table runner???
 

I was just wondering what everyone used for the backing on there table runners... I have to make a few for some gifts and didn't know if I should just use muslin or the christmas fabric from the front. What are your thought on this...
Thanks Carol

I always use muslin for the backs of tablerunners as well as my bed quilts.....nothing beats a good quality muslin and it is still cheaper than yardage of printed fabric. JMHO

I like what Geri B says, may try that some time. So far, I have been using either flannel (extra cushioning and soft) or a co-ordinating or matching fabric so it's reversible.

I have also used fleece.

I prefer to use a co-corinating fabric for backing. I feel it gives more of a 'final finish'. I use co-corinating fabric for both small and large items. It just looks a little more elegant to me.

If it is a holiday theme, I try to make it reversible with another holiday on the back. 2 for the price of 1

Pat..That's the best idea yet...Just turn it over...:)

With table runners and wallhangings I generally use a coordinating solid fabric. I just can't see the sense in using fabrics from the collection for something no one will ever see! I went with a friend to LQS and he bought a pattern for a wall hanging and then just had the shop staff pull and cut the fabrics that he needed. He wound up spending $35 just for the backing fabric! :shock: - El Cheapo, that's me!

I try to put another holiday fabric on the back of mine. Usually if the front it Christmas themed I put fall print on the back and they can use it for Thanksgiving. I also make the binding two colors to match each side.

Depends on where I'm planning to use the runner. As my kitchen is my favorite space I often use coordinating checkerboard fabric as backing. This way I always get a nice "country" style runner too in a reversible runner.

ditto. like that the backs are as nice as the fronts.

I made a quick and easy quilt as you go used different themes spring/ summer and autumn/ winter. Saved time and very useful.
Take: one square of batting 101/2 inch square or slightly larger to allow for shrinkage.
". Square of summer fabric 111/2 inch and cut diagonally in half.
". ". ". Spring. ". ". ". ". ". ". ". "
Strips of summer fabric different or same widths .

Place triangle on back of batting pin or spray glue . Take the second triangle and position so diagonals are lined up above and below batting and pin, spray glue. Take a strip same pattern as triangle and think about quilt as you go, and right sides together at the diagonal.. (When you sew 1/4inch seam along diagonal you will also have seam on the triangle on other side.) when this done flip down and then place another strip on this one keep going to end of triangle.
Now turn over square and repeat with the other side.
Should have a triangle with stripes for summer one side and triangle with strips for spring on reverse..

Make as many as wish and the join with quilt as go border method.

Hope this makes sense.

I usually use a fabric that coordinates with the top of the runner. I guess I like the back to be a pattern, not solid. Everyone has their own preference.

i generally make mine *dual purpose* and put something on the back that makes it *reversable*---as in- if i made a Thanksgiving table runner there may be Christmas on the flip side- Halloween often has fall/thanksgiving on the other side- Christmas will have a more (generic) winter on the back-so it can stay out after the holiday but still wintery
Valentines may have spring flowers, ...you get the idea- what ever i'm in the mood for when i'm making it so it can be used longer-fit in...maybe a holiday on one side then just (home dec coordinating) on the other...

Absolutely make it reversible.

I too like to make reversable tablerunners....Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter and in coordinating colors so that the binding goes well with either side. Another plus is that the quilting from one side can make for an added dimension to the pattern on the back/reverse side.

I check my stash for something that will coordinate for color and use it for the back. If I don't have anything that will work, I use muslin or prewashed flannel.

I do the same especially if it is a gift.

If the table runner is for me...muslin on the back...gift..sometimes w/be scrapy backing.

this is why I use muslin for the backs of quilted things......and I might add that if it is a good quality muslin when it is washed it is as soft as marshmallow!!!!! I personally think that the idea of coordinating fab on the backs is just an idea of the store to sell more fabric.......why back when muslin was always used on the backs of quilts.......

Yesterday I was at Joann's and their Christmas fabric was 65% off so I bought coordinating fabric for the back so the runners could be reversed. I bought a cute theme pattern for the top and then bought beautiful red poinsetta fabric for the back. However, many of my runners have plain muslim on the back and I like that too.

