Quilt Backing - How to Make Quilt Backing

The easiest way to make backing is to cut it from a single piece of fabric, either regular quilting fabric (usually 41" - 44" wide), or from wide yardage (width varies, often 108"). Many fabric stores sell wide yardage, including Fabrics.com. (Buy Direct)

Remove Selvages

Selvages create little puckers along their length and should be removed before using fabric as backing. Determine how much width will remain after removing selvages. (See Understanding Fabric Grain)

Calculate Backing Size

Make backing at least 4" taller and wider than your quilt top, a bit more if you plan to quilt heavily. Add additional inches if you want to fold the backing and bring the folded edge to the front of your quilt to create a binding, but keep in mind it will not be nearly as durable as doublefold binding.

Cut Single Panel Backing

Regular quilting fabric is suitable for quilts up to about 35" wide. Not all fabrics are the same width -- remember the 4" excess guideline and keep in mind that you will remove selvages.

Calculate yardage for a single panel:

1. Measure the height of the quilt and add 4" (or chosen excess).

2. Divide the figure by 36" to calculate yardage. Add a bit extra to allow for shrinkage. (Decimal Conversion Chart)

Minimize stretch in wallhangings by arranging the fabric's sturdy lengthwise grain to run from top to bottom as the quilt hangs.