When selecting fabric for the back of your quilt, width is a key consideration. Standard quilting cotton typically comes in widths of 42 to 45 inches. However, for larger quilts, wide-backing fabrics are a popular choice, often ranging from 108 to 120 inches wide.
Opting for wide-backing fabric can save you time and effort by eliminating the need to piece together multiple widths of fabric to achieve the necessary size for your quilt back. This results in a smoother, more seamless finish on your completed project.
How to Measure Quilt Backing Fabric
Selecting the right size for your quilt backing fabric is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and professional-looking finished quilt. Too small, and you’ll face the frustration of piecing; too large, and you’ll have excess fabric to manage.
Accurate measurement guarantees adequate coverage with extra for the quilting process. Let’s explore how to measure your quilt top to determine the ideal dimensions for your backing fabric.
Tools Needed
Before you begin, gather a few essential tools. You’ll need a reliable measuring tape, preferably a long one to handle the dimensions of a quilt.
A notepad and pen are handy for recording measurements. Additionally, having your finished quilt top readily available is necessary for accurate sizing.
Step 1: Measure the Length of Your Quilt Top
Lay your finished quilt top flat on a smooth, even surface. Using your measuring tape, carefully measure the longest dimension of your quilt top from one edge to the opposite edge. Ensure the measuring tape is straight and taut to get an accurate reading. Note this measurement down on your notepad.
Step 2: Measure the Width of Your Quilt Top
Next, measure the shorter dimension of your quilt top. Again, lay the measuring tape straight across the width, from one side to the other. Make sure the fabric is lying flat without any wrinkles or folds that could distort the measurement. Record this width measurement on your notepad as well.
Step 3: Add Overhang to Both Measurements
To ensure your backing fabric provides enough material for the quilting process and for attaching the binding, you’ll need to add an overhang to both the length and width measurements. A standard recommendation is to add at least 4 inches to each side.
Therefore, add 8 inches to your length measurement and 8 inches to your width measurement. This extra fabric allows for shifting during quilting and provides ample material for finishing.
How Wide is Quilt Backing Fabric
When embarking on a quilting project, one crucial consideration is selecting the appropriate backing fabric. Unlike the decorative fabrics used for the quilt top, the backing serves a functional purpose, providing a layer for the quilting stitches to secure and a comfortable feel to the finished piece.
A key aspect of choosing backing fabric is understanding its typical widths and how these dimensions can simplify your quilting process, especially for larger projects.
Standard Widths of Quilt Backing Fabric
Quilt backing fabric is specifically manufactured in wider dimensions compared to standard quilting cotton, which typically measures around 42 to 45 inches wide. The most common widths for quilt backing fabric range from 108 inches to 120 inches.
This extra width is intentionally designed to accommodate larger quilts without the need for piecing multiple widths of fabric together, saving time and effort for the quilter.
Benefits of Using Wide Backing Fabric
Opting for wide backing fabric offers several advantages for quilters. The primary benefit is the ability to back larger quilts with a single piece of fabric, eliminating the need to sew multiple panels together.
This not only saves considerable time and reduces the bulk of seams in the backing but also ensures a smoother, more consistent finish on the back of your quilt. Furthermore, wide backing fabric often comes in a variety of colors and patterns, providing ample choices to complement your quilt top.
Considerations When Choosing Width
While wide backing fabric is a convenient option, it’s essential to consider the specific dimensions of your quilt top. Measure your finished quilt top’s length and width, and then add the necessary overhang (typically 4 inches on all sides) to determine the minimum size your backing fabric needs to be.
While wider is generally better to allow for movement during quilting, purchasing significantly more than needed can lead to unnecessary fabric waste. Choose a width that comfortably accommodates your quilt size with the recommended extra inches.
Standard Widths of Quilt Backing Fabric
| Fabric Type | Typical Width (inches) | Benefits | Considerations |
| Standard Cotton | 42-45 | Widely available, diverse patterns and colors, often more affordable. | Requires piecing for larger quilts, can create seams on the backing. |
| Wide Backing Fabric | 108-120 | Ideal for large quilts, often eliminates the need for piecing, smoother finish. | May have a slightly higher cost per yard, fewer pattern options compared to standard widths. |
Wide Quilt Backing Uses
Wide quilt backing fabric, with its generous widths typically ranging from 108 to 120 inches, primarily serves to provide a seamless backing for larger quilts. This eliminates the often tedious and time-consuming process of piecing together multiple widths of standard 42-45 inch fabric to achieve the necessary size.
By using a single piece of wide backing, quilters can ensure a smooth, uninterrupted surface on the back of their finished projects, which is particularly desirable for showcasing intricate quilting designs. Furthermore, a single piece of backing reduces bulk and potential inconsistencies that can arise from multiple seams.
Beyond backing large quilts, wide fabrics also offer versatility in other quilting applications. The extra width can be advantageous for:
- Creating Binding: In some instances, the excess from a wide backing can be utilized to cut continuous binding strips, although this requires careful planning of fabric dimensions.
- Wholecloth Quilts: Where a single piece of fabric is quilted without a pieced top, wide backing eliminates the need for seams on either side.
- Oversized Projects: For extra-large quilts or textile art pieces that exceed standard fabric widths, wide backing provides the necessary coverage.
- Cutting Multiple Pieces: The wider dimension can sometimes allow for more efficient cutting of multiple backing pieces for smaller projects from a single length of fabric, potentially reducing waste.
How to Choose the Suitable Quilt Backing Fabric Widths
Selecting the appropriate width for your quilt backing fabric hinges on the dimensions of your finished quilt top and the desired ease of the quilting process. Begin by accurately measuring the length and width of your completed quilt top.
To these measurements, you’ll need to add an overhang on all sides – a standard recommendation is at least 4 inches per side. This extra fabric provides ample material for securing the layers during quilting and allows for any shifting that may occur. Consequently, if your quilt top measures 60 inches by 80 inches, you would ideally look for backing fabric that is at least 68 inches by 88 inches.
When evaluating backing fabric widths, consider the following factors:
- Cost: Wide backing fabrics can sometimes have a higher price per yard. Balance the convenience of a single piece with your budget considerations.
- Quilt Size: For smaller projects like baby quilts or wall hangings, standard 42-45 inch wide fabric might suffice, potentially requiring piecing. However, for larger quilts (twin, full, queen, king), wider fabrics (108-120 inches) are highly recommended to avoid seams on the back.
- Piecing Preference: If you prefer to avoid piecing the backing fabric altogether for a smoother, uninterrupted back, opt for a wide backing fabric that exceeds your quilt top’s dimensions plus the overhang.
- Fabric Availability: While wide backing fabrics are increasingly common, the selection of patterns and colors might be less extensive than standard quilting cottons. Ensure the available wide options meet your aesthetic preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, quilt backing fabric is notably wider than standard quilting cotton, typically ranging from 108 to 120 inches, offering a seamless backing solution for larger quilts. This eliminates the need for piecing, saving time and ensuring a smooth finish. Consider the width needed for your project to achieve the best results.
For businesses seeking to provide quilters with this essential material, we offer a wide selection of wholesale wide quilting fabrics. Our inventory includes various colors, patterns, and materials to meet diverse needs. Partner with us to access quality wide backing fabrics at competitive wholesale prices.
Source your wholesale wide quilting fabric from us today to ensure your customers have the ideal backing for their quilting projects. We provide a range of options to enhance their crafting experience with convenience and quality. Contact us for more information on our wholesale offerings.
