The Perfect T-Shirt Quilt: Backing Strategies For Beginners

T-shirt quilts are a great way to preserve memories. The process of making a t-shirt quilt involves four steps: deciding on a design, getting the shirts ready, sewing the quilt top together, and quilting and finishing the completed quilt top. One crucial aspect of preparing the shirts is adding a backing or stabiliser to prevent the stretchy fabric from distorting and becoming wonky when sewn.

The backing helps the t-shirt hold its shape during cutting and sewing. There are various backing materials available, such as 50% polyester/50% cotton, flannel, Minky, polar fleece, and bed sheets. However, the choice of backing fabric depends on personal preference and the desired quilt design.

When choosing a backing fabric, it is essential to consider the quality and type of fabric. Poor-quality fabric can make the quilt look cheap, while higher-quality fabric adds texture and depth. Additionally, the backing fabric should complement the quilt's front design and showcase the quilting. Solid colour fabrics are often preferred as they make the quilting stand out, whereas printed fabrics may camouflage it.

Overall, selecting the right backing fabric for a t-shirt quilt involves considering factors such as quality, design, and functionality to ensure the quilt is well-constructed and aesthetically pleasing.

Choosing the right backing fabric

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose for the backing of your T-shirt quilt depends on various factors, such as personal preference, the quilt's intended use, and the desired level of durability. Common fabric options include:

• Cotton – Cotton is a popular choice for quilt backing because it is breathable, durable, and easy to work with. However, not all cotton fabrics are created equal; some may be cheaper and have a lower thread count, while others, like Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton Solids, are known for their high quality.
• Polyester/Cotton Blend – This blend combines the breathability of cotton with the wrinkle resistance of polyester. However, it tends to be inexpensive-looking and will pill over time.
• Flannel – Flannel is soft and cosy, but it may not be the most durable option as the fabric can fray. If you choose flannel, opt for a high-quality version.
• Minky – Minky is an extremely soft and cuddly fabric that comes in various colours. It can be challenging to work with and may not showcase quilting designs as effectively as cotton.
• Polar Fleece – Polar fleece is soft and warm, made from 100% polyester. While it may pill over time, some quilt-makers prefer it because it eliminates the need for batting or quilting.
• Bed Sheets – Using bed sheets for quilt backing is generally not recommended as the low thread count can make the quilt look cheap. If you must use a bed sheet, opt for one with a thread count of at least 300.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of your backing fabric can either complement or contrast with the T-shirts used in the quilt. Here are some tips for choosing the right colour and pattern:

• Solid Colour – A solid colour backing fabric can showcase the quilting designs effectively, especially if you use a contrasting thread colour. It is also a good option if you want a timeless look, as patterns can quickly become dated.
• Printed Fabric – A printed backing fabric can camouflage the quilting stitches, making it a good choice if you want to hide irregular or simple quilting patterns. However, it may not be the best option if you want to showcase intricate quilting designs.
• Favourite Colour – Choosing your favourite colour is a good option if you want to ensure you will love the quilt. However, keep in mind that your favourite colour may not always complement the colours of the T-shirts used in the quilt.
• T-shirt Colour – Selecting a colour that matches one of the T-shirts in the quilt is a safe option, as you know it will complement at least one shirt.
• School Colours – If the quilt is for a school-related activity, using the school colours can be a fun way to incorporate the recipient's interests.
• Room Décor – Choosing a colour that complements the room where the quilt will be used can help ensure the quilt fits in with the existing décor. However, keep in mind that if the room's colour scheme changes, the quilt may no longer match.

Other Considerations

• Quality – Opt for high-quality fabric, as it will affect the overall look and durability of the quilt. Cheaper fabrics may pill, fray, or wear out more quickly.
• Quantity – Consider the amount of fabric you will need for the backing. If you are making a large quilt, you may need to piece together multiple fabric pieces to create the backing.
• Feel – Touch and feel the fabric before purchasing it. You want to ensure it is soft and comfortable, especially if the quilt is intended for use as a bedspread.
• Washability – If the quilt will be washed frequently, choose a fabric that is easy to care for and won't bleed or fade. Prewashing the fabric can also help set the colour and remove any chemicals.

Backing fabric options

The backing fabric is the fabric that you see on the back of a quilt. There are many different types of fabric a quilter can choose from. Here are some options:

• 50% Polyester/50% Cotton: This fabric retains some of the feel of cotton while the polyester content prevents wrinkling. However, it is prone to pilling, which is when small balls of fibre form on the surface.
• Flannel: This fabric is soft as it is brushed to break surface fibres free, leaving a layer of soft fuzz. However, this process weakens the fabric and it requires extra steps to prevent fraying.
• Minky: A very soft and cuddly fabric that gives quilting an embossed look. It comes in a variety of colours and holds up well over time.
• Polar Fleece: Made from 100% polyester, this fabric is soft and can wear well depending on its quality. However, it is prone to pilling and is not suitable for quilting as it does not require batting.
• Bed Sheets: Generally not recommended as they will always look like sheets and are not considered a quality choice.
• Solid Colour Cotton: There are cheap and expensive options available. Ask your quilt maker about the supplier and thread count to ensure quality.
• Tone-on-Tone Cottons: These are printed fabrics that combine different shades and tones of the same colour, adding subtle texture without looking too busy.

