How Much Fabric Do I Need for Quilt Backing?
Amy WoodShare
How Much Fabric Do I Need for Quilt Backing?
You chose the pattern, pieced the top and finally finished the last block.
Now you need quilt backing.
Backing fabric is sometimes treated as an afterthought, but it plays an important role in the look, feel and durability of a finished quilt. It can quietly coordinate with the quilt top or become a second design all its own.
The first question is usually:
How much fabric do I need for quilt backing?
Here’s how to calculate it.
What Is Quilt Backing?
Quilt backing is the fabric used on the back of a quilt sandwich.
A quilt is generally made from three layers:
-
The quilt top
-
Batting
-
Backing fabric
The backing needs to be larger than the quilt top so the layers can be basted and quilted securely.
How Much Larger Should Backing Be?
A common guideline is to make the backing at least 4 inches larger on every side than the quilt top.
That means adding approximately 8 inches to both the quilt width and length.
For example, if your quilt top measures 60" x 72", the minimum backing size would be approximately:
68" x 80"
A longarm quilter may request a specific amount of extra fabric, such as 4 to 6 inches on every side.
Always ask your longarm quilter before purchasing or piecing the backing. Following their requirements can help the quilt load properly onto the machine.
Quilt Backing Formula
Begin with the finished dimensions of the quilt top.
Add 8 inches to the width and 8 inches to the length:
Backing width = quilt width + 8 inches
Backing length = quilt length + 8 inches
Then determine how many widths of fabric you need to piece together.
Most standard quilting cotton is approximately 42 to 44 inches wide before removing the selvages. It is safest to calculate using approximately 40 to 42 usable inches.
Example: Backing for a 60" x 72" Throw Quilt
The quilt top measures:
60" x 72"
Add 8 inches to each dimension:
68" x 80"
One standard width of fabric is not wide enough to cover 68 inches, so you will need to piece multiple lengths together.
Two lengths of fabric measuring approximately 80 inches each would create a backing wide enough for the quilt.
-
80" × 2 = 160"
-
160" ÷ 36" = approximately 4.45 yards
Round up to allow for squaring and fabric shrinkage.
You would likely purchase approximately 4½ to 5 yards, depending on the fabric width, print direction and your quilter’s requirements.
Approximate Backing Yardage by Quilt Size
These are general estimates for standard-width quilting cotton. Your actual requirements may vary.
Baby Quilt
For a quilt around 36" x 45":
Approximately 1½ to 2 yards
A single width of fabric may be sufficient, depending on the quilt and backing dimensions.
Lap Quilt
For a quilt around 50" x 60":
Approximately 3 to 3½ yards
The backing will generally need to be pieced.
Throw Quilt
For a quilt around 60" x 72":
Approximately 4½ to 5 yards
Twin Quilt
For a quilt around 70" x 90":
Approximately 5½ to 6½ yards
Queen Quilt
For a quilt around 90" x 108":
Approximately 8 to 9 yards
King Quilt
For a quilt around 108" x 108":
Approximately 9 to 11 yards
These estimates depend on fabric width, backing orientation, seam placement and print direction. Calculate from the actual quilt measurements whenever possible.
What Is Wide-Back Fabric?
Wide-back fabric is quilting cotton manufactured specifically for quilt backing.
Instead of measuring approximately 42 to 44 inches wide, wide-back fabric is commonly around 108 inches wide.
The extra width allows many quilts to be backed without piecing several standard-width fabric panels together.
Wide-back fabric can:
-
Reduce backing preparation
-
Eliminate or reduce seams
-
Save sewing time
-
Create a smooth, uninterrupted back
-
Be economical for larger quilts
To calculate wide-back yardage, use the adjusted backing length and convert it to yards.
For example, if your backing needs to be 80 inches long:
-
80 ÷ 36 = 2.22 yards
You would round up, often purchasing approximately 2½ yards.
Always check the actual width of the fabric before calculating.
Does Print Direction Matter?
Yes.
A non-directional print can usually be turned in either direction, giving you more flexibility when piecing the backing.
A directional print may need to run from the top of the quilt to the bottom. This can require additional yardage because each panel must be oriented the same way.
Before cutting, check whether the fabric contains:
-
Words
-
Animals
-
Trees
-
Stripes
-
Scenic designs
-
One-directional florals
-
Other images with an obvious top and bottom
Consider print direction before calculating the final yardage.
How Should I Piece Quilt Backing?
Backing panels can be joined with a ½-inch seam or another seam allowance preferred by your longarm quilter.
Remove the selvages before sewing the panels together. Selvages are tightly woven and may behave differently during quilting and washing.
Press the seams open to distribute bulk.
Whenever possible, avoid placing one long seam directly down the center of the quilt. Two seams positioned away from the center may distribute wear more evenly.
For a smaller quilt, however, a single centered or offset seam may be perfectly acceptable.
Can I Make a Scrappy Quilt Backing?
Yes!
A pieced backing is a creative way to use:
-
Leftover quilt blocks
-
Extra fabric from the quilt top
-
Large pieces from your stash
-
Orphan blocks
-
Coordinating yardage
-
Fat quarters
-
Wide leftover strips
A pieced back can make the quilt reversible and turn leftover fabric into part of the design.
Just make sure the finished backing is large enough and lies flat.
Avoid excessive small seams when the quilt will be longarm quilted unless your quilter is comfortable working with them.
Can I Use a Sheet for Quilt Backing?
Some quilters use sheets, but they are not always the best choice.
The weave, thread count and fiber content may differ from quilting cotton. A tightly woven sheet may also be more difficult for the needle to penetrate.
Before using a sheet:
-
Check the fiber content
-
Wash it first if appropriate
-
Ask your longarm quilter
-
Test the fabric with your quilting method
-
Make sure it is not worn or damaged
Quilting cotton or wide-back fabric is generally a more predictable choice.
Should I Prewash Backing Fabric?
This depends on how you treated the fabric in the quilt top.
If the quilt-top fabrics were prewashed, you may want to prewash the backing so the fabrics behave similarly.
If the quilt-top fabrics were not prewashed, many quilters leave the backing unwashed too.
Prewashing may be especially helpful when:
-
The fabric contains intense or saturated colors
-
You are concerned about shrinkage
-
The quilt will be washed frequently
-
The backing is a different fabric type
Always follow the fabric manufacturer’s recommendations.
Don’t Forget the Backing When Buying a Quilt Kit
Many quilt kits include fabric for:
-
The quilt top
-
The binding
Backing fabric is often not included.
Read the kit description carefully before purchasing. When backing is not included, the listing should tell you how much additional yardage is needed.
Choosing backing at the same time as the kit helps ensure that you find a coordinating fabric before the collection sells out.
Choosing the Right Backing Fabric
Your quilt backing can blend with the front or make a statement.
Consider:
-
A coordinating print from the same collection
-
A large-scale print that would be difficult to cut into small pieces
-
A darker fabric that hides wear
-
A light fabric that shows off quilting stitches
-
A playful novelty fabric
-
A soft blender
-
A wide-back print
-
A scrappy arrangement made from leftovers
The back of the quilt does not need to be boring.
Shop Quilt Fabric and Patterns
Heartland Quilt Supply Co. carries quilting cotton, patterns, kits, precuts and supplies for your project from beginning to binding.
Before ordering backing, measure your completed quilt top and check with your longarm quilter.
A few minutes of measuring can prevent an unpleasant surprise later.
Happy quilting!
Heartland Quilt Supply Co.
Historic Downtown Excelsior Springs, Missouri
Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.