5 Best Fabric for Quilt Backing

If you are a perfectionist, then you will always make sure everything is exactly how it should be, no matter what you are working on. And that is applicable for quilt backing as well.

The first thing that you should get right for the perfect quilt backing is the fabric – and if you are here with that mind-set, then you will readily find the best fabric for quilt backing.

After all, we have done hours of research to give you all the information that you need to find the right fabric! So whether you are looking for muslin or cotton, you will find it all right here.

5 Best Fabric for Quilt Backing

Tired of searching for the right fabric for quilt backing? Your search is over because our top five picks are here for you to choose from!

1. Mybecca 100% Cotton Muslin Fabric – Best For Luxury

Being a fashion designer or a quilter, you will appreciate this lightweight fabric that will help you succeed in your projects however you want to.

The luxurious feeling that this fabric will provide will make it great for backdrops, fittings, draping, and much more. Not to mention, this aspect also makes it the best fabric for hand embroidery.

With the perfect stiffness and natural light drape, it will forever make you love its cotton fiber. Not to mention, the smooth finish, which ensures a soft touch at all times, will also provide ease when working.

You will be able to machine wash and dry it as well, which makes it rather convenient when it comes to keeping the fabric clean.

The 5 yards of length and natural color will make it ideal for all your quilt backing projects. And with the perfect amount of thickness, the fabric really is an all-rounder.

Pros

• Lightweight fabric with the perfect thickness
• Can be used for various purposes
• Provides a smooth finish with a soft touch
• Best fabric for soft quilt backing
• Can be machine washed
• Natural color with 5 yards of length makes it ideal

Cons

• Wrinkles a lot after drying
• Low quality

Verdict

This quilting cotton fabric will surely satisfy you with top-notch results and would be suitable for both quilt backing and quilt tops.

2. Fat Quarters Quilting Fabric Bundle – Best For Experimentation

It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or merely a beginner – this quilting fabric will surely live up to your expectations. With cute designs and a sophisticated color combination, your projects will remain memorable!

The set contains about 8 fat quarters, with each being about 2 yards. This gives you the ground to experiment a lot when quilt backing.

On the other hand, the high-quality fabric is completely eco-friendly. Therefore, you will be able to use it for multiple purposes – starting from pretty quilts to doll dresses.

Without any static cling, this fabric for quilt backing remains durable and soft as well. It has also been twill woven for optimal performance – there is no chance for you to be disappointed.

Not to mention, the bobbin thread will blend perfectly well with this backing fabric. Hence, you will get exactly what you want out of this.

Pros

• Cute designs with a sophisticated color combination
• Plenty of quilting fabric provided for experimentation
• Can be used for multiple purposes
• Soft, long-lasting, and high-quality
• Blends perfectly well with bobbin thread

Cons

• Not suitable for large quilts
• Not fully suitable for a quilt sandwich

Verdict

This is a cute and soft fabric for quilt backings; you are sure to get your desired outcome on smaller quilts when working with this one.

3. flic-flac Quilting Fabric Squares – Best For the Money

It can be difficult to find quilting fabrics that provide good value for money. However, here is one that will be worth every bit of your investment in it. Find out more about this product in our comprehensive review.

In the package, you will be getting about 60 pieces – all with different patterns. This aspect will leave room for tons of experimentation, so there is no way for you to be disappointed with the results.

The material of this modern quilt backing fabric has a higher density than its counterparts – which makes it softer as well as more durable. Moreover, the machine cuts will only be nicer to sew and make seam allowances for you.

More importantly, the fabric is not only suitable for quilt backs, but it will also be great for several other purposes – such as, table cloths, cushion covers, etc.

The clever assortment of different prints and colors will also make it rather popular among the kids. You can iron it quite effortlessly as well without any hassle.

Pros

• Provides great value for money
• Leaves room for experimentation
• Soft and durable
• Can be used for several purposes
• Popular among kids

Cons

• Shrinks a lot
• Frays quite badly

Verdict

This is an ideal fabric for making baby quilts – and you will surely love its durable quality.

4. Indonesian Batik Fabric-100% Cotton Batik Fabric – Best For Softness

During the quilting process, the quality of the fabric is utterly important for getting top-notch results. Keeping that in mind, this has been made using high-quality material – so it will always exceed your expectations.

Keeping it clean is a piece of cake. It is machine washable, so you won’t have to take the hassle of washing it or cleaning it all by yourself. This aspect will save both your time and energy.

On the other hand, the color and pattern of this fabric will allow you to make classy quilt backings. You will also be able to use it for multiple other purposes and go for both vertical seams and horizontal seams.

For instance, you will be able to use it for home décor accents and apparel as well – the possibilities are never-ending with this fabric.

Not to mention, the material will provide the softness as well as the durability that is required for your quilt backing projects – hence, you won’t have to go for any other fabric while working with this. Thus, if you’re looking for the best backing fabric for a quilt, you can definitely give this one a try.

Pros

• High-quality fabric
• Can be cleaned easily
• Results in classy quilt backings
• Can be used for home décor and apparels
• Ensures softness and durability

Cons

• The color is not as shown in the images
• The fabric is thin

Verdict

This is a high-quality fabric with a classy pattern and color.

5. Kona Cotton Solid Quilt Back Ash – Extra Wide Backing Fabric For Multiple Purposes

Have you been struggling with your quilt backing projects lately? Can’t find 108″ backings? Then here’s a lightweight fabric that will be absolutely easy to work with. Learn more about this item in our comprehensive review.

One aspect that sets this fabric apart from the rest of its counterparts is its Oeko-tex certification. That means, it is free of any sort of harmful chemicals and is absolutely safe to work with.