I agree with Pat. I use a coordinating fabric or a fabric for another season to make it multi-purpose.

That's what I do, too!! :thumbup:

It depends on who I am making it for, myself I either use a very good muslin or a solid Kona that (a color ) matches... If its a gift I will sometimes use a fabric that I used on the front (if I have bought it a good price and depends on the amount I need). Always with all wall hangings I use the good muslin...

I use coordinating fabric for the same reason Patty does : ) and it really does look nicer in my opinion. Since they are usually gifts I like them to be very nice : )

I use muslin most of the time. Can't see paying big bucks for fabric, which no one will see.

Went to a craft show last night where one lady was selling table runners with Christmas fabric on one side and Thanksgiving fabric on the other. They were flying off her table, everyone wanted them. Ran into a friend of mine who was so excited about the one she bought. Of course, I said to myself, "Oh I can do that myself" but only admired the one my friend had. No need to make more work for myself by letting everyone know I can sew!

That's not cheep. Your watching your $ and putting it to good use for you. I feel the same way about the back. As long as i is done right and neat who is going to see it. You make a table runner place it on the table add flowers/candles all looks pretty. If you have the material then make a different back and you have another runner.

I've done both. Using fabric for another holiday or season, saves on storage space.

That is what I have done, too.

I've been making quite a few of them with backing for a near-holiday. Had a cute halloween one; flip side was fall leaves and when quilting I used 2 different threads - top & bobbin. Just changed place mats and can store all these together after Thanksgiving.

I try to do back with cooridnating fabric or contrasting fabrics. For special ones I use upholstgery velvet, prewashed. it is much easier to use then dress making velvet. I have also used other upholstery fabric with great success. I was gifted 3 partial rolls of upholstery fabric. I do craft shows & clidents are always impressed how my tablerunners are finished on back. As others have said makes them reversable.

It just depends on what strikes me! I am currently finishing one that is one of Eleanor Burns Dresden plates on the front. I used elegant fabrics and it looks beautiful and formal. For the back, I had some fabric that has cow angels and Christmas gifts on it. I got 2 looks and used up some fabric that I have no idea what I was thinking. It turned out veru cute and can be used on the kitchen bar or the formal dining room table. Too cute!

I bought several yards of Kona black so if the table topper has black in it, that's what I use. I also feel like it won't show the dirt as quickly as lighter fabric.

I've made hundreds of table runners as sell at craft fairs and to give as gifts - I like using either a coordinated fabric on the back, or if it's a Christmas or Fall/Thanksgiving table runner, I like to make the back another "holiday or season" so that the table runner can be used for more than just one holiday,giving it extra time to be used on the table, or if they just want a change. On wall hangings, muslin is certainly appropriate, as nobody sees the back of the wall hanging, so use muslin then and save the other fabric for items than can be seen on both sides.

Me too. I have Christmas on the back of Thanksgiving, Halloween on the back of fall, patriotic reverses to Christmas (for another friend), and Valentines reverses to Easter. Next will be an everyday one with birthday theme fabric on the back.

If I'm making a holiday table runner, I always use a complimentary fabric on the back. I have lots of fabric that I purchased when I first started quilting and would not purchase now, so those fabrics make great backings for table runners. Holiday fabric always goes on sale just before the holiday or right after. That's when I buy most of my holiday fabrics.

I agree, unless I want to make it reversible.

I go with the same/coordinating fabrics or if its a specific say Christmas on front/winter on back so you get holiday or season. I use my table runners. They get dirty if you flip them, another few days before I need to wash them. I always gift with coordinating fabric on the back. I love reversable so I gift reversable. That said muslim is fine if that is what you prefer to use on yours. There is a saying. there is a rear for every chair. What works for one wont necessarily work for another so go with what is right for you. It will be just fine.

Here's an idea. Since so many of us have colored dish sets today, use fabric the color of your dishes for the backing and bring your backing over to the top for the binding - if the color doesn't clash with the design on the top. Then make napkins out of that same fabric.