Jingle

I bought several wide backing fabrics a few years ago. I have since used it up. For my donation quilts I use large pieces of regular fabric that match or go with the tops.

Jingle

Back and front matches just fine, Boston.

Shoofly1

I usually piece the backing. Depending on what size fabrics I have left from the front, determines how I piece it. If I can't use any of the fabric from the front, I try to use a coordinating fabric as far as color and theme, such as reproduction fabric in a color from the front. I always use a print that will help hide my imperfect quilting.

dunster

My preference for backing changes frequently. I love putting leftover fabrics on the back, so sometimes I do that. But once a top is finished, I really want to get the quilt finished, so I'd rather not spend a lot of time on the back. As my quilting has improved, I like having fabrics on the back that will show the quilting. But sometimes I have large pieces of busier fabrics that match the front, so I use them instead. I also love using wide backs and purchase them when I see them on sale. I make mostly big quilts, and piecing a back takes time.

recycler

Love your quilt, Boston...front and back! I've been on a roll of making kid quilts lately and have put minky on all of them cuz they are just so cozy, but I do like pieced backs when it isn't going to be minky.

NJ Quilter

I don't typically use pieces/fabric from the front of my quilts. I, too, work mostly on one quilt at a time. I also only buy for projects - not stash. Generally I will buy the backing fabric when purchasing for the top but not always. I do like my tops and backs to coordinate but not particularly 'match'. I purchased wide backing for the first time just a few weeks ago. This was for tops made by a friend who had not managed to find backing fabric. My LQS had nothing that I felt was appropriate for the tops and/or did not have enough of the fabric that was needed. Granted, these were queen/king size quilts.

That was my first experience with wide backings and I can't say I was disappointed. It may end up being my new 'go to' solution for the bed sized quilts I generally make.

zozee

I'd say I put a fair amount of time thinking what to use on each quilt for backing. About 80% of the time, it's a flannel because it feels so cozy. I like to use solids or coordinating all-over print flannel, and a few blocks or pieces from the front to make it more interesting. The only thing I won't use is a print with straight lines. It's just too frustrating to sandwich it perfectly parallel to the sides.

Stitchnripper

I think I have done it every which way - so really don't have any preference - I like the back to sort of "go" with the front, as, if it is a baby quilt, I don't want kitchen fabric on the back, but other than that, no rules.

JJBlaine

Once upon a time, when I was a new quilter, I learned backings had to be a single print of yardage that coordinated with the front I was told that machine quilters did not like the extra bulk of seams on pieced backings, and that sheets were taboo. Since I make big quilts and sent them out to be quilted, that usually meant 9+ yards of fabric, plus the batting and the LA services. It was quite a hit to my pocketbook, and resulted in more than a few unfinished floppies.

Now, I have a completely different perspective. i decided a finished quilt with mediocre quilting is better than an unloved floppy, and decided to learn to FMQ. Of my last half dozen quilts, two were different floppies that were close enough in size that I could make reversible quilts. For another 3, I quickly pieced up some 6" and 12" scraps for a quickie backing. The fronts and backs on all of them were completely unrelated. For the last one, which was a Giant Dahlia done in purples, I used a lovely lilac flannel sheet I found at the thrift shop.

cathyvv

Good question. After mentally 'examining' my techniques for choosing backings, my brain told me that I let the quilt choose the backing. Some are solids that 'go' with the front, some are pieced from scraps from the top, some have a kind of quiet 'blender' backing that need a little spice added, so a cute, 'adds-the-pizzazz' fabric. I've also invested in wide backings for larger quilts or to be able to put two smaller quilts on my long arm at one time.

I have used sheets as backings and had no problems. Flannel sheets (always purchased on sale) make wonderful backings, too.

Bottom line: I feel the quilt back is as important as the front and really like to ensure that it 'works' for the top. Fortunately, I have an extensive stash (also known as a 'hoard') to compose backings from.