This was one of your best videos ever. No one ever talks about the backs and they are half the real estate of the project. One of my favorite cost saving methods is to use leftover wide strips of fabric from the front or other projects.
Oh my goodness, Jeanette. Thank you so much!❤️ I'm humbled and pleased. I too like the use of leftover wide strips for all the reasons: cost-savings, tying the back to the front, design aesthetic: it's ALL good!
Ya know, if the pharmacist gig doesn’t pan out, your followers are confident that there may be a future for you in the quilting community 😂😂. Wonderful video. I went back and watched a bit twice ❤. There’s a lot of content and it’s appreciated
Delia! I wish!! 🤞🏻🙏🏻 Quilting videos and quilting and whatever else quilting community for a living? YES PLEASE 😘 But for real, thank you. ❤️ I sometimes tell my husband, "you're gonna have to cut content in this one, I went down the rabbit hole!" but he is always reluctant to edit content [out!] He *regularly* says, "but there's such great stuff that people need in there!" LOL! Good to know he's not the only one that thinks that! 🥰
Ok, doing the quilt sandwich is made easy by using a ping pong table! I’m getting older, with arthritis in so many joints, I CAN NOT get down on the floor as my mother did. ( I only do large quilts) During Covid, I got the idea to order a clearance ping pong table. Oh my goodness, what a great idea! My husband, not so happy, because my “quilt sandwich table” takes up part of a wall in the garage. I made a cover for it to keep it clean and to protect it. Just wanted to share. (KH)
Oh my GOODNESS! What a great idea!! 🤩🤓😍 Thank you for sharing your genius--and the fact that it folds up when you aren't using it!!! Aren't you just the cleverest, K!! ❤️ (tell David that it's better than having pin marks in your wood floors---and don't tell Paul I said that. It's been an unpleasant topic of conversation in the Martin house!) Thanks again for sharing!!
My kind of quilting! I use thrift store sheets as well. Since I am so hot natured I also use a sheet in the middle instead of batting. I also shop for cotton clothes in cool colors at the thrift stores. I watch tv and deconstruct all sorts of clothes. Love the channel!
Your first quilt (red plaid square on back) was exquisite! It feels vintage and heirloom at the same time! I am also a math teacher and love contextualized examples of math!
I really love your quilting stories and beautiful quilts. The work and care you put in your quilts and videos really shows. You were the inspiration for my most recent quilt top made all from men’s cotton shirts I found at the thrift shop. I learned a lot making it. When I heard your story today about the pieced back of your first quilt it really made me smile and I had flashbacks to my first quilt. Mine was a kit that came with a pattern that just said add the backing and finish the quilt. Having sewn for over 50 years I somehow got it in my head that I was supposed to piece the back to look just like the front. I pieced the entire back to match each block on the front (in reverse) and then used pins to match up every corner of every little block before quilting it on my home machine. I showed the completed quilt to my friend who has been doing beautiful quilting for many years. She asked me why I pieced the back and how I got the quilting to line up. I said I thought all quilt backs were pieced. She very kindly set me straight. It just goes to show that we are never done learning.
"Never done learning"---new Life motto! I laughed and had the "oh no" feeling for you as I read this comment (maybe my favorite comment, although I don't have favorites 😉) just because I feel so seen and understood! ❤️🥰 It is laughable now, probably, to us both, but also HOW AWESOME IS IT that we pieced our very first quilt back?!?! We rock!! 🤩 And also, "Bless our hearts!!" 🥴😂 Thank you so much for your very kind words about my quilts (and me); I'm humbled and honored that anything I do would be an inspiration to you! And I bet it's beautiful!! ❤️
As a retired high school math teacher, I appreciate how much importance you have given to mathematics in quilt-making!!! I also love how you have come up with ways to compensate when there was insufficient fabric for your quilt back! Thank you for so many wonderful ideas! 😊💞
Received some fat quarters that I literally couldn't stand, sewed them together for a quilt back that my friend just LOVES😂. Unintentionally made a reversible quilt
Good information. I've been wanting to make my daughter a quilt, but I've never made a quilt before, and it's very intimidating to me. So, I'm getting good ideas. Thank you
My mother has used bed sheets for decades to back her quilts. I’m so glad you have shared this typically cost effective way to back a quilt. Even a new sheet is less costly than $12 a yard fabric store cotton. Also, I love your presentation style.
