Have you ever finished a beautiful quilt top, only to stare blankly at a wall of fabric, wondering what will make the perfect backing? Choosing the right fabric for the back of your quilt can feel like a puzzle. It needs to be strong enough to hold everything together, comfortable for cuddling, and maybe even add a little extra flair to your finished piece. Getting it wrong can lead to puckering, stretching, or a backing that just doesn’t feel right.
But don’t worry! This isn’t as complicated as it might seem. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about quilt backing. We’ll explore different fabric types, discuss what makes a backing work well, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the best fabric for your next quilt, ensuring your hard work looks and feels amazing from every angle.
Our Top 5 Backing Fabric For Quilts Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Backing Fabric For Quilts Detailed Reviews
1. Roc-Lon 100% Cotton
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a super soft and wide fabric for your next big quilting project? The Roc-Lon 100% Cotton Quilt Backing is here to help! This natural-colored cotton is a generous 108 inches wide, meaning you can back even your largest quilts without needing to piece together multiple smaller cuts. It’s also wonderfully versatile, perfect for making cozy blankets, stylish scarves, or other warm winter accessories. Imagine the comfort this pure cotton will bring!
What We Like:
- The extra wide 108-inch width makes backing large quilts much easier.
- It’s made from 100% natural cotton, which feels soft and breathable.
- The natural color is a great neutral base that works with any quilt design.
- It’s imported, offering a touch of global quality.
- Care is simple with machine wash and tumble dry low instructions.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the natural color is versatile, a wider range of solid colors might be appealing to some quilters.
- The fabric is cut by the yard, so you need to order the exact length you need.
This Roc-Lon cotton backing is a fantastic choice for quilters who value ease and comfort. Its generous width and pure cotton feel make it a reliable staple for any sewing studio.
2. Zipcase 90 Inches X 108 Inches Queen Size Warm Soft Natural Cotton Batting for Quilts Quilting & Craft
Rating: 8.8/10
Are you looking for the perfect batting for your next quilting project? The Zipcase 90 Inches X 108 Inches Queen Size Warm Soft Natural Cotton Batting is a great choice for crafters of all levels. This batting is designed to give you beautiful, warm, and durable quilts. It’s a natural cotton blend that feels soft and cozy. You can use it for quilts, quilting, and other crafts.
What We Like:
- Cost-Effective and Generously Sized: The 90×108 inch size is perfect for queen-sized quilts. It offers great performance without breaking the bank.
- Superior Warmth and Durability: This batting has a strong structure that lasts. The fiber blend traps heat better, keeping you warmer than pure cotton.
- Excellent Shape Retention: The cotton batting stays fluffy and supportive. Its needle-punched fiber means less than 2% shrinkage and it won’t tear during quilting.
- Easy Care: You don’t need to pre-wash or iron this batting before quilting. It’s machine washable and won’t shrink or wrinkle after you finish your project.
- Customer Focused Service: The package includes one cotton quilt batting. They promise a quick and satisfactory solution if you have any problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- Pre-Washing Not Recommended: While easy to care for after quilting, the inability to pre-wash might be a minor inconvenience for some quilters who prefer this step.
This Zipcase cotton batting is a wonderful option for anyone wanting to create warm and lasting quilts. Its ease of use and excellent quality make it a favorite for many crafters.
3. LUMANSUO 100% Cotton Fabric by The Yard，Quilting Fabric for Sewing
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a versatile and reliable fabric for your next creative project? The LUMANSUO 100% Cotton Fabric in a vibrant red muslin is an excellent choice. This fabric comes in a generous 64-inch width and a 2-yard length, giving you plenty of material to work with for all your sewing and crafting needs. It’s made from 100% natural cotton, which makes it feel soft and comfortable.
What We Like:
- Made from 100% natural cotton, making it soft and breathable.
- The fabric is strong and will last a long time.
- It’s very versatile and works well for many different projects like quilts, pillows, and even doll clothes.
- This fabric is also a good option for machine embroidery.
- The 64-inch width means you get more fabric to use for your projects.
- It’s easy to care for, just machine wash cold and tumble dry low.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fabric will shrink a little after you wash it, so keep that in mind when planning your projects.
This red muslin fabric offers great value for its quality and versatility. It’s a fantastic material that can bring your creative ideas to life.
4. PLANTIONAL Medium Weight White Iron-On Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing: 11.6″ x 30yd Medium Weight Non-Woven Interfacing Iron On Polyester Single-Sided Interfacing for DIY Crafts Supplies
Rating: 9.4/10
The PLANTIONAL Medium Weight White Iron-On Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to craft or sew. This interfacing is made from good quality polyester. It gives your fabrics extra stability and makes them last longer. It’s like giving your sewing projects a sturdy backbone!
What We Like:
- Durable Non-Woven Material: This interfacing is made from strong polyester. It adds excellent support and makes your creations more durable.
- Easy Heat-Activated Adhesive: The single-sided glue sticks easily with just an iron. This makes applying it quick and simple for all your DIY projects.
- Generous Size: You get a big roll that is 11.6 inches wide and 30 yards long. This means you have plenty of material for many different projects, offering great value.
- Versatile for Many Projects: It works well for clothes, crafts, and even home decorations. It’s great for giving collars, cuffs, and other parts of garments the structure they need.
- Washable and Long-Lasting: After you wash your projects, the interfacing keeps its shape and stays stuck. Your finished items will look good for a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight Classification: While it’s called “Medium Weight,” some users might find it slightly lighter than expected for very heavy-duty projects.
- Adhesive Strength on Certain Fabrics: On some very slippery or textured fabrics, the adhesive might require a bit more heat or pressure for a perfectly secure bond.
