The Secret to Pieced Backings
 

I have a some fabrics where I have a yard or two, but not enough for a full backing, but I'd like to use them in backings without it looking like I'm just sewing fabric together because I didn't have enough (which of course is what I'm doing).

Any tips for making a pieced backing that looks nice/deliberate/planned rather than like I ran out of fabric?

I design simple patterns or blocks from my leftover fabrics. Usually use these pieced areas on only 1/4 or 1/3 of the back, with the rest in two large uncut pieces. Here are a few pictures of my pieced backs. I almost always piece the back, because I like using up leftovers and I think it adds interest to the overall look of the quilt. I do try to use coordinating colors on the back with the front, even if they are not the exact same fabrics that I used on the front (but I do try to use at least a few of the front fabrics on the back to "tie" it together).
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Free craftsy class: "Creative QUilt Backs"
Inspiration:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t148395.html

Those are awesome, Jeanne S! Some look like they could be another front.

Wow, thanks for all the pictures, Jeanne! I usually have pieces or blocks left over, because my planning is imperfect, and could start incorporating them into the backs instead of my current strategy, which is to make them into potholders. I have a lot of potholders.

Your backs are great, and have given me a lot of ideas, just what I needed.

I usually try to use up the leftovers if any from a quilt. I had two extra blocks so I put them on the back of this quilt.

Ever nice.
Your giving me some ideas now.
Think i,ll do it on the quilt i,m sewing now.
Tom

PaperPrincess, thank you for the link to the other thread, there are a lot of good ones in there. The class is a great idea - they have so many that I want to take. I need to take a day off just to take some classes!

ManiacQuilter2, I like your back! They remind me a little of musical notes with their long stems.

Jeanne... what a lot of great examples... thanks for showing them all.