Creating the back of a quilt is often seen as a challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of ways to approach it, and many different techniques you can employ. If you’re having someone else quilt your piece, you’ll typically need to leave 8 extra inches on the top and bottom to ensure your quilter has enough space to work with. Not all quilters like to work with backs that are pieced together like a top of the quilt. So you’ll also need to check whether they can work with what you have in mind. Also, when you’re piecing your quilt back, consider taking a larger seam allowance. Taking 1/2″ is recommended, though it varies based on individual preference. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to add a little extra to your standard quarter inch. 

• One simple method of finishing a quilt is to use 108″ fabric, also known as wide back fabric. This material is conveniently the perfect size for the back of most quilts. If you are interested in seeing the wide back I have for sale in my shop, click here.
• If you have an extra quilt block, feature it! Place it in the center of the quilt back, or offset it to give a more organic effect.
• Using strips of fabric of different widths can be an effective way to use up leftover pieces from other projects. Different lengths of rows create a sense of movement in your design and add interest to the final product.
• Stars are a classic quilting motif and having an assortment of different sizes and designs can be a lot of fun. Simply start building around each star and see where it takes you
• Panels can be used in a variety of ways, depending on their size. One option is to sew different-sized frames around your panel and then adding a strip of the main backing fabric between each one.
•  The ladder effect method when you have one length of fabric perfect for the length of your quilt but not enough to finish the back. Simply make a set of strips the length of your quilt and center them on the back.
•  Alternatively, you can just piece two pieces of fabric together to achieve the right size for the quilt back. 

Remember, quilt-making is an art, and like any art, it requires you to learn, experiment, and find what works best for you. So, don’t be afraid to explore, adapt, and improve your technique. Turn on your improvisation skills and aim to use all the leftovers from the top, buying the least amount of fabric for the back. The goal is to make the back of your quilt just as interesting and special as the front. Follow these tips, and you’re sure to create a quilt back that’s as beautiful as it is functional.

Examples of Quilt Backs I have made