How to Widen Quilt Backing Fabric

Simple Pieced Quilt Backing Idea When Your Backing Isn't Quite Wide Enough

Have you ever discovered that the quilt backing fabric is not wide enough for the quilt top? It’s a common and frustrating scenario.  However, you can always make your backing wider by adding a simple vertical pieced strip.

When there's not quite enough backing fabric for the quilt, try using scraps from your scrap bin or fabric stash to create a fun pieced strip to widen the fabric backing while adding a little pop of color to it. 

You can watch our video or read this post to learn how to easily widen your quilt backing fabric with a simple vertical strip set for a fun pieced strip idea!

Additionally, our Quilt Backing page has more quilt back piecing ideas along with calculators to determine the amount of backing fabric needed. 

how much bigger should the quilt backing be?

Each side of your quilt back should be at least 4” larger than your quilt top . Which means you should add 8” to the width and length of your finished quilt size to determine the size of quilt backing that you need.

WHAT YOU NEED to enlarge the quilt backing fabric:

• Scrap fabric or fabric from stash
• Cutting Mat (Purchase from Amazon or Joann)
• Quilters Ruler (Amazon or Joann)
• Rotary Cutter (Amazon or Joann)
• Blade Saver Thread Cutter (Amazon)
• Tape Measure
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS for making the quilt backing fabric larger :

If you need to widen your quilt backing to accommodate your quilt top's dimensions, here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Decide on the strip set width

Before you begin gathering the fabric, you need to calculate the required width for the strip set. 

Follow these steps to determine the strip set's width:

- Measure your quilt top width and add 8” to that measurement.

- Measure the width of the existing backing fabric with selvages removed.

- Subtract the backing's width from the quilt top's width, then add 2 inches for seam allowances. 

The resulting figure represents the necessary width of the strip set needed to extend the backing fabric.

Step 2: Cut Strips

Now that you know the width needed for the strip set, you can cut strips of fabric to create it.  Gather fabric from your scrap bin and fabric stash, selecting complementary fabric to your quilt top.    

Cut the fabric into rectangles using the width calculated in Step 1 but varying the heights to creation of an appealing strip set.

Step 3:  Chain piece groups of two

Chain piece pairs of strips together with a 1/2" seam allowance.  Chain piecing is a technique that speeds up the sewing process.  Using a 1/2" seam allowance instead of the normal 1/4" seam allowance reinforces the strip set for durability. 

After the paired strip sets are sewn, the thread between them needs to be cut.  Consider using a Blade Saver Thread Cutter to quicker and easier trim the thread between sets.

A blade saver thread cutter (like the one above)  is a fantastic accessory to add to any sewing room. This thread cutter is adorable, works great, has a built-in stand that doubles as a carrying case and repurposes used rotary blades.

After assembling the thread cutter, grab your chain-pieced fabric, place the fabric on each side of the thread cutter, bring the thread down to the blade and cut. 

Step 4:  Sew groups together

After cutting the threads between the pairs, continue sewing the paired strip sets together until you achieve a strip set of the desired length that matches the length of the backing fabric.

Press the seams open to minimize bulk and ensure a smooth finish.

Step 5: attach the Strip Set to the Backing Fabric

Now that you have your strip set, you can attach it to the backing fabric.

Carefully position the strip set between the two pieces of the backing fabric, aligning the edges.

Use a 1/2" seam allowance to sew the strip set to fabric.

TIP: Remember to trim the selvages beforehand to prevent potential puckering issues.

Press seams away from the strip set.

Once the backing is complete, it's time to sandwich it with the quilt top and batting to quilt it. 

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to successfully widen your quilt backing to fit your quilt top's dimensions.  This technique can also be used to lengthen a backing fabric by sewing the strip horizontally.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope these instructions make sense and that they are helpful. 

Do you have a favorite method of piecing a quilt back?

Happy Quilting!

More Resources for Quilters

Here are a variety of basic resources you will also find helpful:

Quilt Piecing Technique

Sewing Machine Quilting

How to Sew Binding on a Quilt

Labeling a Quilt