I think using 2cd hand clothes, bed linen etc for quilt backs is preferable to buying new fabric. It is economical but more importantly, better for the environment. And I think it is lovely to use articles that will give memories of a particular point in time, a person one is fond of etc
So appreciate your videos! Thanks so much. I have purchased cotton duvet covers at thrift stores also and cut them apart which yields 2 nice size pieces of fabric. You are so right, there are lots of possibilities and it just takes thinking outside the box. Thanks again! Your editor is also doing a great job. No one would ever know you felt like you were on the struggle bus during some of the filming. Love your videos!!
Tracy, sorry for the late reply--and especially since you commented so early on! Thank you!! ❤️ And yes, Paul does an excellent job making me look put together and at ease, and edits out the things that would detract from the videos---I do love the bloopers though because you get to see some of the reality of what it's like with me during filming! 😂Sometimes it's a barrel of laughs, and sometimes I'm just annoyed and struggling to get my words out right! I'm like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get! 🤣🤓❤️
Light bulb moment...marking the centre of the top and the bottom and aligning then when creating the sandwich. 🤯 why didn't I think of that 4 days ago when I sandwiched my latest quilt😢. Great video!!
I really love the confetti back! I would look at this background as a mesmerizing back to make….not complicated but giving your mind a relaxing place to create something lovely and repetitive….I like being mesmerized ❤️
Oh my just found you and I am at the beginning of my journey so happy to see all your amazing advice. Today was my first charity shop trip to see what the shirts are like here in the UK and the costs. Average around £5 for a medium. I'm guessing this is still better than paying for fabric. Looking forward to giving this a go. Many thanks from SE UK
Loved the video! I feel vindicated for wanting my quilt backs to be fun, and not cost $80 or more! I am going to watch your shirt back video, very intriguing! Thank you :)
My local quilt store has an “End of Bolt” sale once a month for 3 days where if you buy whatever is on the bolt, it is 50% off. A great way to buy enough yardage if you like making quilt backs from yardage.
I LOVE the confetti back! Yes it is essentially making two quilt tops but a great way to use scraps and make the most of a fitted sheet. (And lets be honest, piecing the top is the fun part so I don't mind doing it twice.)
Ok, first, thank you!! ❤️ Second, YES piecing the top is the FUN PART--and in fact, not only don't mind (well...sometimes) but look forward to it. Like, more piecing? Yes, please! 😘 Thanks for bringing that kindred spirit here to the comments, MsFitz--I appreciate it so much! 🥰
In sewing my last few quilt tops, I have had to “design” the quilt backs. I am getting better with every quilt (I think 😉) I am on a quest to use up my fabric stash so….if I piece together a scrappy top then the backing can be a bit scrappy too.
I do love "designing" quilt backs! I bet you are getting better with every quilt---always learning, right?! I agree that scrappy on the front = scrappy on the back! 😘
Several years ago, a couple of thrift stores 50 miles from me , had weekly sales. Everything with a particular color was 25¢, or 5 for 1.00 !!! I stocked up on all the good cotton and cotton flannel sheets and pillow cases I could find. There's some I still haven't used yet that still have the store tags. Lots of fabric in a king sized sheet. I also found some great fabric, at the same deal. My living room curtains are from a 15 yard piece of fabric I got on the 20¢ deal!!!! Deals aren't like that now, but sure pays to look around. Thank you and your nice camera man for all your work!!
Ok, I'm green with envy over this story---what an amazing thrift haul for you that day!! And you are right, it DOES pay to look around! You never know what you might find at the thrift store! 🤩❤️ You are welcome, and for the record, nice cameraman (my cutie husband of nearly 29 years) does a TON of work behind the scenes. He's the REAL reason the videos look and sound so good! 😘
@@TheCatBirdQuilts I was dealing with a death in the family and actually went every other Sunday all summer. I'm still trying to work through a lot of the things I bought. Sadly, now some of those sheets they want 5.00 each for. I didn't even think about the men's shirts, unless I knew someone who needed a few to wear. Oh, well, live and learn, too late, lol.
