Question about backing fabric choice
 

I just finished this top (pretend it is ironed better than it is), and I have this deep purple backing-sized fabric on hand. I also have white muslin on hand. I sort of think the white backing would be too much white, even though I do like white in a quilt.

So, my question is "Is this purple too dark for the back of this quilt?" (see second picture)

Thanks for any and all opinions.

Dina

That would look good! Do you have any of the other colors left over? If so put those in there too!

For me, I would choose the purple, but either would work well.

I love the purple.

Purple works for me. Ask yourself what the quilting will be like because it will show depending on the thread you use.

If I were using white thread to quilt, I would use the white fabric to help hide my less than stellar quilting.
peace

There's nothing wrong with the purple, but as ube quilting said, you want to consider whether you wish for your quilting to really show up on the back. I'm assuming you're going to quilt it in white. That being the case, I'd pick a lighter & busier print than the deep purple -- maybe either the purple check you used in the border or the medium purple floral print you used in the quilt top ... or any print that has one of your colors with white in it would really look nice & won't make the quilting stand out too much.

Of course, if you are having it professionally quilted or you are a fantastic FMQer, the dark purple is definitely the way to go to show off all the beautiful quilting.

I like the purple. I think that on the back will look great

Well I may not be the right one to ask (see quote below). The white will show every quilting mistake you make. The purple is great and won't show as many mistakes.

Mary Jo
It'll never be noticed on a galloping horse and that's the only kind I ride.

Thanks, I am still considering. I keep going back and forth. I wanted to use something I had, but I am going to look for an alternate choice tomorrow. These are the only two fabrics I have that are big enough. Both are 90 inches wide. I will need 5 yards if I get regular width fabric, which I might. I think I might prefer a medium purple. I have 4 yards of a medium purple with white dots that might look good, but I need 5 yards. I am one of those who prefers the backing to all be one fabric, though I don't mind a seam up the middle.

I will be stitching in the ditch....don't gasp....that is just what I prefer. I always get a great deal of satisfaction from quilting my own quilt. I do intend to quilt in white, and I have considered how that might look on the purple backing. It could look okay and it could look awful....:)

Decisions, decisions, decisions....just need to see what I find tomorrow, make a plan, and stick with it.

Thanks for all the help, everyone.

Dina

I like the purple. Picks up the purple in front

If you decide on the purple, be sure to use a white batting that is opaque so you don't get any shadowing on top. If the batting allows some of the color through, it will dull the white in the top.

I like the purple.

I'd use the purple I would think the white would get dirty very quickly beautiful quilt love the bright colours.

I know you love purple but I think it may be too dark. I always choose my backing fabric on what is the color of the thread I am going to quilt with. I would look for a white background with dots or speckles of the colors in your quilt. Nothing in your stash?? :(

I definitely like the purple

Thanks for all the help. I bought new fabric today, a light violet with dots. I will just save my other fabric for other quilts.

Dina

For a 2 year or under I would do a light color. For teens or adults I like the purple.

The purple would be great! :)

What about using purple bobbin thread with the purple backing?

I thought about this, but I was really more concerned that the dark purple might "show" through the white on the top. I will save my purple for another quilt.... Good suggestion though. Thanks.

Dina

If I were quilting in the ditch with white thread I would use a light backing.

Thanks, this is what I decided. The light lavender with white dots that I bought yesterday should work well.

Dina

I agree....use up the left overs..................

No opinion on the backing but wanted to say that the purple border you chose is outstanding! I notice that it's a fabric you also have in your quilt. It is clean and simple and sets off the colors in the quilt and the white so beautifully.

Lovely quilt!

Thank you! Your kind words are really appreciated. I am getting ready to sandwich this quilt, and you have given me the inspiration I need to get with it. :)

Dina

Personally, I like the dark purple for the backing. Your quilt is beautiful.

Ditto what she said. Love that purple check border. I am a purple gal though.

Just put a dark purple on the back of one quilt. Worked great.

love the purple top is very cherry
love it

I'll add another vote for the purple!

If you use white thread I suggest the white. I really like the purple but I would not use white thread. Just my opinion. Really, do what you like. another suggestion is to keep the recipient of the quilt in mind. I would not use white for some recipients as it shows any uncleanliness marks.