Backing For T-Shirt Quilts: Do You Need It?

does a t shirt quilt need backing on yhe shirts

T-shirt quilts are a great way to preserve your old apparel and reduce waste. The process involves four steps: deciding on a design, getting the shirts ready to quilt, sewing the quilt top together, and quilting and finishing the completed quilt top.

Before you start, you'll need to gather your T-shirts and choose a quilt design. You can use sports jerseys, hoodies, sweatshirts, or regular button-down shirts. The most popular design is the grid quilt, which involves making squares out of your materials. You can also add sashing, which is the fabric between the shirts to separate the blocks, or a border around the perimeter of your quilt.

Once you've decided on a design, you'll need to cut and prep your materials. This involves turning your shirts and materials into quilt blocks. You can simply interface a shirt and cut it to the size of your design, or get creative by combining garments or sewing other materials to your blocks.

After you've assembled your quilt top, you'll need to create a backing fabric. Measure your quilt top and determine the correct size for your backing. You can either piece your backing or use a wide-back fabric.

Finally, you'll need to baste your quilt, which involves spray basting or using safety pins to prepare for quilting. Quilting your T-shirt quilt can be done by sending it to a long armer or quilting it yourself. Binding your quilt is the last step, where you'll trim your quilt, measure again, and cut and attach your binding using either the hand binding or machine binding method.

shunvogue

Choosing a backing fabric

The backing fabric is an important element of a good-quality T-shirt quilt. It is the fabric seen on the bottom side of a quilt and is in direct skin contact when used as a blanket. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a backing fabric:

Material

The backing fabric should be high-quality and durable to withstand daily use. It should also be breathable for added comfort. Some common materials used for quilt backing include cotton, polyester, flannel, minky fabric, polar fleece, and denim. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose one that suits your specific needs.

Colour

When choosing a backing fabric, consider whether you want a printed or solid colour. A printed backing fabric can hide the quilting stitches, especially for beginners, while a solid colour can showcase the quilting pattern. If you want to show off intricate quilting, choose a solid-colour backing and use a contrasting thread colour to make it stand out.

Quality

The quality of the backing fabric will impact the overall quality and longevity of the quilt. Cheap materials like 100% polyester may be uncomfortable, less breathable, and prone to static build-up. Investing in premium materials, such as high-quality cotton, will result in a more durable and comfortable quilt.

Cost

The cost of the backing fabric will depend on the type of material chosen. Premium materials will be more expensive, but they will also provide better quality and comfort. It is important to consider your budget when choosing a backing fabric, especially if you are also purchasing other materials and tools for the project.

Source

When choosing a backing fabric, consider the source and quality of the materials offered. Some companies may use cheap materials to cut costs, which can result in a lower-quality quilt. Ask your quilt maker about their fabric sources, distributors, and the number of bolts of fabric they have in stock to get an idea of their fabric quality.

shunvogue

Backing fabric quality

There are several factors to consider when selecting a backing fabric for a T-shirt quilt:

  • Material: The backing fabric can be made from various materials such as cotton, polyester, flannel, minky fabric, polar fleece, or even denim. Each material has its own unique characteristics and properties. For example, cotton is a popular option but can vary in quality. High-quality cotton will result in a sturdy backing that withstands wear and tear while staying breathable. On the other hand, low-quality cotton may not be as durable or comfortable. Polyester is another popular option that is strong, lightweight, and durable. However, like cotton, it can be uncomfortable if the fabric is low quality. Flannel, made from wool or cotton, has a fuzzy texture that makes it ideal for those seeking extra warmth and softness. Minky fabric is similar to flannel and is often chosen for its cosy feeling. Fleece, a synthetic material, is known for its comfort, softness, and breathability. Denim is a unique option for quilt backing, valued for its strength and longevity.
  • Colour: The colour of the backing fabric is also an important consideration. Solid-colour backing fabric is typically chosen when the goal is to showcase the quilting pattern. Printed backing fabric, on the other hand, is often selected by beginners as it can better hide any mistakes in the quilting.
  • Quality: The quality of the backing fabric will impact the overall quality, longevity, and comfort of the quilt. Premium materials, such as high-quality cotton, tend to be more durable and comfortable. On the other hand, cheaper options like 100% polyester may be uncomfortable, less breathable, and prone to static build-up.