I love all of your backing ideas, I recently finished a mainly blue and lemon front, then found a totally different colourway in the shape of a childrens doona cover (bag to put doona in), which was really loud and fun and had large colourful birds etc and jungle style print that was really stunning. I used it for my backing because it was a Queen size and anyone who has seen it (plus my quilting lady) have really loved it. We did an all over leafy design to quilt front and back and it is fine. Also, at a thrift store I noticed a gorgeous brand new quilt cover in a tiny print in blue and yellow which said it was a King Single size, I took it home and it turned out to be a Queen, so that was a win for me. I will used it for backing at some point, whereas I bought it thinking I would just cut it up for future quilt fronts. Thanks for all of your ideas, they are all great....of course the other bonus when using existing quilts to do backing is that you get 2 pillowslips !!
Valerie, that blue/lemon quilt with the colorful backing sounds really gorgeous and amazing!! I have a great visual that probably is just a shadow of the real thing! 🤩 I too, buy sheets or duvet covers knowing that at some point they'll get used!! 😘
Charity, I swear you have to be the most encouraging of all my YT viewers and that's really saying something because I have a crazy-supportive community here! I LOVE seeing your name in the comments and I'm always thankful for your support and kind words. So thank you, and just know that I feel (and receive!) the love!! 🥰
Like everyone else,I love the vision you have for the back. That quilt will be beautiful like everything else you have shared with us. Most importantly you take the time and put all the love in your quilts. ❤
LOL "there is nothing redeeming about a quilt sandwich"! I so agree. And thrifted sheets are so great for backing, besides the price. They are soft and will not shrink!
LOL - "Am I good?" Yes, indeed you are ! Love the attention and direction you have given to the backs of the quilts. The back is just as important in cost and design as the front. I'm guessing when using sheets for the backing - the sheets are typically a cotton blend. Have you encountered any problems with that?
I have used cotton sateen and cotton blends, both of which have given me trouble, honestly. The blends crawl under the rotary cutter AND the sewing needle/machine so much so that I won't use them anymore. The sateen feels good and looks great but I had issues with nap and because it's more "slick" it wanted to crawl as well. I think the best is cotton percale or a cotton that has a texture like flannel (I call it "peached.") Thank you for your kind words and for the encouragement---I got a little teary that you commented on "am I good?" so sweetly. It's really the life question, isn't it?❤️
I use top sheets for backing. Way cheaper , I take out the hems wash & iron , a twin top sheet can back a double or queen size quilt . The new sheets are cute & colorful patterns. Also second hand used sheets
I certainly admire your attention to detail Cathy. My pieced backs are usually a mush mash of leftover fabric. Thank God there are no quilt police! You’re quilts are a labor of love!
This was a great video! I love making pieced backs for my quilts. It often saves on yardage, and I can get creative. My pieced backs are more like the “afterquilts” that Just Get It Done Quilts makes. I use my leftovers from the front to add fun details to the back. Extra blocks go on the back. Often I sew together scraps from the top into crumb type blocks and put them on the back. I figure if all the fabrics go together on the front, they also go together on the back. The backs are a little more “modern” and improv, but I figure that the recipient gets two quilts for one, and I get to play with the fabric!
Thank you so much, Becky! ❤️ And isn't getting "to play with the fabric" what we all love anyway?! It is for me for SURE. I have seen/heard Karen Brown talk about "afterquilts" and I love that idea and term! And yes, of course you're right---if it works for the front, it works for the back! I think I'm entirely to tightly-wound for improv quilting (lol) but I love a good modern twist on a quilt!! And that's the great thing about the back, you can make it lovely the way you see fit! 😍
Thank you for your very informative videos. I am always open to new and even repeated quilting information. As a result of your recommending sheets and other thrifted items for fabrics, I recently acquired at a local thrift store 2 banquet-size linen table cloths. While 1 had a few stains at one end of the cloth, they are VERY large and will make excellent fabric for piecing or they can be used for quilt backs. The largest one covers my king-size bed with about a 12" drop on both sides of the bed, and it covers the entire top of the bed. I never thought to look at linens as a source of fabric before watching your videos, but your advice helped me score these 2 pieces for only $24. Yay!! 😃❤🥰
That is amazing, Theresa! The sheer size alone of the largest tablecloth is crazy and awesome!! 🤩 And $24?! Yes please!! LOL! And I'm so glad the videos have been helpful to you! ❤️
Just got a very cute bicycle graphic print twin bed set from IKEA. The pillow case has the same bike graphic all blown up… very much like a panel😍… and the duvet cover looks to be enough for quilt blocks AND a quilt back, so worth the price overall. Not thrift store prices, but less than the quilt shop.💪🏻
I've gone to only using thrift store sheets for backing. Soooo much more budget friendly, and to quilt with they are great. Plus up cycling always feels good!
