We need backings to be 4” larger than your quilt top on all four sides.

Ex. a quilt top that measures 50” x 70” should have a backing that is at least 58” x 78”.

On a longarm machine, each layer (backing, batting, and quilt top) is loaded separately, instead of being basted ahead of time. Having extra backing ensures we have enough fabric to physically attach the backing to the machine, and backing tends to shrink up as it quilts so we don’t want to run out in the end. We also need space on the sides to apply the clamps that keep the fabric taut and flat, and for the pattern to run off the edge of the quilt top so there is no unquilted area on your top.

This happens all the time so don’t sweat it! Here are your options:

1. If you have a few extra inches but not quite 4” you can add some leaders (boarders) to the sides that are too short. These can be pieces of any fabric you have lying around as they won’t actually end up in the quilt.

2. If your backing is exactly the same size or smaller than your quilt top you’ll have to add fabric somewhere. A strip to the side, in the middle, or off-center. We recommend not making a backing symmetrical as it’s difficult to center the top exactly on the backing.

3. You can send it as is and leave it to us! We can add leaders or a strip of fabric and there will be a small charge for labour and/or materials added to your invoice

Absolutely! Extra backing is always welcome. If you purchase a wideback, feel free to send the whole thing along and we will rip it down to size.

Squared up means that all your sides are straight and all your corners are at right angles. We know this is tricky and not everyone has space to lay things out and trim them. This is not mandatory and we can work with backings that are not square, but it’s strongly recommended for the best quilting results. If this is something you have questions about or would like us to do for you, please let us know!

It sure can! A few things to keep in mind:

- Horizontal seams are appreciated (but not required)

- It is very tricky to center a quilt top exactly on a backing because each layer is loaded individually and things shift around as it quilts. We will do our best but it is recommended not to make a backing symmetrical.

- Use a larger seam allowance (1/2”) and press the seam open for a lower profile

- Trim off selvages if they are a different weave than the main fabric, these can cause weird fabric draw and puckers

Yes we can! The cost for making up your backing ranges from $10-$25 depending on the fabric (directional and specialty fabrics are a bit trickier and take longer to piece)

This is up to you. The general best practice is to pre-wash everything or nothing, so if you’ve washed all the fabrics you used in your top then go ahead and wash that backing. In our experience backings will shrink in the wash though so keep that in mind if you have just enough fabric.

Widebacks: yes! we love wide backs. It is considered a best practice to rip these instead of cutting them but watch that you don’t rip too much and run out!

Flannel: go for it! These usually act very similar to quilting cottons

Cotton sheets: no problem. We do appreciate it if the chunky hems are trimmed before sending them

Jersey/stretchy backings: yes and no… while we can successfully use stretchy fabrics as backings, they are not recommended. Because the longarm frame pulls everything taut, stretchy fabrics will stretch during quilting and can lead to some puffy, pucker, pouchy-ness in the end. We will do our best but these are not our favourite backing options.

Fleece: Like jersey, fleece can be stretchy and unruly to quilt. Not a no, but not our top choice

Fireside: Three cheers for Fireside!! Fireside is the best cozy option as it has minimal stretch but still a soft fuzzy feeling. While we love fireside, we do request you send a nice large backing (5” extra on all sides would be great) because the bulk creates extra fabric draw.


Minky: Who doesn’t have a love/hate relationship with minky? Yes, we can use it, but here are some thoughts:

* Please piece your minky so the stretch in both pieces goes in the same direction. Piece it with a wide seam allowance and do your best to iron the seam open

* The fibers on minky will often be pulled through to the top of the quilt and thus be seen on the front. It’s best to use a backing colour that complements your top and/or thread that is the same colour as the minky

* Quilting patterns with precision alignment are not recommended due to the bulk and unruliness of minky. We can recommend some of our favourites that will give you better results

Unfortunately, we don’t sell backing yet, but we can help you source some. If you have a quilt top done and are struggling with what to do next, please reach out and we will help get that quilt finished!