Quilt Backing & Batting 101
Why Do I Need So Much Extra Backing Fabric?
Many quilters wonder why so much extra backing fabric is needed for longarm quilting. After all, you don't need that much extra fabric when you're using a domestic sewing machine, right? It's a great question, and the answer is all about the longarm machine itself.
Think of your backing as the foundation of your quilt. The longarm machine clamps the backing, batting, and quilt top onto rollers keeping everything smooth and taut. The extra fabric gives the machine something to hold onto, making sure your quilt stays flat and your stitches look great.
That extra fabric is also a "safety zone" for a few reasons:
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At the top and bottom, the extra fabric provides space for the rollers and the machine, ensuring the quilt remains securely attached.
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On the sides, it gives a place to test the thread tension before quilting your top, which is essential.
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It allows the quilting pattern to run off the edges, ensuring your stitches are secure all the way to the border.
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The extra fabric also provides a buffer for any minor shifting that can occur during quilting due to factors like pattern density or batting type.​​
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Sizing and Squaring Up Your Backing
​When you're preparing your backing, it should be at least 4 to 5 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides and squared up. E.g., if your quilt top is 60" x 70", your backing should be at least 68" x 78"".
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Four inches of squared up extra fabric on all sides is perfect, and more is even better. A larger backing gives your longarmer more flexibility. There's no need to trim a larger backing down; it will be used efficiently so any large leftover pieces can be used for another project.
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What if My Backing Isn't Big Enough?
​Don't worry, many quilters have found themselves short on backing fabric! If your backing is too small, here are a few solutions:
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Add fabric from your stash: If your backing is close to the right size, (e.g. 2 inches larger on all four sides instead of 4 - 5 inches), add extra fabric to the sides from your stash. It doesn't have to match!
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Add a decorative strip: If your backing is the same size or smaller than your quilt top, you'll need to add a strip somewhere you'll be happy to see it - on the side or even in the middle. While centering perfectly on a longarm isn’t always possible, I’ll do my best! Check out this great post from Ma Tante Quilting on piecing your backing.
If your backing isn’t large enough and I need to add fabric from my own stash, please keep in mind that additional charges may apply.
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What About Pieced Batting?​
​​Using "Franken-batting" (pieced batting) is a great way to reduce waste! It's perfectly fine for longarming, but I generally don't recommend it for anything larger than a lap or a small throw quilt using no more than four pieces of batting.
Tips:
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Use not more than four pieces of the same brand and batting type.
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If batting has scrim, make sure the "bumpy sides" and the "smooth sides" stay together.
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Trim a straight edge, butt edges together and sew with a zigzag stitch.
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The National Quilters Circle has a short video demonstrating how to piece batting.
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