When choosing a backing fabric for a T-shirt quilt, it is essential to consider the specific requirements and intended use of the quilt. Additionally, it is recommended to research and select a reputable quilter who uses high-quality materials.

shunvogue

Backing fabric colour

When making a T-shirt quilt, the backing fabric colour is an important consideration. The backing fabric is the fabric that is seen on the bottom side of the quilt and it is important to choose a colour that works with your T-shirts.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a backing fabric colour. Firstly, you can choose a colour that is similar to the T-shirts in your quilt. This will help to create a cohesive look for your quilt. Alternatively, you can choose a colour that complements the T-shirts in your quilt. If you have a lot of colourful T-shirts, you may want to choose a neutral backing fabric colour, such as grey or beige.

Another option is to choose a backing fabric colour that is your favourite colour. This will add a personal touch to your quilt and make it unique. You can also choose a colour that will match the room where you plan to use the quilt. This will help to create a cohesive look for the space.

When choosing a backing fabric colour, it is also important to consider the pattern of the fabric. A solid colour backing fabric will show off the quilting, while a printed fabric will camouflage it. If you want to show off intricate quilting, choose a solid colour. If you want the quilting to be more subtle, choose a printed fabric.

It is also important to consider the quality of the backing fabric. High-quality fabric will be more durable and comfortable. Look for fabric that is soft, breathable, and easy to work with.

Overall, there are many things to consider when choosing a backing fabric colour for a T-shirt quilt. Choose a colour that you love and that works well with the T-shirts in your quilt.

shunvogue

Quilt design

One of the most popular quilt designs is the grid quilt, which consists of squares made from different T-shirts and other materials. You can add sashing, which is the fabric between the shirts that separates the blocks, and a border around the perimeter of the quilt. If you're a beginner, this is a good design to start with as it is simple and straightforward.

Another option is the mosaic quilt, which features a variety of block sizes put together and then justified and sewn into vertical rows. This design allows you to be more creative and experiment with different sizes and shapes.

When designing your quilt, you'll also need to consider the batting, which is the layer of material between the top and bottom layers of the quilt. The type of batting you choose will depend on the desired thickness and weight of the quilt, as well as the climate and the person who will be using it.

After you've chosen your design and assembled the quilt top, you'll need to create the backing fabric. Measure your quilt top and determine the correct size for your backing fabric. You can either piece your backing fabric together or use a wide back fabric.

Finally, don't forget to consider the quilting pattern. If you want to show off your quilting skills, choose a solid-color backing fabric. If you're a beginner, a printed backing fabric might be a better option to hide any mistakes.

shunvogue

Quilting technique

Quilting is the process of connecting the three layers of a quilt: the quilt top, the batting, and the backing. The quilting technique you choose will depend on your level of expertise and the equipment you have available.

If you're a beginner, you're probably familiar with the running stitch, which is the simplest technique. However, there are many other types of stitches to explore, especially when making a t-shirt quilt. You'll want to use a stitch that helps avoid bunching or stretching while providing a neat and simple design.

If you're quilting your own t-shirt quilt, you'll need to baste your quilt first. This can be done with a spray adhesive or safety pins. One of the simplest quilting techniques is a free-motion meandering design. Choose a method that you're comfortable with and enjoy the process.

If you're looking to add some extra flair to your quilt, consider using a combination of different stitching techniques. You can also experiment with different thread colours to make your quilting stand out.

When quilting a t-shirt quilt, it's important to consider the type of fabric you're working with. T-shirts are typically made from stretchy knit fabrics, so you'll need to use a ballpoint needle and a walking foot on your sewing machine to avoid any puckering or stretching.

If you're not confident in your quilting skills, you can always send your quilt to a professional long armer to be quilted.

Frequently asked questions

Backing is the material that goes on the bottom of the quilt and makes the most skin contact when used as a blanket. It is one of the three main components of a quilt, along with the quilt top and batting.

You should consider the material, backing colours, and overall quality of the backing.

There are various materials available, including cotton, polyester, flannel, minky fabric, polar fleece, and even denim. The choice depends on factors such as comfort, breathability, durability, and cost.

You can choose your favourite colour, a colour that matches your T-shirts, your school colours, or a colour that complements the room where the quilt will be used. Alternatively, you can ask for suggestions or be surprised by the quilter.

Backing is the fabric on the back of the quilt, while binding is the material sewn around the outside to cover the raw edges of the quilt top, batting, and backing.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment