How to Piece Backing Fabric for a Quilt: Expert Tips for Perfect Results

See Angela's Tips for Piecing a backing Live on Wednesday February 5th!

When it comes to creating a beautiful quilt, the quilt top often gets all the attention. But let’s not forget the importance of a well-constructed quilt backing! While wide backing fabrics—108” or wider—make life easy by eliminating seams, sometimes you find that perfect quilting fabric that needs a little extra effort to fit your quilt back. Whether you’re using a domestic sewing machine like our Baby Lock Chorus or a top-of-the-line APQS longarm quilting machine like our Millie, we’ve got you covered with five essential tips to help you piece your quilt backing fabric seamlessly. Say goodbye to puckers, pleats, and frustrations!

Why Wide Backing Fabrics Are a Quilter’s Best Friend

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of piecing quilt backing, let’s talk about wide back fabrics. Wide backing fabrics simplify the process since there’s no need to join multiple pieces. They’re especially handy for long arm quilting, providing smooth, uninterrupted surfaces that glide effortlessly under your machine’s needle.

If you’re in the market for high-quality wide backing fabrics, explore over 200 options on sale at Quilted Joy! Shop Wide Backing Fabrics

How to Piece Quilt Backing Fabric: Five Foolproof Tips

Piecing backing fabric can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Follow these expert tips to ensure your quilt back is as beautiful as the front.

1. Square Up Your Fabric the Easy Way

It’s crucial to load your fabric onto a longarm frame so it’s perfectly square. This means aligning the fabric along its grain line, preventing sagging and unwanted fullness. To square up, simply snip and rip along the fabric to reveal the true grain of the fabric.

Once the fabric is ripped along its true grain, align the edges carefully. Matching these edges ensures your backing seam is straight and true, leading to a perfectly square quilt.

2. Consider the Size of the Seam and the Stitch

When piecing quilt backing, size matters! Opt for a 3/4" seam instead of the usual 1/4". A larger seam offers extra durability, essential for quilts that will endure cuddling and regular use.

For a more durable seam, adjust your stitch length too. Opt for a tighter stitch—around 1.5—on your domestic machine when piecing backing fabric. This creates a sturdier seam that stands the test of time.

3. Remove the Selvages

Selvages might look harmless, but they’re tightly woven and can cause puckering after washing. Remove them when piecing to keep your quilt back smooth. If you can’t remove the selvedge, make relief cuts every three inches. This allows the fabric to shrink more evenly during the first wash, minimizing puckering.

4. Press the Seam Open

While pressing seams to one side is common for quilt tops, pressing them open is better for quilt backing. An open seam reduces bulk and helps the quilt back lie flat on your long arm machine, like the APQS Lucey, which is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.

5. Orient the Seam Along the Long Arm Machine Poles

When loading onto a longarm quilting machine like an APQS quilter, orient the seam parallel to the bars. This spreads the bulk evenly, preventing it from creating a 'mountain and valley' effect as the seam stacks atop itself as it wraps around the poles, which could lead to pleats and uneven quilting.

The APQS Advantage for Long Arm Quilting

Looking for a longarm machine that takes your quilting to the next level? Consider the APQS Lucey, now $3,000 off, plus 50% off the popular auto fabric advance! With a 26" throat, a lifetime warranty, and made in the USA, it’s perfect for your quilting adventures. On sale through the end of February 2025. Call the Quilt Fairies for more info. 

Check Out the APQS Lucey

Discover the Best Quilt Backing Fabrics at Quilted Joy

Piecing your quilt backing fabric doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right techniques and tools—like the versatile APQS longarm quilting machines—you’ll achieve a flawless quilt back every time. Whether you’re stitching with wide back fabrics or piecing together your favorite prints, these tips will help you create a masterpiece.

Ready to explore a world of possibilities? Discover our selection of wide backing fabrics and take your quilting to new heights!

Shop Wide Backing Fabrics at Quilted Joy

Happy Quilting! And, all the Quilt Fairies here at Quilted Joy can't wait to see what you create. Do you like using wide backing fabrics or do you prefer to piece backing fabric for your quilts? Tell us your opinion below!