Would you wish to make your subsequent quilt irresistibly mushy and cuddly? Attempt a microfiber blanket as quilt backing and chances are you’ll by no means return to common quilting cotton! The snuggle issue is off the charts making them excellent for any little one associated venture, sofa throws, quilts that shall be gifted, and another quilt you propose to actually use rather a lot.

Good day! My identify is Lilo and I’m the creator of Hint Creek Quilting. I’ve quilted lots of of quilts for others throughout my profession as a longarm quilter and have labored with backings of each conceivable sort. However relating to my very own quilt creations I virtually all the time select a microfiber blanket as quilt backing. 

Why? Let me let you know about what makes them nice! On this put up I will clarify what to search for when shopping for a microfiber blanket for quilt backing, a number of professionals and cons to utilizing it, after which my greatest suggestions throughout the stitching course of.

​​​​What to Search for in a Microfiber Blanket as Quilt Backing

The descriptors for these blankets get thrown round haphazardly. Microfleece, flannel fleece, velvet, minky, plush…. It’s necessary to take a look at a photograph of the product when you can’t see it in particular person to know for positive it’s what you need. I’ve hyperlinks under for locations to purchase, however first let’s discuss concerning the qualities that set us up for achievement!

As soon as what you’re on the lookout for you’ll find these microfiber blankets in a number of locations. After a lot trial and error, Walensee and Kingole are my favourite manufacturers. This Leisure City is available in at an in depth second. It has an edging on it which, as a longarmer, retains it from stretching uncontrollably when on the machine, however it’s a tad bit thicker and I are inclined to get extra fibers coming via.

If you wish to store round you’ll find comparable objects at L.L.Bean, Goal, JCPenny and Mattress Tub and Past. 

Execs and Cons for Utilizing a Microfiber Blanket as Quilt Backing

Listed below are my ideas on the professionals and cons of this specific sort of blanket that will help you determine if it looks as if an excellent match to your subsequent venture, particularly compared to its higher recognized cousin, minky:

• Execs: A microfiber blanket is lighter, breathes higher, cheap and since you buy it by measurement (throw, queen, king…), you aren’t restricted by WOF, and should not have to piece it. Additionally, its double sided texture makes it a tad bit clingy to your batting or quilt prime which is usually a useful counterbalance to its tendency to stretch throughout the basting/quilting course of. 
• Cons: There may be much less stitching stability because it stretches in each potential path. Additionally it is a much less well-known product and probably much less more likely to be taken by your native longarmer. Essentially the most difficult subject of working with these throws is that the fibers have a tendency to drag via from the backing to the quilt prime. This isn’t unusual with minky as properly, however appears extra prevalent in these throws.

Know {that a} microfiber blanket as quilt backing isn’t essentially the most effective match for each quilt prime and that’s okay! There isn’t any must drive it, it’ll come collectively for simply the suitable quilt.

3 Ideas for Quilting with a Microfiber Blanket

Let me stroll you thru the steps I take and the selections I make to get the most effective, most constant outcomes when utilizing microfiber blankets as quilt backings.

Tip #1: Match the thread colour to the microfiber blanket.

To cut back the looks of these fibers which will pull via to the highest I match my quilting thread colour with the backing. Any fibers that do make it via will merely mix in with the thread. Hold this in thoughts when selecting materials and colours to your quilt prime. 

Tip #2: Select batting rigorously or select none in any respect.

Batting or no batting? It is a private desire and there’s no proper or incorrect reply. Nonetheless, my private desire when utilizing a microfiber blanket as quilt backing is to make use of no batting.

I hope you give this cozy backing choice an opportunity! If you happen to do we’d love to listen to the way it seems. If you happen to discovered this beneficial or have observe up questions tell us within the feedback.