Backing & Batting Basics: What You Need to Know Before You Finish
You’ve stitched your quilt top, pressed your seams, and admired your hard work. Now comes one of the most important decisions before quilting: choosing your backing and batting.
The right combination affects everything from drape and durability to warmth and overall feel. Here’s what you need to know before you finish your project.
Choosing the Right Backing
Backing fabric isn’t just the “back” of your quilt — it’s part of the design.
You can choose:
- Coordinating yardage
- Wide backing fabrics (less piecing required)
- A contrasting statement fabric
- A pieced backing for extra creativity
Be sure to allow extra fabric on all sides (typically 3–4 inches beyond your quilt top on each side) if you’re sending it to a longarm quilter.
Understanding Batting Options
Batting determines how your quilt feels and functions.
Cotton Batting
- Natural look and feel
- Low loft
- Great for traditional quilts
Polyester Batting
- Higher loft
- Lightweight and warm
- Holds shape well
Wool Batting
- Warm yet breathable
- Beautiful stitch definition
- Great drape
Your choice depends on how you want your quilt to feel and how it will be used.
If you’d like a deeper dive into batting types and how they affect warmth, loft, and stitch definition, read our full guide: How to Choose the Right Batting for Cozy Quilts →
Before You Finish…
Ask yourself:
- Is this a bed quilt, wall hanging, or baby quilt?
- Do you want a soft drape or more structure?
- Will it be heavily quilted or lightly quilted?
These questions will help guide your decision.
Ready for Quilting?
Once your backing and batting are chosen, the final step is quilting.
The Sewing Gallery offers professional longarm quilting services — simply drop off or mail in your quilt top and let our experienced team bring it to life. We offer a wide selection of edge-to-edge designs along with custom quilting options to suit your style.
Not sure how much backing to prepare or which batting works best for longarm quilting? Bring your project in and we’ll guide you through it.
Need Help Deciding?
That’s what we’re here for.
Bring your quilt top into The Sewing Gallery and let our team help you select the perfect backing and batting for your project. Seeing and feeling your options in person makes all the difference.
Finishing your quilt should feel just as good as starting it.
The Sewing Gallery
431 Rogers Street
Princeton, WV 24740
(304) 487-6700
Message Us About Your Project →
Tue-Fri, 10am - 6pm
Sat, 10am - 3pm
Sun-Mon, closed
