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How To Put Together Quilt Backing

How To Put Together Quilt Backing

January 09, 2025

There are a few things to consider when preparing your quilt backing for longarm quilting.

FABRIC OPTIONS:

  • Cotton/Flannel – average width is 42”-44”, some Cotton’s are 58”-60”; wide-width backings run 100”-108”; Shop our selection of Wide Back Fabrics.

  • Low pile minky – average width is 58”-60”; also available in 90” wide in a variety of colors. Shop our selection of Minky Fabrics.

  • New Bed Sheets – Yes, I’ve quilted quilts with bed sheet backs! You’ll want to make sure the fabric content is comparable to your top; 100% cotton with a low thread count is best. Bed sheets require special attention – you must remove all edges and square up the sheet. It may not be cut square.

SIZE : Your backing MUST BE at least 4” LARGER all the way around than the quilt top!

  • I need the additional space for clamps to load it on my machine. Also, quilting will sometimes go “off the top,” and to accommodate that, the additional backing fabric is necessary. 

If the backing you provide is not at least 4” LARGER (all the way around) the quilt top, I will contact you. Either you can pick up your quilt and address the issue, or I can send you options for how I can fix it. Please know that if I correct the issue, there will be a $25+ additional charge depending on what needs correction. We will always agree on this before quilting.

You can also use Robert Kauffman's Quilting Calculator to figure out the yardage you'll need for your back.

 

Choose the Backing and Batting option and add 4 to the Overage field. It will calculate the yardage you need to purchase.

SEWING YOUR BACKING TOGETHER:

  • Please consider using a ½” seam allowance! A (pressed open) ½” seam allowance will be much more durable than a quarter inch. If you intend on matching your print for your seam, you will want to account for that and buy more fabric! 

  • Remove the selvage! Why? Because the selvage is a much tighter weave and will cause puckering in your back and needs to be removed for a smoother back. You can also add snips in the selvage to loosen the weave.