Backing Material

by Melinda Gilmore
(Richwood, Ohio)

I am confused on which backing material to buy for the backing, or what is normally used. I keep seeing the muslin material on sale, and there is a lot of it at the stores. Is that what a lot of quilters normally use? Just not sure what to buy?

ANSWER

Quilters do a lot of interesting things with their backing material. Some use whatever they have on hand. Others prefer to buy muslin because it's less expensive than quilting fabric. Still, others prefer to use a matching fabric from their quilt top.

All of these choices are fine. But I have a few recommendations about choosing backing material:

Always cut off the selvages before you sew your backing.
Buy quality fabric, if you can afford it.
Choose a backing material that has a similar weight and fiber content used in the quilt top. For example, if you sewed your quilt top with 100% cotton fabric, do the same for your backing fabric.
Choose a fabric and thread that compliment both the backing and quilt top. You don't want an odd color of bobbin thread popping through your quilt top.
NEVER use sheets! The thread weave is very dense. This makes it difficult for your needle to penetrate through the fibers.
Fabrics that have patterns are good for hiding the thread and for covering up stitching flaws. If you use muslin or a solid color backing, it's harder to camouflage mistakes.

Keep these simple tips in mind when you purchase your backing material, and you'll do just fine!