Choosing the right backing fabric for quilts might seem like a small step, but it’s one of the most important parts of quilting. It impacts how your quilt feels, how long it lasts, and how neat it looks in the end.

Whether you’re making a cozy baby blanket, a decorative piece, or a bedspread for everyday use, your choice of backing can truly make a difference.
In diesem Artikel, you’ll learn how to pick the perfect fabric by understanding different types, measuring correctly, and thinking ahead. Lass uns eintauchen.
So wählen Sie den rechten Sicherungsstoff für Quilts aus?
1. Zuerst, Think About What the Quilt Is For
Let’s start simple. Ask yourself:
Who is this quilt for? What will they use it for?
Hier ein paar Beispiele:
- Is it for a baby? Then you’ll want something soft and gentle.
- Is it for everyday use on a bed? You need something washable and durable.
- Is it just for decoration? Then comfort won’t matter looks will!
Once you know the quilt’s purpose, choosing fabric becomes so much easier. A display quilt and a snuggle quilt don’t need the same kind of backing.
2. Take Measurements Before Buying Fabric

Now that you know the quilt’s purpose, it’s time to measure.
Here’s the rule:
Your backing should be at least 4 inches larger on all sides than your quilt top. That’s to give space for quilting and trimming.Let’s say your quilt top is 60” x 80”, so your backing should be 68” x 88”.
Ebenfalls, consider fabric Breite. Most quilting cottons are 42–45 inches wide. So if your quilt is wider than that, du kannst:
- Piece two or more panels together
- Or use wide back fabric for quilts, which comes in widths up to 108”
Tipp: For large quilts, try Robert Kaufman’s Kona Wide Cotton oder Windham’s 108” quilt backs; they save time and reduce seams.
3. Understand the Types of Fabrics You Can Use
There are many fabric options out there, but not all are equal. Let’s break them down in simple words and see which one fits your project best.
Here’s a quick comparison table of popular fabrics:
Stofftyp | Feel & Verwenden | Recommended For | Watch Out For |
Baumwolle | Weich, breathable, einfach zu nähen | Everyday quilts, all skill levels | May shrink, so prewash recommended |
Flannel | Warm, gemütlich, weich | Baby quilts, winter throws | Shrinks more, must prewash |
Musselin | Plain, erschwinglich | Practice quilts, backing large pieces | Basic look, not very decorative |
Minky | Fuzzy, super soft | Lap quilts, kids’ quilts | Stretches, tricky to sew |
Satin | Shiny, elegant | Gift quilts, besondere Projekte | Slippery, advanced sewing skill needed |
Batik | Hand-dyed, dense weave | Heirloom, art quilts | Pricier than standard fabric |
Polyester Blend | Dauerhaft, wrinkle-resistant | Utility, picnic quilts | Not very breathable |
We recommend, for basic cotton, go with Moda Bella Solids. For flannel, Shannon Fabrics offers ultra-soft quilt backings.
Every type has its pros and cons. That’s why your quilt’s purpose (remember step one?) matters so much here.
4. Don’t Ignore How It Looks

Even though it’s the back, it still matters visually. When someone flips your quilt over, they’ll notice!
Some people match the back to the front. Others go wild and choose something bright and fun. Either way works; it’s your creative choice.
Ebenfalls, keep in mind your thread color. If your backing is dark and your quilting thread is light, the stitches will really show.
This can either be a cool feature or something you’d rather avoid.
Want to hide small stitching Fehler? Use a busy print. Want to show off neat quilting lines? Pick a solid color. Denk dran: das quilt backing fabric is part of the art too!
5. Should You Prewash Your Fabric? Ja, You Should!

Let me ask you something: have you ever washed a new t-shirt and it suddenly became smaller?
That happens with quilt fabric too.
Most cotton and flannel fabrics shrink after the first wash. So if you don’t prewash your fabric backing for quilts, and it shrinks later, the quilt could pucker or wrinkle.
Hier erfahren Sie, wie es geht:
- Wash the fabric gently
- Let it dry completely
- Give it a quick iron to flatten it out
This small step keeps your quilt smooth and beautiful for a long time.
6. What’s Your Budget Like? Let’s Be Real

We all want the best fabric, but sometimes we have to work with what’s affordable.
Here’s a rough idea:
- Basic muslin or solid cotton: around $4–$6 per yard
- Designer fabrics or widebacks: can go up to $18–$22 per yard
If you’re on a tight budget, try solid fabrics or even a 100% cotton bedsheet (washed, Natürlich!). Some quilters even piece leftover fabrics for the back, creative and eco-friendly!
When you balance cost with fabric quality and size, you’ll often find that best fabric for quilt backing doesn’t always mean expensive.
Try this: Connecting Threads Essential Cotton: it’s affordable and great for both beginners and pros.
7. Do You Want to Piece the Back or Keep It Simple?
Let’s say your quilt is too big for standard-width fabric. You have two options:
- Piece the fabric (join two or more panels)
- Verwenden wideback fabric for quilts
Some people love piecing the back. They use scraps or make a little patchwork. It’s creative and fun!
But if you want to avoid all that, go for wide back fabric for quilts. It’s quick and neat.
A great choice is Henry Glass & Co. 108” Quilt Backings, they come in fun prints and save you lots of time.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Choosing the right backing fabric for quilts makes your quilt look better, feel softer, and last longer. Think about who the quilt is for, how big it is, and what fabric fits best. A good backing completes your quilt from front to back.
If you want to add embroidery, you’ll need a proper digitized design. EMDigitalisierung can help you with that. They offer high-quality work, schnelle Lieferung, und 24/7 Unterstützung. And if it’s your first order, you’ll get now 50% aus.
Try EMdigitizing today and finish your quilt with a professional touch!
Häufig gestellte Fragen
The layer between the quilt top and backing is called batting. It adds softness, Wärme, and thickness to your quilt.
Not all fabrics work well. Cotton is best for most quilts because it’;s easy to sew and feels soft. Avoid stretchy or heavy fabrics unless you’;re experienced.
Measure your quilt, add 4 inches to all sides, and then cut the fabric based on the final size. Cut along the straight grain for best sewing results.
Multiply your quilt’s length by how many width-of-fabric (WOF) panels you need. Then divide that number by 36 to get total yardage. Round up to the nearest ¼ yard.
Choose a color or print that fits your quilt’s theme. Solid colors show quilting stitches clearly, while printed fabrics can hide small errors.
The main types are:
- Pieced quilts made from fabric blocks
- Appliqué quilts with shapes stitched on top
- Whole-cloth quilts made from one large fabric piece
Add 4 inches to each side of your quilt top. Then calculate how many fabric widths you need to cover the back and multiply by the quilt’s length. This tells you how much fabric to buy.