patchwork quilt back
 

I've been working on a quilt called Raining Cats and Dogs. Tons of applique and I used a ton of different fabrics. If I piece the backing with all the fabrics I use, would that look weird? Also, would all the seams make the backing weaker? I'd love everyone's opinion on this. Thanks!

Michelle

I make pieced backs all the time -- in essence, 95% of my quilts are reversible. I think using leftover fabrics from the front gives it a more cohesive look. I've never felt all the seams make the backing weaker -- I use good fabric, good thread, and the machine quilting locks everything together.

I don't think it would look weird. I've never thought of seams making a backing weak. I make double sided quilts all the time. It started out when I was making this really odd colored quilt and I didn't want any of 'that' fabric left over...and in my home. It was really outside of my comfort zone.

Good luck to you and your raining cats and dogs quilt!

I do pieced backs all the time...which I design as I go. It makes for a reversible quilt and NO additions to my scrap " collection". It's fun to make up something on my own...just play without the stress of matching,squaring up etc.

I usually use larger pieces on the back just so that you don't encounter thickness from BOTH the top and bottom. It may cause a sewing machine to skip a stitch or two because of the thickness of the bulk.

I also add some blocks or light piecing to my backs to add interest to the overall quilt. I say go for it!!

Double ditto!

I think it would be lovely and so many people make pieced backs that I don't think it would make it weaker. I hope you will post pics!

I have done this several times and it is nice to use up some smaller pieces instead of going and buying the big stuff, although I do like the single piece backs as well, when I am giving it to someone special.

I never thought of the back being weaker by being pieced. I don't think that's a problem, and I piece most of my quilt backs to one degree or another. Here's one I pieced more than usual - http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...in-t23612.html

And once I pieced the back as if it were another top - http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...k-t216883.html.

I think piecing the back is a great way to use up scraps.

Why do people worry about the back being weaker because of seams when the front has about a zillion seams? I should think if seams are OK on the front, they would be OK on the back.

My oldest Daughter makes pieced backings all the time. The quilt never seem weak because of the seams, quilting would help secure the seams. Especially FMQ. Makes her quilts reversible.
I use larger pieces of backing fabrics, I'm too lazy to take the time to do the piecing.

I've pieced my backs for at least 20 years. The idea of buying separate backing fabric boggles my mind :)
The are usually much simpler than the front but not always

My quilts are always reversible. Some patched in blocks, some in designed sections, and some are the colors on the front in blocks or in rows. Depends on the quilt!

Well, thanks to all of your comments, I think I'm going to go for it! Mainly because I am tired of looking at these fabrics and want them used up!

Dunster - your quilt is absolutely stunning!! Thank you so much for sharing.

I like doing a pieced strip or two in my backings if I don't have a large enough piece to do the whole back. Sometimes parallel, sometimes not. Depends on my mood and the "mood" of the quilt. I guess I figure if I'm already putting seams in the backing I might as well make it interesting!

I did a OBW for my sister out of panels and I left one panel intact on the back so she could see the source and just put really wide borders around it. I think that is my favorite quilt to date, both front and back.

The only problem with pieced backs is for a long arm quilter. Too many seams piled on top of each other = a broken needle. Breaking a needle from this can result in down time to "retime" your needle to your bobbin" or could lead to the need for more costly repairs. If you are taking it to a long arm quilter and doing an edge to edge design I would IMHO suggest keeping it simple and pressing seams open.

The only problem or watch put is if the seams match front and back. Go slowly and carefully as the bulk may be too much for your machine.