I love to make pieced backings and by popular request I’m sharing with you a tutorial on how to put one together. This goes with my String of Pearls Quilt Along.
Shades of Grey Pieced Quilt Back, 72″ x 72″
Before we start, there are a few things to consider. First of all, how big is your quilt top? You want to sketch out a backing design that leaves plenty of wiggle room around the sides. A good rule of thumb is to make your backing at least 6 inches larger than your quilt top.
String of Pearls Quilt Top 66″ x 66″
For example, my String of Pearls quilt finishes approximately 66″ x 66″. Therefore, I need to have a backing that measures about 72″ x 72″. That’s a nice measurement because 72 inches is the same as 2 yards, so you can visualize a backing roughly 2 yards wide by 2 yards long.
Backing, One Fabric, 72″ x 72″
The second thing to consider is, do you want to make your backing from all one fabric (most efficient), or would you like to make it a little more artistic (my favorite)?
The solid backing above requires 4 yards of fabric (two – 2 yard lengths). Join them with a seam down the middle making a rectangle of approximately 72″ x 80″. Trim off about 8″, making a 72 inch square and throw the excess into your scrap bucket.
Finally, you need to decide ahead of time if you will be quilting the quilt yourself, or hiring a longarmer to do it for you. When quilting yourself, you can get away with less extra around the sides.
When sending a quilt out for professional quilting, however, you may need more fabric around the edges for the longarmer to work with. She also may request that your seams need to run either horizontal or vertical depending on how she loads the quilt on the machine. Be sure to check ahead of time (or just quilt it yourself like I love to do!)
Leftover Pearls
When deciding on a pieced back, I like to incorporate leftover fabrics or blocks from the top to give it a little interest.
First, I lay the quilt top on the floor or a large table, then start randomly placing leftover pieces of fabric on top until it’s covered. I rearrange all my pieces as needed until I’m happy with the layout.
Next, I will trim up my pieces and start joining them together in sections until my backing is big enough to overlap the top on all sides by at least 3 inches. Remember, it will shrink up some with seam allowances, so be sure to add more if needed.
Pieced Backing Diagram
For your convenience, I have included cutting diagrams for my pieced back. The measurements include seam allowances. Note, the pieced Pearl Bracelets section is made from 12 (3.5″ x 4.5″) rectangles to create a 3.5″ x 36.5″ unit.
Voila! Time for basting!
For more inspiration on making a pieced backing, check out Elizabeth Hartman’s FREE online Craftsy class, “Creative Quilt Backs.”
You can also see how I made these pieced backs by clicking the links below the pictures:
Hugs ‘N Kisses Pieced Backing Tutorial
Sea of Squares Pieced Backing Tutorial
Charming Chevrons Pieced Backing Tutorial
Christa Quilts 
Just a beginner but I had never thought of piecing the back. Thanks for some eye opening information.
Pearls in so many colors, fabulous. The pieced backing is great too. Thanks for all the pictures and “quilt math”
You’re welcome!
I love pieced backs and tend to come up with a design while working on the top. Although I also like a solid back to really show off the quilting 🙂 thanks for sharing your process!
I loved pieced backs, and often end up with one because a quilt grows larger than I originally planned ;-). The pieced backs are a great way to add some extra pizzazz to a quilt and use the leftovers at the same time. Another thing I like to do with leftover fabric is make a bag or wrap for storing the quilt in and add a tag with the care instructions to it. Finally after that I’ll scrap or swap the remaining pieces. There’s always something else to sew! 😀
Lots of great ideas!
Love the quilt backing!! That will be so helpful the next time I do a backing!! I don’t know what I was thinking and jumped ahead and did my backing already!! Making a rookie mistake along the way, but got it done and ready for the quilting stage!!
You are a step ahead -that’s great!
I was just wondering what to use for the back of of String of Pearls. I think I just might use this idea! Thanks. Christa!
I am almost done with my Pearl of String quilt, can not wait to try this back
I love pieced backing, after reading your blog I feel inspired to try it out! Thanks for sharing.
I love pieced backings and use them often. They are so much more fun than a solid fabric.
I am really starting to enjoy the pieced backs. Thanks for sharing this information with us!
I’m just about to tackle a rather large quilt back, (I’ve taken the existing backing off and want a simpler pieced back). Your post has given me great ideas. Thanks