what color backing???
 

Hello... I am working on my first DWR quilt and I am finally getting to where I am sewing the melons to the background - thank goodness. The couple that I am making this for has grey and yellow as their bedroom colors, so that is what I picked for the quilt.

I am wondering what color I should use for the backing.. and everyone here has such good eyes for this type of thing I thought I would ask. The picture is kind of dark, but it should give you the idea. I was afraid white or yellow would be too much light. Would gray be too dark?

Myself, I would shop for a busy print of yellow and light grey. You need to think of what color of thread you are going to be using on the top and get the backing to match that choice especially since if I remember, this is a wedding gift.

I would go for a light grey. But I like the idea of a print as Maniacquiter suggested

I've been using the left over fabric from the front on the back.

a print.. ..hmm never thought of that. I will see what is out there :)

I don't know what color thread will be used for quilting - - for the first time I am going to send this to a long armer for quilting.. I thought I would just let her decide the thread color

I'd suggest a grey and yellow print too~~ :)

I would use a gray on gray print or maybe a gray and yellow print on the back. Depends on what I can find that will look nice.

thanks everyone... I will have to start looking at fabric - darn! :)

I always use muslin or a sheet for backings, after all, the TOP is what is seen.

Your quilt is beautiful!!! You have to be very pleased!

Dina

I like the suggestions of a gray & yellow small print. Another option could be a gray w/white polka dots or do they make a gray batik? Just not a solid gray. That way if they wanted to incorporate another color besides yellow later on they can just reverse the quilt (although as pretty as your quilt is, I can imagine doing that).

thanks everyone... my only hesitation with the print is that I will probably have to piece the back.. and I don't want to struggle with matching the prints when I am piecing...... I think this quilt will be 110" x 111"

I piece backings all the time. If it's a basic directional print, you just line it up on the repeat. If the print goes every which way, no one will ever see the seam unless they're looking for one. I did a seam like that on my last quilt. It was a pink & white floral. Honestly, there are many times where it still takes me a full minute to find the seam and I know it's there.

If you shop at Joanna they have a few nice greys now in the backing size.

I agree with a print on back! Love using prints for the back! Seldom use a solid...

I agree. See what print you can find that will speak to you. Also you can use left over quilt fabric to "make" your on backing. I have done this and what a pain!!!!!!

Thanks everyone.. I have been busy checking out fabric :)

I don't think I will have fabric left over...I am going to make a scrappy binding out of left over fabric. I might have enough left over to put a strip down the middle. Maybe as a spot for piecing the backing fabric.... there's a thought

There are several beautiful yellow and gray prints out there.

thanks everyone you have helped me decide on a charcoal plaid. All of the yellow and gray prints that I saw were pretty delicate feeling... maybe too girly.

I wanted to "butch" things up a bit so the quilt wouldn't feel too "ladylike" for my nephew. I am thinking I will piece the plaid with some light gray solid.. maybe some yellow solid as well?? not exactly sure. I will work in that plan now :)