backing, it stays on the bed better too.
Sharon in Texas

Have you thought of using a light green flat sheet for the backing?

I didn't read all comments, but make sure if you use flannel on the back to wash and dry it two or three times because of shrinkage. Love your top and you don't want the back to ruin it. Good luck.

Oh, I have that book!! Yippee! I love your quilt and now have to decide if I have enough nerve to attempt that. :)

Dina

I've used flannel backing on 5 or 6 of my quilts and I love it but as both members said, wash, wash in hot water because it does shrink!

thank you for your suggestions and advice... really appreciated all your comments,etc.

Glad you asked this question as I am working on a batik quilt, pattern is Testellating Stars and I have many very bright colors and have been wondering what to use for the backing. I think the mottled sounds good so will check that out after I finally get the squares finished, won't be long.

dont go for just anything. if you go to sewbatik.com you can find some really nice backings for it in similar colors. I would suggest doing that. Many times we just want to finish fast and don't take the time on getting a backing that goes with the front. just to get it done. but that is just me. I am a little ocd when it comes to my quilts. i have one that i have been working on for about 3 years now. it took me a long time to pick out the backing fabric and Im still now totally happy with it yet.

I love your quilt. It is gorgeous. Can you tell us where you got your pattern, and what it is called.