Overall, this interfacing is a reliable and practical choice for adding structure and polish to your sewing and crafting endeavors. It’s a great way to make your handmade items look more professional and last longer.
5. PLANTIONAL Natural Cotton Batting for Quilts: 47-Inch x 59-Inch Light Weight Purely Natural All Season Quilt Batting for Quilts
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to create cozy and beautiful quilts with PLANTIONAL Natural Cotton Batting! This batting is made from 100% pure cotton, making it super soft and warm. It’s perfect for all seasons and can be used for all sorts of projects, from quilts to pot holders and even wearable art.
What We Like:
- Soft and Comfortable: The natural cotton feels great and makes your quilts extra comfy.
- Easy to Work With: The batting is flat and even, so it’s simple to cut and lay out. You won’t have to worry about it tearing unevenly.
- Durable Cotton Balls: The cotton is packed densely, so it won’t easily tear. This means your quilts will be strong and last a long time.
- Versatile Sizes: It comes in different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your projects.
- Easy Care: After quilting, you can wash your creations in cold water and tumble dry on low heat.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Softness: When you first open the package, the batting might feel a little thin. You can easily make it fluffier by patting it down.
Overall, PLANTIONAL Natural Cotton Batting is a fantastic choice for quilters of all levels. It makes creating beautiful and comfortable handmade items a breeze.
Choosing the Best Backing Fabric for Your Quilts
Picking the right backing fabric is important for any quilter. It’s the foundation of your quilt. A good backing makes your quilt look great and feel even better. Let’s dive into what makes a backing fabric a winner.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Width
Your backing fabric needs to be bigger than your quilt top. You need extra fabric for the quilting process. This extra bit is called “overage.” A good rule is to add 4-6 inches to both the length and width of your quilt top. Wider fabrics are great because you might not need to piece them together. This saves time and makes a smoother back.
2. Thread Count and Weave
A higher thread count means the fabric is woven more tightly. This makes it stronger and less likely to fray. A tight weave also helps keep your batting from poking through. Look for fabrics with a smooth, even weave.
3. Durability
Quilts are meant to be used and loved! Your backing fabric should be strong. It will go through the quilting machine and be handled a lot. It also needs to hold up after washing.
4. Softness and Drape
The backing fabric touches the back of the quilt. You want it to feel nice. Soft fabrics make the quilt more comfortable. A good drape means the fabric hangs nicely. It shouldn’t be stiff or heavy.
Important Materials
1. Cotton
Cotton is king for quilt backing. It’s natural, breathable, and easy to work with. 100% cotton is the most popular choice. It’s durable and gets softer with every wash.
2. Flannel
Flannel is a great option for cozy quilts, especially for babies or winter. It’s soft and warm. Flannel can be a bit thicker, so keep that in mind when quilting.
3. Blends
Some backing fabrics are cotton blends. They might have polyester or rayon. These can add extra softness or strength. Check the label to see what percentage of cotton is in the blend.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality
- 100% High-Quality Cotton: This is the gold standard.
- Pre-washing: Washing your fabric before you use it helps prevent shrinking later. It also removes excess dye.
- Wide Backing Fabrics: These are often made with a higher thread count and are designed specifically for quilting.
- Reputable Brands: Brands known for quilting fabrics usually offer better quality.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Low Thread Count Fabrics: These can be flimsy and wear out faster.
- Fabrics with Stiff Finishes: These can be hard to quilt through and may not feel good.
- Using Sheets (sometimes): While some quilters use sheets, they might not be as durable or have the right weave for quilting. They can also be too thin.
- Fabrics with Loose Weaves: These can lead to fraying and batting escaping.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many quilters prefer 100% cotton because it’s easy to handle. It doesn’t stretch too much. This makes the quilting process smoother. Cotton also comes in endless colors and prints. You can match it to your quilt top or use a contrasting color.
For baby quilts, soft cotton or flannel is wonderful. Flannel adds extra warmth. For decorative quilts, you might choose a pretty print for the backing. For everyday quilts, durability is key, so a strong cotton is best.
Using a fabric that’s too thin can cause frustration. Batting might show through, or the fabric might tear during quilting. On the other hand, a fabric that’s too thick can make it hard to quilt smoothly.
Always consider the feel of the finished quilt. The backing fabric is a big part of that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much backing fabric do I need?
A: Add 4-6 inches to both the length and width of your quilt top. This gives you enough room for quilting.
Q: Can I use a bedsheet for quilt backing?
A: Sometimes. But quilter’s cotton is usually better because it’s stronger and has a tighter weave.
Q: Should I pre-wash my backing fabric?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea. It helps prevent shrinking and removes extra dye.
Q: What is the best material for quilt backing?
A: 100% cotton is the most popular and often considered the best for most quilts.
Q: Why is the width of the backing fabric important?
A: Wider fabrics mean you might not have to sew pieces together. This makes a smoother back and saves you work.
Q: Does the thread count of backing fabric matter?
A: Yes, a higher thread count means a stronger, smoother fabric that holds up better.
Q: Can I use flannel for my quilt backing?
A: Yes, flannel is great for cozy, warm quilts. It’s softer and warmer than regular cotton.
Q: What if my backing fabric is too small?
A: If it’s too small, you’ll need to piece it together. Make sure to add enough seam allowance.
Q: How do I prepare my backing fabric?
A: Pre-wash it, press it smooth, and then measure it to be sure it’s larger than your quilt top.
Q: What happens if I don’t use enough backing fabric?
A: You might not have enough room to quilt properly, and your quilt could end up looking uneven.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.