How to Sew a Quilt Backing

Once you have a quilt top pieced it is time to begin the second phase of your quilting project. The quilt top must be sandwiched on top of a layer of batting and a quilt backing so that the quilt top can be quilted.
Many quilters consider the backing to be almost as important as the quilt top. For this reason, you may want to put some thought into the kind of backing you select. You could always go with a plain muslin for a backing, but if you are looking for something with a little more pizazz, choose a bright pattern or print and really make your quilt backing an exciting part of your quilt.
The quilting can be done in either a simple or intricate pattern. The finished result is sure to be stunning, whichever you choose to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Quilt top Batting Fabric for backing Sewing machine Sewing notions (cotton thread, scissors, pins, etc.) Quilting mat Rotary cutter Tape measure Safety pins (optional)

1. Lay out your quilt top and measure the dimensions. Measure all four sides and also measure across the center from top to bottom and left to right. Determine the finished size needed for your quilt backing.

2. Determine how you want your finished quilt to look and choose a quilt backing that will achieve that look.

3. Cut the backing fabric to make it the correct size for the backing. If your quilt is large, you will have to piece the backing from smaller pieces of backing fabric. Sew the pieces together with 1/4-inch seam allowances and press every seam to one side.

4. Lay the quilt top right side down on a work surface. Smooth the entire quilt top out carefully to make sure it is flat.

5. Spread out the batting layer on top of the wrong side of the quilt top. Again, smooth the batting layer out carefully to make sure it is flat.

6. Spread the backing layer out on top of the batting layer with the right side of the backing facing up. Smooth the backing out carefully to make sure it is flat.

7. Check the entire quilt to make sure that edges and corners are aligned and match. Beginning in the center, pin all three layers together to secure them. Place pins every 2 to 3 inches working your way out to the edges from the center. Make sure there are no puckers or gaps as you pin.

8. Sew around the edges of the quilt top, batting and backing. Begin at one corner and sew the edges together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

9. Make sure that the entire outside edge of the quilt has been properly sewn before finishing the quilt with a binding.

Tips & Warnings

• Safety pins are useful for pinning the three layers together before sewing.