World Wide Quilting Page
Question of the Week
Question for the week of July 21, 1997:
Our question this week comes from Janelle Parker
What is the best quilt backing, muslin or "like fabric." Does it make a
difference to the judges in a quilt show?
Susanne Sullivan :
Muslin shows off fine quilting stitches (and is often lighter and easier to quilt than other fabric), so it's the obvious choice if you're proud of your stitches. "Busy" figured cloth, on the other hand hides less than perfect quilting. Does that make it easier to choose?
Dierdra McElroy 103210.3054@compuserve.com :
As a judge I always look at the back of a quilt , mostly to make sure I am not missing another side since so many are reversables these days, but also to evaluate the quilting stitch. I admit the backing does give me an impression of the overall feel of the quilt. It should complement the quilt front so that the design 'flows'.
As far as kinds of fabrics to back a quilt with it does not make a tremendous difference if you are a machine quilter, but if you are a hand quilter it is important to choose a quality fabric with the correct "thread count". A good thread count for hand quilting would be 78/78. I won't take all the space explaining what that is but it is important and can determine the success of the hand quilting stitches dramatically. Good Luck!
Jean :
With all the effort you put into making a quilt, put a back on you like.
After all unless you sell it you will live with your efforts a long time.
Please yourself and it will undoubtidly make a more attractive quilt
anyway the judges will see this.
YabbaToots :
Muslin
Pat ( New York ) :
I like to use fabric on the back that "completes" the quilt. sometimes I like a solid to show off the stitches and sometimes a print. I've occasionally put some patchwork on the back. The quilt should dictate the back, not the judges.
Mary :
I think "like fabric" would be the best choice because it completes the quilt the best.
Lucy (Lakewood, Ohio) :
I prefer to put some thought into my backing, and I really don't like to use muslin. I think that the back should reflect the same kind of thought that you put into the front of the quilt. It should have at least one of the fabrics that you used on the front and if you have the time and patience and are hand-quilting your work, then some kind of design to reflect the front (i.e. a picket fence across the back if there is a garden on the front of the quilt. I have taught and I am scheduled to judge a show next week. I do look at the backs of quilts, looking for good, solid technique. And also for artistic impressions. Here's a hint for new quilters, use a print on the back while you are working towards perfecting your quilt stitch.
Marie :
Personally, I would not pick ANY fabric because a judge might like it or not like it! Sometimes I finish the top and let it suggest the back, because I do not know in advance exactly what the top will look like--I start with a good idea, but it must evolve from there.
Blanche Camu of Lake Havasu,Az. :
Backing should make you feel like you can show both side, over a chair, or on a Bed. Your are the to please. And think the time you put into the guilt, it should be some type of fabric that you like.
Teresa Adam :
I like to use 'like fabric'.
Gives me a chance to add one more
different, but complimentary fabric.
I made one particular quilt this way and
rolled the backing to the front for
binding. Looked great!
Sorry, can't help you regarding judging.
Judy - Cardiff by the Sea, CA :
My preference is to use a complimentary
fabric or sometimes even a flannel for
quilts, for wall hangings I often use
muslin. Don't know about judging but
what is pleasing to the user should be
the main concern.
Lyn Lowes-Whyalla, South Australia :
I think it depends on the type of quilt you are making and the final look you want to achieve. I have just completed an old-fashioned looking blue and cream quilt with a lot of hand quilting-the muslin looks just right for this. I use a like fabric if I think it suits the quilt. In Australia we call muslin calico!
Lori Humphrey -Ocala ,FL :
I prefer a like fabric - It may be a little more money and ' tougher' quilting but the end result is worth it. If you are making a small wall hanging a lighter weight muslin makes for easier quilting - it really depends on your personal taste. I really don't know if it makes a difference to judges.
Diane Bowman, Mt. Airy, NC :
I have used both types of fabrics for backings. I prefer to use a "like" fabric that either compliments or blends well with the blocks on the front side of the quilt. I happen to like color, but muslin is very valuable when you want that basic or old fashioned look.
Anthony :
Plain muslin is a terrible choice for backing. If its a throw, lap or bed quilt, the backing will be highly visible and deserves as much thought as the front. Check out the 1991 quilt book "Backart: On the Flip Side" It has some great ideas for quilt backs. At least choose a coordinating fabric. If your backing fabric doesn't quite "go with" the front, peicing in a few strips of some front fabrics really ties it all together. Another consideration is that the back will get more wear than the front. Most muslins aren't the best quality. Your backing fabric should be the same quality as your top. I like to use the back as a palette to do random pieceing or applique, or to use up some of the blocks that didn't quite turn out. Can't comment for judges, but showing you care enough to spend some thought on your backing can't be a negative.
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