Caitlin!! I'm so glad you commented---I have had you on my mind all week and missed seeing your name here and on IG! Not sure if I DM'd you or not, but someone on Patreon saw my tailor's clapper and commented "tailor's clapper envy!" 🤩🤓😍 I too, am moving more and more toward thrift store sheets for backing: SO easy, SO inexpensive and you're right--feels good to use something that would otherwise go in a landfill! ❤️ All my love to you and that woodworking husband of yours! 😘
@@TheCatBirdQuilts That's soooo sweet. I'm glad you are using it! I love mine. I hope the Pattern is going well for you and Paul. Still watching your videos every week!
Great topic! If you’re looking to save money but not finding good options at the thrift store, I suggest wide back (109”) fabric. It’s significantly cheaper per square inch than regular quilting fabric. Also when using sheets, my experience is that sateen weaves are difficult to work with but cotton percale is great! I love all your pieced backs! ❤
Thank you, Valerie!❤️ I'm getting educated on the wide back fabric, but it does make sense! And yes, that's been my experience too (sateen being challenging to work with--mine crawled and wouldn't hold a straight line in cutting NOR sewing; infuriating!) Now I know to REALLY watch for 100% cotton and yes, percale seems to work best! I appreciate your comment and (as always) your supportive and kind comments! 😘
I really learn a lot from your videos. Your approach is so different from mine. It’s eye opening to see another person’s process, and you’re really good at methodically explaining how you proceed.
I just bought the book "Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs". It has a lot of interesting ideas on how to use scraps, FQs, etc that arent difficult. Each quilt back in the book has a corresponding quilt too that can be downloaded.
LB, now I totally have to get that book and check it out!! Thanks for the suggestion---if I'm lucky maybe my library will have it (so I can try before I buy!😂) 😘🤓❤️
Kristen, doing those confetti corners made me thing EXACTLY that! ❤️Can you imagine how glorious it would be to have even smaller squares with those confetti corners all across a whole quilt top?!? 🤩 Amazing, that's what it would be! (And now I want you to do that and send me photos! As for me, I've got to get some more of my dang WIP's done first!!😂) 😘😘😘
Wonderful video Kathy! Excellent examples of quilt backing options and possibles for reversible quilts. I can’t wait to see the confetti backed quilt finished! ❤️
Love your thrifty ideas and so have been an avid follower and practiser of your suggestions. Have I missed the session on where you discuss being thrifty with your batting? My apologies if you have covered this already.
Cathy, you are a delight to this new quilter! I'm currently working on a one inch hexagon EPP quilt, with some WILD (for me) Kaffe Fassett jelly rolls. I really love the idea of a pieced back to make the quilt interesting but calmer on the reverse. Since there is so much fabric from all the folds of EPP on the front, I'm wondering how to make the back interesting without *too* many seams.
Algebra vs geometry? I have dyscalculia! Adding and subtracting are about it for me. I use a calculator and wonder if I'm doing it right. Oh and most of my quilt backs are bleached muslin, the wide backing on sale at Joann's Fabrics.
I am doing a baby quilt for a baby... I use for the back piece of fabric that I Made from scraps ... For this quilt that saves me some Time and money. I confess that I use fabrics from fabric store. The thrift stores around me are really awful and the best one Is about one hour from my home .. I will go there this summer to pick my men shirt dosis... Kisses from France
Jimmie, I love that you made a quilt back out of scraps! Great idea! No need to confess--I use fabric from the fabric store too! It is a balance for me; repurposing fabric and also getting beautiful fabric from the local quilt store! 🤓👍🏻 Kisses from America 😗😗
Cathy - Such a great discussion on quilt backs this week. Thanks for all the great tips - on both fabrics and cost. I think it’s something I’m going to start thinking about as I begin each new quilt. ❤ 🤗
I have all the same issues with my backs. As I make them bigger and bigger? Last quilt 98 x 95. For my 6 + foot cousin. I pieced it with an insert on two sides of the back same fabric as the front. to match . Very involved. Took 6 months. Because I hand quilt the top, as I watch TV. It's HUGE. . Thanks for talking about the money involved. It can be expensive. Have a great day. Hugs from Tampa, Fl.
