Girlfriend

I have just finished a Batik quilt top, and am considering what to use for backing. Do you ever use regular cotton for the backing of a Batik top?

I hate to spend the money for batik for the backing...however, I do want it to look nice and not take away from the quilt.

Your thoughts? Thanks!

PaperPrincess

I hate spending money for any backing! Batik is just cotton fabric, so you can use anything on the back, another batik, quilting cotton or flannel. If you are going to see the back: car quilt, throw, baby quilt etc. I use a coordinating cotton or flannel back. If, however, it's going on a bed I figure you're rarely going to see the back so I often use a good quality muslin.

Billi

Sure use anything you want, I've used batiks cottons even flannels or fleas, I even know some that use muslin you can use it as is or tye dye it to go with your top. Any fabrics you like will be great choose colors and tones that you love with it.

Tartan

​I would use regular cotton on the back myself because FMQ can be a problem with 2 layers of batik for me.

PaperPrincess

I would love to see your quilt with fleas on the back ! Do you sell them at flea markets? Curse you auto correct!!!

Barb_MO

I am using a lot of Roc-lon(tm) 200 count muslin. It is 107/108 in. wide, 100 percent cotton muslin, permanent press finish. and preshrunk. I buy Style #5140 bleached an d Style # 5139 unbleached. Very nice feel to the fabric and I have purchased several bolts of the and always been happy with it.

tropit

I'd find a nice solid cotton that contrasts with the batik front. For example, if the batik fabrics are all warm oranges and reds, I'd try a vivid turquoise on the back. If the batiks are done in cool, blues and greens, I'd go with a warm orange or red.

~ C

mom-6

I keep a supply of clearance aisle flat sheets on hand to use.

maryb119

I use what looks good with the front. If my top is batik, that doesn't mean I will use batik on the back. There are so many pretty cotton prints that blend well with batiks, you what you like.

ManiacQuilter2

I would find a cotton print that would coordinate with your top. I agree with Tartan that doing FMQ thru two layers of batiks might cause some skipped stitches.