Backing and Batting for Quilts

Backing

Often the quilt maker prepares a quilt backing that coordinates with the fabrics used in the quilt top. Other times the quilt maker uses a high quality muslin for the backing. Muslin is often a less expensive option than quilting cottons, but performs equally as well as the more expensive calicos.

For machine quilting, the backing needs to be a minimum of eight inches larger than the quilt top in both directions (length and width). The extra fabric allows us to attach the quilt to the machine and for any shifting that can occur when the quilt is being stitched.

If you don’t have a quilt backing prepared we have several options available for backing your quilt. We carry a range from high quality muslins to batiks in 120 inch widths. These fabrics make it possible to have a one-piece back for your quilt, eliminating the seams required when narrower fabrics are used. The wide backs provide a palette that shows off the machine quilting to the maximum.

Batting

Battings come in various sizes and weights and are made from a number of different textiles. The most commonly used are cotton, polyester, cotton/poly blends, and wool. Years ago quilts were filled with whatever was available, often more layers of fabrics. Summer quilts frequently had no batting, allowing their use in the warmer summer months. As textiles have improved and offered more options for quilt batting, the selection depends on personal preference. Polyester batting provides warmth and loft without the weight of cotton or wool. Cottons, cotton blends, and wools provide more weight to the quilt, but do shrink to some extent. How you will be using the quilt will also play into your choice of battings. If you plan to use the quilt on a bed and launder it on a regular basis, you will need to be certain the batting will stand up to the frequent washing.

You can purchase the batting you want to use, or we can provide it for you. If you are shipping your quilt to us it might be less expensive to get your batting from us than to ship it. Comparing prices could save you money.

We carry Warm and Natural, Cream Rose, and Hobbs Heirloom batting on a roll. The widths vary from 90 to 120 inches in width. The weights are also substantially different from one brand to another.