Backing fabric quality

The backing fabric is the fabric that is seen on the bottom side of a quilt. The quality of the backing fabric is important for a good quality t-shirt quilt.

Sheets

Sheets are not a good choice for backing fabric. Cheap sheets have a low thread count and will not last. Even high-quality sheets will always look like sheets and are not a good choice for a quality quilt.

Fleece

Fleece is often used as a backing fabric to cut costs. It is mostly made from polyester and is hot as it does not breathe. It is also cheap-looking and will not make a high-quality quilt.

Flannel

Flannel comes in many qualities. The appeal of flannel is that it is soft, but this is achieved by brushing the fabric to break surface fibres free, which wears out the fabric. It is also prone to fraying.

Minky

Minky is a very soft and cuddly fabric that comes in a variety of colours. It creates a softer quilt and holds up great over time. However, it is more difficult and messy to work with than cotton and will not show the quilting as much as a cotton fabric.

Polar Fleece

Polar fleece is 100% polyester. It is soft but will pill after a number of washes. It is not a good choice for a t-shirt quilt as it does not involve batting or quilting.

50/50 Polyester/Cotton

This fabric is inexpensive and will look and feel cheap. It will also pill, so it is best avoided.

Solid Colour Cotton

There is cheap and expensive 100% cotton fabric. Solid colour cotton is a good choice for backing fabric but be sure to ask your quilt-maker where they source their fabric from.

Tone-on-Tone Cottons

Tone-on-tone fabrics are printed fabrics that combine different shades and tones of the same colour. They add subtle, visual texture to a quilt without the busyness of a multi-colour print. They are a good choice for backing fabric but, again, be sure to ask your quilt-maker about the quality of the fabric they use.

Binding

The binding is the fabric that is sewn around the outside of a t-shirt quilt. It is usually the same fabric as used on the back and/or border of the quilt. White is not a good choice for binding as it is difficult to keep clean and will quickly become dirty or grungy-looking.

Backing colour

Choosing the right backing colour for your T-shirt quilt is a crucial step in the quilt-making process. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect colour:

Choose Your Favourite Colour:

This is a great option if you want to ensure you love the colour of your quilt backing. However, keep in mind that your favourite colour may not always complement the colours of your T-shirts. For example, if your T-shirts are mostly blues, blacks, greys, and whites, a green backing might not be the best choice.

Select the Colour of Your Favourite T-shirt in the Quilt:

This method guarantees that your backing colour matches at least one shirt in the quilt. You can mark the shirt with a note, indicating that its colour should be used for the backing. This approach ensures a perfect match between the T-shirt and backing colours.

Opt for Your School Colours:

If you're creating a school activity-related quilt, choosing your school colours for the backing is an excellent option. These colours will likely be present in many of the T-shirts, making it a perfect choice. However, you may want to avoid this option if you're tired of seeing your school colours.

Consider the Room Where You Plan to Use the Quilt:

Selecting a backing colour that complements the room where you'll use the quilt ensures it looks great in that space. However, if you move or redecorate, the quilt may no longer match the new décor.

Ask for Suggestions:

If you're unsure, you can always ask for backing colour suggestions. Experienced quilters can provide recommendations based on their knowledge and expertise. They will consider the colours of your T-shirts and make suggestions accordingly.

Be Surprised:

If you're feeling adventurous, you can leave the backing colour choice to the quilter and be surprised by the final result. This option is ideal if you trust the quilter's expertise and are open to unexpected colour choices.

Remember, the backing colour is a significant decision as it will be the largest amount of colour in your entire quilt. Take your time, consider the available options, and choose the colour that best suits your preferences and the overall design of your T-shirt quilt.

Binding colour

When choosing a binding colour for your T-shirt quilt, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the binding colour can be chosen to complement the backing fabric, either by using the same colour or a contrasting one. For example, if you are making a quilt for a high school graduate, you can use the darker of the two school colours as the backing and the other school colour as the binding. Alternatively, you can use a completely different colour or pattern for the binding to add a unique touch to your quilt.

If you want the quilting on the back of the quilt to be visible, it is best to use a solid colour fabric for the backing rather than a print. A solid colour fabric will also give your quilt a timeless look, as prints can quickly date the quilt. When selecting a binding colour, keep in mind that white is not ideal as it can become dirty and grungy over time due to being the most handled part of the quilt. Black is a versatile option that goes with most colour schemes, but it may not provide cues for the quilting thread colour.

• Use the same colour for the binding as the back of the quilt. This will create a cohesive look, but if the backing colour is similar to the T-shirt colours, a slight difference in shade may be noticeable.
• Choose a contrasting colour or print for the binding. This will make the binding stand out and can provide cues for the quilting thread colour.
• Ask for suggestions from experienced quilters, who can offer guidance based on their knowledge of colour combinations and quilting techniques.
• Surprise yourself by letting the quilter choose a binding colour that complements the overall design of the quilt.

Remember that the binding is a small but important detail that can enhance the appearance of your quilt. Putting thought into the binding colour will ensure that your T-shirt quilt is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Frequently asked questions