Whether you’re new to quilting or an experienced quilter, you will eventually have to make a quilt backing to complete your project. One solution is to patchwork numerous pieces of fabric together until you get the desired size for your quilt. There’s nothing wrong with this method as it can get some amazing results but a better solution is to use 108” wide fabric instead. If you haven’t used extra wide fabric before and want to know all the benefits of using it, continue reading to find out why 108” wide fabric is the best fabric choice for quilt backing.

What Fabric is Best For Quilt Backing?

Quilting cotton is the best fabric for quilt backing. Quilting fabric has been specifically designed for quilting, so its softness, durability and exceptional quality can’t be ignored when picking a fabric to use as your quilt back. Quilting cottons are available in a variety of prints and colours too, so you will be able to coordinate the back of your quilt with the high-quality quilting cottons you have used for the front. Now that you know what fabric you should use, you should probably consider using an extra wide backing fabric.

What is Extra Wide Fabric?

Extra wide fabric, also known as wideback fabric, are fabrics that are wider than the standard fabric width of 44 inches (112cm). Due to how wide these fabrics are, they are ideal for home decor projects such as quilting, curtains, and tablecloths, and can even be used for dressmaking. Extra wide fabrics come in a variety of widths but the most popular wide-width fabric for quilters is 108 inches (274cm).

What is 108" Wide Fabric?

108" wide fabric is a type of fabric that is extra-wide, with a width of 108 inches. The extra width makes it the perfect solution for quilt backing because it eliminates the need to sew multiple pieces of fabric together to create the desired size for your quilt. Our 108” wide fabrics are made from the same high-quality fabric as our standard width fabrics, effortlessly providing your entire quilt with the same great comfort.

In fact, our sateen cotton fabrics are more luxuriously soft than our standard quilting cottons, so using sateen cotton will take your quilt’s comfiness to the next level!

What is Sateen Cotton?

Sateen cotton is a type of cotton fabric that is known for its smooth and lustrous finish. It is made using a specific type of weave that results in a fabric that is soft, silky, and has a slight sheen. All of our sateen cotton quilting fabrics are 108” extra wide width, so when you choose a sateen cotton wideback you are going to end up with an exceptional finished quilt.

Benefits of Using 108" Wide Fabric for Quilt Backing

Saves Time and Effort

One of the biggest advantages of using 108” wide fabric for quilt backing is that it saves time and effort. The extra width of the fabric eliminates the need to sew multiple pieces of fabric together to create the desired size for your quilt. This not only saves you time but also reduces the effort required for the project.

Provides a Seamless Look

Another benefit of using 108" wide fabric for quilt backing, and quite possibly the most important benefit, is that it provides a seamless look. With traditional fabric widths, it is common to sew multiple pieces of fabric together to create the desired size for your quilt back. However, this can create visible seams on the back of your quilt, which may not look aesthetically pleasing. By using 108" wide fabric, you can avoid this issue and achieve a seamless look.

Cost-Effective

Contrary to popular belief, 108" wide fabric is a cost-effective option for quilt backing. While the cost per metre may be slightly higher than traditional fabric widths, you need much less of it to cover the same area, making it a more economical option. Additionally, since it eliminates the need for multiple pieces of fabric, it reduces the overall cost of your quilt project.

Versatile

108" wide fabric is versatile, as it is available in a wide range of colours and prints. Whether you prefer bold and bright colours or subtle and muted tones, there is a 108" wide fabric that will meet your needs.

Tips for Using 108" Wide Fabric for Quilt Backing

Using 108" wide fabric for quilt backing is easy, but there are a few tips that you should keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here are some tips to get you started:

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Before cutting your 108" wide fabric, be sure to measure the size of your quilt top carefully. It is always better to double-check your measurements before cutting to ensure that you have enough fabric to cover your quilt top. It’s also worth noting that extra wide fabrics tend to be folded multiple times in order to fit on the bolt. This can result in cuts of extra wide fabric being uneven or an unusual shape, so it might be worth purchasing more than you need just to be safe.

Pre-Wash the Fabric

It is always a good idea to pre-wash your fabric before using it for your quilt backing. This will help to prevent any shrinkage or colour bleeding that may occur during the washing process. Follow our fabric preparation guide to know how to wash and dry your fabric correctly.

Use a Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat

Using a rotary cutter and cutting mat is the best way to cut your 108" wide fabric. This will help you to achieve clean, straight lines, and ensure that your fabric is cut to the correct size. Ideally, you will also want to cut extra wide fabric on a large surface to avoid accidentally cutting through folds that might get trapped underneath the pieces you are cutting.

Sewing with a Longarm Quilting Machine

When using 108" wide fabric for quilt backing, it is recommended to use a longarm quilting machine. A longarm quilting machine is a type of sewing machine that is designed specifically for quilting. It is larger than a regular sewing machine and has a longer arm that allows the quilter to work on a larger surface area, such as a quilt top or quilt backing. A longarm quilting machine will help you handle the large size of the fabric more easily and ensure that your quilt backing is sewn properly.

Purchasing a longarm quilting machine is a massive investment, so if you don’t feel comfortable sewing your quilt back with a traditional sewing machine there are longarm quilting services in the UK that can do it for you.

Consider Adding a Border

If you want to add a border to your quilt, you can use the extra fabric from the 108" wide fabric to create the border. This will help to create a cohesive look for your quilt and tie all the elements together.

Conclusion

As you can see, 108" wide fabric is the perfect choice for quilt backing. Using extra wide fabric for your quilt backs is a cost-effective way to achieve a seamless look in a quick and effortless way. With a choice of colours and prints, you will have no problem finding the perfect wideback fabric to give your quilt the sought-after super soft, high-quality finish it deserves.

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