Fabric Options: The Best Fabric for Quilt Backing

Looking for the best fabric for your quilt backing? From quilting cottons (standard size and extra-large) to alternative fabrics, here are some great quilting fabric options to help you finish your quilt, from front to back!

Baby Boy Quilt via Bluprint member Sophie Belle

Let’s explore how to choose fabric for quilt backing

Quilting cotton

Perhaps the most popular quilt backing is plain or patterned quilting cotton. When you choose fabric for a quilt backing, you will want to measure your quilt top and add several inches to the length and width, which will be the measurement for your quilt backing.

For crib-size quilts like the Baby Boy Quilt pictured above, you’ll often be able to using a single cut of fabric to cover the entire quilt back. This makes patterned fabrics are a great option!

For larger quilts, you may need to piece together two cuts of backing fabric to make a quilt backing that’s large enough for your quilt. This is because many quilting cottons are only 42″ to 44″ wide. If you prefer to skip this step, you can look for extra-wide quilting fabric that’s up to 108″ wide, which makes a great quilt backing for bed-size quilts.

Note: Quilters Paradise offers a helpful quilt backing and batting calculator to determine the measurements you’ll need for your quilt.

Giant Vintage Star Quilt via Bluprint member Jeni Baker

Bed sheets

Because they already come in large, bed-size pieces, sheets make excellent quilt backs! Vintage sheets, like this one seen in the Giant Vintage Star Quilt pictured above, can often be picked up at thrift shops and yard sales at a budget price. In addition to being larger than a normal cut of quilting fabric, solid and patterned bed sheets are typically soft, making for extra-cozy quilt backs.

Pinwheel and Prairie Point Baby Quilt via Bluprint member Amanda

Pieced Quilt Backs

Some quilters choose to decorate their quilt backs with some blocks featured on the quilt front, or just use several cuts of quilting cotton. The Pinwheel and Prairie Point Baby Quilt is one example of a pieced quilt backing. Just like with solid backing fabrics, you’ll want to remember to add several inches to the length and width of the pieced quilt backing when making your quilt sandwich.

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For more tips on sewing pieced quilt backs, check out the free Bluprint course Creative Quilt Backs taught by Elizabeth Hartman!

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Brown Minky Baby via Bluprint member Hemmed In

Minky backing

Soft and luxurious, minky fabric is a great quilt backing that can be used on baby quilts or larger projects. It is available in textures such as the dimple fabric shown on the Brown Minky Baby Blanket above, as well as prints and non-textured solids.

Quilting stitches will show up differently only minky fabric than on regular quilting cotton, and the thicker texture may even make it more forgiving.

Check out these tips and tricks you can use when quilting with minky, as well as this tutorial from Ann Peterson on backing a quilt with minky fabric.

What’s your go-to fabric for quilt backings? Do you prefer the look of pieced or solid quilt backs?