I receive your hugs and give them right back, Laura! ❤️ I think the expense is one of the things few people talk openly about---and when we love fabrics like we do (and all the gorgeous new fabric lines out every few months) it can get out from under us pretty quickly! It's hard to justify the cost of the quilt back in full yardage (at least for me.) 95X95 IS huge!! But I bet your cousin is going to love it! 🤩
I just recently discovered your channel and I just wanted to let you know that I really love it. I love your personality and love that I don’t feel like you are trying to sell products or flaunt expensive designer brand fabrics. Yesterday I watched one of your videos and you mentioned that your seam “reaper” was getting dull and needed to be replaced. I had never thought about a seam ripper getting dull. I’m wondering if they can be sharpened with a round file, the type that is used for chain saws… I don’t know, but keep doing what you’re doing. ❤
Thanks for another great video. There is a wonderful TH-camr who also does pieced quilt backs. She calls them after quilts. She often uses up parts and pieces from the front. You will finder her at Just Getter done Quilts. She has lots of other great tips too.
Christine--it's Karen Brown and I LOVE her channel! So many good ideas, hacks and tips/tricks/strategies there! ❤️ And yes, "afterquilts"---what a clever name! 🤓
Made several pieced backings an love it. Also like to incorporate some fabrics from the front to bring it all together. Now I'm using an old bedsheet cover from flannel for a Christmas throw quilt and love how soft and cozy it feels. I also am on the lookout for clearance sales in the fabric stores and got fantastic backing fabrics there for sometimes only 3 € per meter. And the matching quilt front just shows up when the time is right. For my huge 100 days 100 blocks quilt which I gave to my friend I pulled all my purple fabrics (her favorite colour) included leftovers from the front and several orphan blocks and threw it all together. Loved that in the end, as well :) And so true what you say about making decisions based on time, energy and creative capacity 👍
Julia, apologies for the late reply, especially since you commented so early on! Thanks for watching and for commenting, especially that very last line---I feel very seen and understood and it's nice to share that with someone who feels it too.❤️ As for flannel, I don't love how stretchy/crawly it is but using it as a Christmas quilt backing might be the most perfect application EVER! So soft! SO COZY! 😍 I do agree that the matching quilt shows up right on time! And lastly, I bet that purple-wash quilt back is AMAZING! 🤩
@@TheCatBirdQuilts no need to apologize, Cat! I'm always happy if my comments are seen and appreciated, but if there is no response, that's ok, too. You do so much already with your lovely videos :) Have a wonderful day.
Brilliant video. All too often the backs of the quilts are overlooked, and I think they are just as important. If I go to quilt shows I have to have a little peek at the backing, just to see what the maker has done, I know we're not supposed to touch, bit its not the whole story if you only see the front. Loved the confetti back, hope we get to see that quilt quilted and finished - it looks a real stunner 💗💗
Thank you, Sue! ❤️I too, think they are just as important, and yes, often overlooked! As for quilt shows---if it were up to me, I'd have one of the white-gloved docents walk around with me so I could see ALL the backs, and bindings, and tags that my heart desires! 😊🤓 And you KNOW you'll get to see the quilt quilted---by the time I'm done with it, everyone who follows my channel will be sick of it! 😂
Great information! I've been using men's shirts, cotton and flannel, to make quilt fronts after the style made in the 30's and 40's when times were hard. I love doing that and and love finding beautiful shirts, sheets and the occasional yardage that someone purchased and didn't use but donated to my local thrift store. Why I didn't think of doing the backs using that material is beyond me! Probably because I'd rather have it on the front and use something less interesting on the back. To quilt the sandwich I hand quilt in long running stitches following the borders of each individual piece on the front until each piece is completely filled with stitches. It has a quaint and rustic look when completed, though it takes a bit of extra time to do the hand quilting.
