The backing is the layer visible when we turn over a quilt, placemat or mug rug to have a look at its reverse side.

It's easy to make your own backing, and the backing layer can be created from either regular quilting cotton or wide panels of fabric made especially for the task.

Martyn has made his own for our Feather Appliqué Placemat.

A backing and batting are cut slightly larger than the panels, in our case our Feather Placemat panels, to allow for the distortions and "shrinkage" that take place during the quilting process and to give a bit of extra leeway for squaring up the entire quilt sandwich when project is complete.

It's best to have at least 7.5cm (3 to 4 inches) extra of backing and batting extending beyond all sides of the panels.

This will ensure your backing should be at least 14cm to 16cm (6" to 8") wider and taller than your panel, more if you prefer (and even more backing) to fold it and bring it to the front of the panels to create a beautifully matching border.

Our full set of fully photographed instructions for making your own backing, borders, mitered corners and echo quilting are all available in our Feather Appliqué and Placemat Sewing Pattern.

We have more appliqué and sewing tutorials available on our website:

https://sewswpea.com/blogs/tutorials

We also have a wonderful online sewing community you can join to learn from, be inspired by and create with.

Sew Sweet Pea Applique & Sewing Patterns:

Members of our Sewing Community receive access to our Teddy Bear Appliqué set FREE and are regularly updated on new releases.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published