Storytime Squares Tips & Tricks: Pieced Quilt Backs

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I love to make quilt tops (which is probably why I have about 6 that are waiting to be quilted).  Sometimes, I get stuck when it comes to making a quilt back. In most cases, and especially with charity quilts, I want to make something that is simple, that uses up my stash and/or fabrics from the front of the quilt, and that looks good. Sounds easy, right? But often, I get stuck at this point. In case I'm not the only one, I thought I'd put together a few pictures and tips.

Tip #1: It is okay to use a single piece of fabric on the back, it is sometimes worth it just to finish the quilt! This works especially well with large prints, snuggle, minky, or voile on the back.

Hope Valley Quilt Back by Jolene Klassen https://www.flickr.com/photos/blueelephantstitches/5419583268

Hope Valley Quilt Back by Jolene Klassen https://www.flickr.com/photos/blueelephantstitches/5419583268

Tip #2: Every once in a while, use your favorite fabric on the back! Fabric is meant to be used, right? I love the blue basketweave on my Summer Sampler Series quilt to the right.  I also used one of my favorite fabrics, Lizzy House's Pearl Bracelet in pond (below) for a custom quilt.

From Faith Jones in the Quilt Backs Flickr Pool https://www.flickr.com/groups/1252782@N20/pool/22923422@N02/

From Faith Jones in the Quilt Backs Flickr Pool https://www.flickr.com/groups/1252782@N20/pool/22923422@N02/

Tip #3: Make the quilt back at least a few inches bigger on each side. Don't skimp here--it is harder to line up quilts if there isn't much leeway (ask me how I know this!) If you find that your quilt back is too small AFTER it has been quilted (hello!), you can add a strip of fabric to the edge and just kind of wing it.  It seems to work best if you use something that looks like it is meant to be there--the Mendocino octopus strip below was one of those "oops" moments.

From Faith Jones in the Quilt Backs Flickr Pool https://www.flickr.com/groups/1252782@N20/pool/22923422@N02/

From Faith Jones in the Quilt Backs Flickr Pool https://www.flickr.com/groups/1252782@N20/pool/22923422@N02/

Tip #4: It is hard to line up quilt fronts and quilt backs--keep that in mind when piecing your quilt back.  Don't put an element you really like near the edge of the quilt, it might get cut off. Mine are never perfect. Someday, perhaps.

Tip #5: If you have leftover or odd blocks, use them on the back.  That is what I did with two odd sized blocks from my Summer Sampler Series quilt (above).Tip #6: Make the binding before you piece the back. And then, be careful not to put it in a "super safe place," where you may lose it for up to a year. I just found a roll of binding last week--luckily my friend Tricia was able to use it in the

Cool by the Pool Quilt. 

Tip #7: Often, I end up liking the quilt back as much as the front. And that is okay! My quilt backs also tend to be a lot calmer than the fronts. It makes me think I need to make a set of simple quilts.

QUILT ALONG SCHEDULE:

Storytime Squares Tutorial by Rae Hoekstra of Made By Rae (used with permission)

Saturday, August 27:

Be There or Be Square: 100 Quilts for Kids Quilt Along

Sunday August 28:

Storytime Squares Tips & Tricks: Charm Pack Friendly Quilts

Monday, August 29:

Storytime Squares Tips & Tricks--Dimensions, Chain Piecing & Borders

Wednesday, September 7:

Storytime Squares Tips & Tricks--Pieced Quilt Backs

Monday, September 12-Wednesday, September 21--Quilting Techniques

Wednesday, September 14-

All About the Quilting 

Tuesday, September 20-

Spacing Your Quilting

Friday, September 23 - 100 Quilts for Kids Quilt Along Link Up 

Wednesday, October 12- Machine Binding Tutorial

Wednesday, October 12-14 - 2nd 100 Quilts for Kids Link Up

2nd 100 Quilts for Kids Link Up