Quilt Backing
by SANDRA SCHULZ
Is it okay to make a quilt top and use it for a quilt backing? I worry that when I'm quilting the quilt on a machine, the quilt backing may not be strong enough. Any ideas about this? ANSWER Yes, you can use a quilt top for the backing. In the quilting world, we call this a "reversible quilt." Reversible quilts are popular, because you're making two quilts at the same time! Here's a few hints to get you started. Handle your backing gently, just like your quilt top. Since the backing has many seams, it will stretch more than a whole, uncut piece of fabric. If your quilt top and backing layers vary in design and color, you'll have some planning to do. Choose a machine quilting pattern that compliments both designs. And, be sure to choose a binding fabric that matches the colors on both sides of your quilt. Since this is your first reversible quilt, I highly recommend reading Reversible Quilts: Two at a Time.  This helpful book is packed with how-to information on creating reversible quilts. For a quick peek at this technique, click on HGTV's Reversible Quilt Technique. Have fun!
|
