Quilt Backings?

Hi BlackBay! I never thought of using flannel sheets before. I have used regular bed sheets (although the higher Thread counts ones aren't fun to hand quilt through.) Lately, I have been finding "fat backs" to back the quilt with. They are fabrics that are usually 108" wide. They are sooooo nice, because there isn't any seams I have to deal with. They also come in such a nice variety of prints, solids, etc. John Flynn also has a neat way to back a quilt with standard 44" wide fabric. The directions are here... http://www.flynnquilt.com/freepattern.html You will need to scroll down a bit for the section titled "The Story of the Diagonal Seamed Back." I haven't used it, because, like I said, I've been using fat backs, but I think it would be a great way to save fabric and money. I may just have to give it a try with my next quilt. :)

mostly sheets (I love the flanels too, but not exclusively) or a plaiain colored fabric to coordinate with the top. I have also made reversible quilts with two different patterns, one on each side. I made one for my mom with a lone star pattern on one side and an appliqued top for the other. I quilted to the appliqued side and it made a really interesting effect on the pieced side, which I ended up liking more than I thought I would originally. I have no real favorite, I liked the results on all of these.

Oooh, I never thought of it. It would make such a nice soft backing. It will add to the warmth of the quilt too. I use muslin. How boring.

Yep, I use sheets, too. Flannel or cotton. You can usually find a lot of variety in colors and it is so much quicker than piecing. I only buy sheets on sale :) I normally stick with the white sheets whenever possible though..I just prefer the white.

I just started making a couple quilts (baby size) and I was wondering what to use for backing and I haven't thought of using sheets before. Thanks for a great idea. Now I will be on the look out for those. I would agree that should be a great bargin if you find some good sales too. thanks so much.

Hello BlackBay, When I quilt, my quilt tops are made from scrap materials, and the backing is flannel. I prefer to have a soft surface next to my skin. I usually buy flannel yardage and piece it together. I had not thought to use flannel sheets. Wow, what a great idea. I will do this on my next quilt, thank you very mch for the suggestion. Happy posting..

I have just started quilting again after about 15 years! I always used sheets, but this time..I am using a fleece. Working out great. It is a T-shirt quilt for my grand daughter. It is turning out great. I would be interested in knowing different avenues for backing tho. Fleece can be expensive, but also...can't do to much machine top quilting on fleece...to me it just looks to bulky and bunchy. I am also going to try a "quilt as you go" version.. I made one up 15 years ago, and have it half done, but can't figure quite HOw I did it, but will work on it! I saw a video about it, but what they do is different than what I did..they worked with piece work, I was doing blocks. I intend to do one with "imitation" satins...silky shiney kind of material for my baby grand daughter..soft an sweet you know. So if anyone has anything to say about using that kind of "slidey" fabric, I'd appreciate it!

I use sheets as well that I pick up on sale. I like the fact that they are one piece without an extra seam. I know one lady locally who makes pieced backings that are the same size squares as the front...but all one colour.

Hello, I like using a bit of everything. Since I am still a beginner, I tend to use the same fabric for my binding and backing. If the quilt top is cotton, I usually back it with cotton, even if I have to piece two pieces of yardage together. However, if the quilt top is flannel, I've used flannel sheets for the backing as well. Happy Quilting! Susan