Using velvet as quilt backing
 

Has anyone ever done this? I was just given a bunch of velvet curtains used in a sanctuary. It's not a really plush velvet, closer to having been flocked. The fabric doesn't stretch, it behaves like quilting cotton in that way so that would be easy to work with. The panels are close to 60" wide by perhaps 7-8' tall, and I have close to a dozen of them, so I thought they would work for quilt backs. I plan on washing them in hot water and drying them in high heat first off and seeing how they end up, measuring them before and after just for curiosity's sake.

Does anyone have any ideas on doing/not doing this?

g

I never have but why not? Let us know how it works.

It is better that You test well. Since they have been hanging in sunlight the fibers may be weak

You might try sewing with a bit of it first. I haven't sewn on velvet in years, but it was always "slippery." Took a certain touch. Sure would feel good on the back of a quilt though...

Dina

Some velvet does not wash well. If you wash first you will be able to tell if it will work well.

I don't know if it will be suitable. I would not try it, I think it would be nerve wracking to work with. But then I'm a chicken to try new things.

I've not used velvet for a backing but have used it for borders before- it was kind of difficult to keep straight (at first) then I used a fusible interfacing, a sharp fine needle, finer thread and it all worked out pretty well. seems like it would be easier to use for a backing. :)

I know that there are several kinds of velvet. There is a velvet that has a cotton feel and a short nap that I have worked with when making clothes (I have also used some that is a son-of-a-gun because it stretches and is real silky). I have never washed either type of velvet, but if it looks good after washing I would probably not put batting in it. I would wash one panel and see how it does.

I used velvet as the back for this quilt and didn't have any problem working with it. My velvet was medium nap, 100% cotton and other than shedding bits all over the floor every time I cut it it behaved like "normal" fabric. I think your fabric performance stress test (high temperature everything) is an excellent precaution!

Alison

Is this a cotton velvet (velveteen)?

If so - and it washed up well - you could handle it like corduroy. As Holice said, do give it a yank test to make sure it is still 'good and strong.'

I don't think curtains would be made of rayon velvet.

Check that it isn't rotted from the sun or faded if that matters. Use pinking shears to cut it to reduce the fraying.

If this is velvet, remember that it has a nap that goes in one direction. When you put this kind of fabric on a bed to use it will want to travel along the nap direction. It will end up who knows where in the middle of the night.
You also want to be careful of the direction you lay out the fabric. If you piece it you want the nap to go the same direction unless it doesn't matter.

I think it would be cool if the fabric is good.
peace
Ask me how I know!

If you've never sewn velvet I'd definitely whack some up and play with it. It can be a pain to sew and you get tons of linty stuff every time you cut it. Even if it's not the slippery rayon type it'll still probably try and creep when you sew it.

Also consider the weight it might add to the quilt.