On the other hand, this fabric is more versatile than you could possibly imagine. You could make shirts, linings, dresses, and top-notch quilts using it – the possibilities are endless.

The extra-large width of the product also makes it suitable for large quilts. So you will be able to experiment with it without any hassle whatsoever.

You can easily clean this soft and durable material by washing it in the machine. Therefore, you won’t have to spend any unnecessary time or energy cleaning it.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to work with
• Safe to use
• Versatile and multi-purpose
• Extra wide quilt backing fabric
• Durable and machine washable

Cons

• Can get warped
• Quite thin

Verdict

This extra wide backing fabric is your best bet if you want superb color retention and quality.

How to Choose the Best Quilt Backing Fabric?

Quilt backing is often the most important part when quilting; and for that, you cannot go wrong with the fabric. So, you shouldn’t make the mistake of settling down for just about any fabric without considering if it is suitable for the purpose.

If you haven’t made any quilt backings before, then you might be a little unaware of what aspects the fabric should contain. And if that’s the case, then you should be even more cautious when getting one.

To make sure you get the right fabric for your project, we are here to help you out. We have made a list of all the factors and features that you should not miss out on – stay with us and get the right one with a few steps.

What is the Material of the Fabric?

This goes without saying – the material of the fabric matters the most.

Without the right material, you cannot get your quilt backing right. That is why you should be very picky about the material. Normally, it would be wise to go for 100% cotton.

Is the Fabric Soft?

To get the best results, it is essential to work with a soft quilt backing fabric.

If the fabric is too stiff, then you may not get your desired outcome. And with 100% cotton, softness is guaranteed.

What Is the Color Of The Fabric?

The color is an important aspect that totally depends on you.

There are multiple options to choose from when it comes to this, and you surely won’t have restrictions in that aspect. So you can choose according to your projects.

What Is the Pattern of the Fabric?

The pattern of the fabric is quite the same as the color.

It is totally up to you as to which pattern you would choose. However, for quilt backing, solid or floral patterns would be best, in our opinion.

What is the Size of the Fabric?

You cannot overlook the size of the fabric if you are getting it for quilt backing.

There are different metrics for measurements, but choosing square yards would be the safest bet for this and definitely measure the regular width yardage.

Is the Fabric Machine Washable and Dryable?

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of cleaning the fabric all by yourself, then you better choose a machine washable and dryable one.

There are various quilt backing fabrics available that can be washed and dried in machines, so your quilt backing options are not limited.

Does the Fabric Contain Harmful Chemicals?

Now, most people wouldn’t think a piece of fabric could be unsafe.

But some do contain harmful chemicals that can cause issues. So, it is always a safe option to read the labels and descriptions before purchase whether you’re buying fabric for quilt backing or a quilt basting spray.

How Long Will the Fabric Last?

You don’t want your fabric to tear down a few days after quilt backing.

Therefore, it is essential to get a fabric that lasts long and ensures durability even while quilt backing.

Should You Really Invest in the Fabric?

Here comes the real question – will the fabric be worth the investment?

Well, if all the above concerns check, then we strongly believe that the investment will be worth it.

Quilt Backing Alternatives

If you are looking for quilt backing alternatives but haven’t had much luck yet, then here are three options that you can go for instead.

Fleece Sheet

Using fleece sheets as the bottom layer would be both cost and energy-efficient for you. How? Basically, these fabrics are durable, water-resistant, and do not cost a lot either.

So, you can use fleece sheets as an easy quilt backing alternative, thanks to their amazing qualities.

Flannel Sheet

If you are looking for a more comfortable alternative that will not let temperature affect its properties, then here is something you are going to love.

Flannel sheets are soft and smooth, and they fall in the same category as cotton – making them a reliable alternative.

Bamboo Batting

Not only does bamboo help hold layers, but it also provides warmth and resists wearing out.

So all in all, this is also an alternative that you could consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fleece be used for quilt backing?

Yes, fleece is a cheaper alternative and most definitely adds some texture to the quilt backing. So if it is used properly, then it will surely be a good fitting for the quilt backing projects.

Is flannel a good backing for a quilt?

Flannel fabric and cotton fall in the same category, and flannel provides warmth and comfort as well. Therefore, it will definitely make a good backing for a quilt.

Which fabric is most suitable for quilt backing?

When it comes to quilt backing, nothing tops cotton. Hence, if you are looking for quilt backing fabrics, going for cotton would be your best bet without any doubt.

Which patterns are well-fitted for quilt backing?

There is no definite pattern that would be suited for quilt backing; it totally depends on the preferences of the person making the quilt backing. So you can choose from different patterns as you like.

Should quilt backing fabrics be soft?

Yes, it is necessary for quilt backing fabrics to be soft. If the fabric is too stiff, then neither will you be able to work with it properly nor will it provide the results that you were looking for.

What’s the best fabric to use for quilt backing that won’t slide on sheet?

The fabrics that have a rough texture will be able to maintain a good level of friction to avoid sliding on sheets. Now, it’s possible to achieve a rougher texture on any type of fabric, including cotton. Generally speaking, cotton fabrics made of coarser yarn count have a harsh handle (irregular texture). The smoother your fabric is, the more likely it’ll slip and slide.

Final Words

No fabric is better than the other, in our opinion, but the Mybecca 100% Cotton Muslin Fabric is the all-rounder in this article.

Not only does it come with a classy color and pattern, but it also ensures remarkable softness – which might be absent in some of its counterparts.

But the best fabric for quilt backing can be different according to your preferences – so don’t settle until all your criteria are met.