Quilt Backings
 

When I first started quilting, it never occurred to me to use anything but regular cotton fabric for my backings. But once I used flannel, I noticed how much more cozy and warm it made the quilt and now prefer to make my backings from either flannel or fleece. Those that are cotton backed don't seem inviting to cuddle up with anymore. In my mind, they are not what I would reach for. Any thoughts?

Flannel and fleece do make very cuddly quilts, I use them a lot for baby up to couch size. Anything big enough for a bed though I now use wide muslin for the back. It got to where it was costing too much for backing fabrics so why not use the less expensive muslin on the side nobody sees? Saves more of the good fabric for piecing tops.

Cari

I have soooo much cotton fabric in my stash that I am trying to use it up anyway I can... so I dig through my stash and even if I have to piece it for backings. It seems that the more I take out the more I have :rolleyes: I do have some flannel that I will use for backing or tops.

Flannel is cuddly, but I always go for longevity with woven cotton. I just don't believe flannel will hold up as well, over time and many washings.

One thing I LOVE for backing is a good vintage sheet, still in great condition. Estate sales usually have sheets that came out of the person's linen closet, often unused! Good sheets have higher, denser thread counts and feel so amazing on your skin.

I'm with sewbizgirl, I have more sheets in my stash than new fabric.

I've used flannel for baby quilts and like it. Have a kit for a kid quilt that I plan to use minky, but my big Christmas quilt that I used flannel on the back just seem so hot! Maybe we just need colder Christmases!

I once made a lap quilt with dog themed fabrics. When I got ready to do the backing I happened to have some flannel with dogs on it. The project turned out great it's nice and warm. However, I love any kind of backing. Mainly I pay attention to the front.

I use muslin, backing fabric or regular 100% cotton for my backings. I only used flannel on a few quilts for TV watching.

I back many quilts with flannel. My granddaughters and nieces Love Minky backed quilts.

I just finished a baby quilt for a co-worker and backed it with fleece. I think a baby quilt or couch quilt (lap quilt too) are nice backed in fleece or Minky because they are usually touching you in some way and are better to snuggle with. On a bed, not so much... I use wide cotton for those.