There are as many creative ideas for backs as there are for the tops. Some customers prefer to piece their back from one of the coordinating fabrics used in their quilt top. Some enjoy the challenge of piecing the back from a hodge podge of "scraps." Still others prefer the ease of wide backings that do not need to be pieced at all.

When choosing your backing fabric please take into consideration that the colors of the top thread will be the same as the color of the bottom thread. In other words, if you have a variegated purple thread on top there will be purple thread on the bottom. For this reason many prefer a "busy" back to avoid dark color threads on light fabric or visa versa. while others enjoy the "wholecloth" effect of the quilting showing up on the back. If several values of thread color will be used on the top it would be best to choose a fabric of mixed values for the back. However, the choice is truly yours.

We do keep in stock quality quilter's muslin backing 106" wide in the natural and cream colors at $8.00 a yard.  Other wide backings may be in stock, including tone on tones, so please inquire.

We are pleased to be a part of the Sew Batik association, makers of quality wide back batiks. An actual sample of each of their fabric collection is available for your review in our studio. We can place a special order for you or provide you with our associate code for you to order over the internet. Please inquire!

Occasionally customers inquire about using a ready made sheet for their backing. There are numerous issues involved with sheets (one being the tight weave, or high thread count) therefore the quality of the quilting (tension) can not be assured. If you really want to use a sheet please make sure it has been washed several times, without fabric softener.

Whatever your choice, your backing must be 8 inches longer and wider than your quilt top to allow for proper loading on the longarm machine ~ otherwise, due to the basting process and the clamps on the side, the quilt top can not be quilted edge to edge. For example, if your quilt top measured 60 x 70 then your quilt back should be at least 68 x 78. Larger is acceptable.

If piecing the back please make sure the pieces you use are square and on grain before attaching to other pieces, with all selvage edges removed. Use a large seam allowance (1/2 to 5/8) and press the seams open.

The backing MUST lay flat and be square for proper loading to avoid quilting puckers in the backing. Square a back just like you square up a fat quarter or piece of fabric prior to rotary cutting. If you are unsure of the process of squaring, please click here for photo instructions.

The following photos show the difference between a back that has been properly squared verses on that was not. There is an additional charge if Quilts 'N Kaboodle has to square the backing prior to quilting.

 Notice above how the side sags. Without proper squaring this back will pucker when quilted.

Below is the same back after it had been squared and reloaded on the longarm. Nice and taunt.