Quilt backing

[SusieQ58]

Just getting started. Have my quilt top all done and am ready to "layer and quilt". My question is, do I make the backing the same size as the finished quilt top or do I make it bigger? I'm assuming the batting is to be cut in the same size/dimension as the quilt top.

[kenderosa]

I always cut my batting and my backing at least 3 inches all around, bigger than the top. Allows for shrinkage when quilting.

Sue

[SusieQ58]

Thanks! This is what I assumed. I also found a good website with very simple instructions for beginners. Amazing that our grandmothers used to do this almost all by hand!!!

[auntjana]

I too cut the back and batting bigger. I also sew the first part of the binding , that goes on the front, ready to turn to the back, sewing it down before I trim the back and batting. This makes sure that my binding feels full at the edge, and makes for a very nice edge.

Jana

[MaryGoRound]

If you have your quilt professionally quilted they will want 3 to 4 inches extra backing all of the way around the quilt. I also top stitch on the outside edges of the finished top (before it is layered) so that is gives it some stability when it gets placed on the quilting machine. I usually leave extra batting on the outside of the quilt top. It can easily be trimmed off after quilting.

[purrfect-lady]

I’m late to the party here but you should always cut batting and backing at least 3-4 inches bigger on all sides. The quilting process pulls in the fabric, kind of shrinking it.

Mary

[Joans]

I too cut my batting and backing a few inches larger than my quilt. I have a question though. I am making a baby quilt and am backing it with some good quality flannel. Do I also need to use batting or is the flannel heavy enough without batting?

[Carrie-Waltz]

Backing needs to be larger, it easy to cut it afterwards and all will look perfect!

[purrfect-lady]

The question of batting in a flannel quilt is a common one. I think it's a matter of preference or the intended use of the quilt. You can use regular batting, a layer of flannel, or skip batting all together. I like to use just a single layer of flannel in place of batting in table toppers, wall hangings, some baby quilts, or quilts that will be used in a hot climate.

mary z

[gershwin64]

Joans, is the baby in a cold climate? I live in NM and my Christmas quilt I made a few years ago is a king size and has flannel for the back and batting, it's a nice warm quilt for our bed. For a baby, you might just want a heavy flannel if it's a drag around quilt for baby. So many things to consider on batting or not for a baby quilt. If you have batting and flannel backing it will be a heavier quilt.
Tina