What should I use for quilt backing?

Question

I am attempting to make my very first quilt for my grandson for Christmas.  It's for a queen size bed and was wondering what I should use for the back side?  Would a regular sheet work?

Elizabeth Michels Pinizzotto · Answer

a king sized flat sheet will give you plenty to work with and some color options (and washable). The very wide quilt backing fabric I have seen is like muslin.

Joy30150932 · Answer

Most quilters use a sheet. You could make the quilt reversible if you sew on the right color.

Nanna · Answer

If you could find some red flannel, or the fleece (coupons at Joann's) it would make it cozy, and if patterned, would break it up a bit, and if you have any Elvis left, you could use a block to center it with fleece around, or the words as a border, then just use the simple 'tie' in the corners of each Elvis block. Let us know what you end up with. He'll be thrilled no matter how you finish!!

SandyG · Answer

You should go with a king size sheet to allow for quilting or tacking/tying. Otherwise, check at JoAnn's for quilt backing for this size. PS: I still love Elvis!

Dfm · Answer

having done many quilts- do the king sized sheet. wash in hottest water you have and if the sheet is a dark color add vinegar to the wash. it can help set the dye in the sheet. give it 2 rinses after the vinegar. pick the stitching out of the top and bottom hems iron flat.

Dfm · Answer

p.s. if you can.. a flannel sheet on the back of the quilt makes it oh so cozy.

Wendy Ackerman High · Answer

Thank you all, I will try the flannel king size sheet. Will post pictures when done.

Tinyshoes · Answer

Sheets work well

Sandy Anderson · Answer

I always use 100% cotton sheets

Stolzy · Answer

if you go with a good quality color coordinated sheet, flannel is nice depending on the climate... Check the size of the sheet to be sure you have enough to wrap around and trim out your quilt..

Jude · Answer

I made a 'quilt' for my son (many years ago) and used a clean king size mattress pad for my quilting. It worked, thank goodness, 'cause I didn't want to spend money we didn't have. I just put the pad between two sheets, sewed around it, then tufted it with yarn. He was only two and you would have thought I bought him the moon. I cried, he cried, and my Marine husband hugged us both, while wondering what the dickens had just happened! Now it's our lab-shepherd-collie's quilt and when I wash it, she comes looking for it. Makes me smile to see her curled up on it.

Eroque022810 · Answer

I think that it's awesome that you are doing this for him. I quilted a long time ago, never used sheet. I do wish now that I had thought of it, my only additional advice is to not use a sheet with a high density of cotton in other words using a 300 thread count is good. My reason being that it is closer to the fabric that is used for sewing in general and will allow more flexibility. As they stated before it's very important that you wash it first because 100% cotton shrinks. My kids all have a quilt that was made for them at this point they could care less but it was nice when they were younger,obviously this is for an older kid that will understand and value it. Your great for doing this project and I hope that you continue since it's very relaxing if doing by hand.

Jodie Woods · Answer

I use new flat sheets. You can buy them separately in lots of colors (solids & prints). I always buy a size bigger than my quilt top. For example; your quilt top is queen size so buy a king size flat sheet. There’s some trimming to do but you won’t come up short.

Wendy Ackerman High · Answer

The finished product, I used a king size flannel sheets for the back and my grandson loves it!! Thank you all for the help!!

Carolyn Braden · Answer

Tinyshoes · Answer

Sheets work great!

Nicole · Answer

I get flannel sheets on sale at wallmart, king size for what you need

San32167755 · Answer

I use plain cotton sheets, it's easier to work with. It will lay flatter.

What should I use for quilt backing?

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What should I use for quilt backing?

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