Thank you, Jinx! I love that you use men's shirts to make quilt fronts too! ❤️ Now that your eyes are open to using them on quilt backs, you have that much more enjoyment ahead of you! 😘 I love the look of hand quilting and have a lot of admiration for quilters like you who do hand quilting! I know it is time-consuming, but it is might lovely! ❤️
Perfect video for me today. I’m a first time watcher, and earlier this morning, I went through a pile of beautiful soft blue and white shirts with a few lavenders in stripes and plaids that I got from my son before he was going to take them to the thrift store. I have enough for a throw with some extra for the back. Thanks so much.
Tara, I'm so glad you found me! ❤️ Thanks for watching and for commenting---I'm thrilled that the timing of this video was perfect for you! And I bet that quilt throw will be just beautiful!
Hello quilty friend ♥ Great episode! As we all know, the backing is A LOT of fabric and this is really inspiring! This just goes to show that our making doesn't have to be expensive to look fabulous. With some imagination and piecing you can save $$$ ... And then buy more shirts! 😂 Whilst watching, I thought of a couple big box stores we have here (in Oz) that often have some pretty good sales on bed linens a few times a year - Spotlight, Lincraft and Harris Scarfe. The first two are similar to your Joanne's or Michaels I imagine so sale time for flat sheets would also be a more reasonable option than buying yardage. But you really can't go past a sheet for $3 can you?
Hey girl! Thank you! ❤️ Looking fabulous: always the goal! Affordably? Even better! (and you know I'm always in for buying more shirts!😘) I do love this idea of flat sheets on clearance or at the inexpensive big box stores! As you say, still less expensive than yardage--but yes, not sure anything can beat $3 for a whole quilt backing aka thrift store sheet! 😂
I really liked this video. I struggle with backings and usually buy the 108 so I don't have to piece the backing but it is really expensive. Sometimes my quilt is made of thrift fabrics and the backing is the most expensive which always to me seems wrong. So thanks for the ideas.
I agree with the other commentators, one of your best ever. Being able to see your wonderful artistry in full view, send things into prospective. Also thanks to Mr. Martin, whom's editing skills highlight the beauty.
Oh Daniel, thank you so much!! ❤️ Yes, Paul really outdid himself with the editing (and the idea of the quilt stand!) Thank you so much for watching and commenting and for your kind words! 🥰
Another great video! I love interesting, unusual quilt backs. I made a quilt a few years ago with bright colored embroidery designs on white fabric on the quilt front. I searched for a long time for borders and backing fabric that had the same colors from the quilt front. I knew in my mind what type print and colors I wanted for the backing. After searching for a very a long time, finally one day I found the absolutely perfect border/backing fabric. It was in two remnant pieces and thankfully was enough for borders and backing. It is my favorite quilt and makes me smile every time I look at it. ❤
Renea! I love this story--and I wish I could see that quilt! 😍 I also love interesting, unusual quilt backs, but I guess you figured that out already! 😉
This was a great video. Everyone is correct that no one ever talks about quilt backs, so many times its an afterthought. I rarely do anthing fancy on the back because at that point I just want to get the quilt done. But in my last couple of quilts I used a fabric panel or beautifully printed yardage as the "extra" piece across the "top" of back so when the quilt is on the bed and the top folds back there is that lovely border piece.
I also love the confetti back. I love to use as many scraps as possible......waste not want not! I also am an algebra person and geometry never made any sense to me. I need to be more diligent in looking through thrift store linens.
Sara, thank you! ❤️ And thank you fellow Algebra person! I have to draw it out for the [geometry] math to make sense! Also--YES about being more diligent in looking through the linens (ME TOO) because by the time I get done with the shirts, I often have no energy (or desire) to look through the linens which are often cotton-poly and then I'm just plain annoyed. HA!
I love the confetti back. The “mushroom/toupe” color does a great frame. I used up all the larger pieces of “leftover” fabric from the front to incorporate the back so I have 2 quilts in one sometimes.
Thank you, Teresa!❤️ I had a moment of doubt, but once I saw it all together, I breathed a sigh of relief and put my doubts to rest. I rarely have "larger" pieces leftover (shirts, you know, weird pieces! but I keep the extra shirt pieces in my stash)--but I love the idea of putting the leftovers on the back!! 🤩
Your quilts are lovely. I usually do a pieced backing, however, I'm making a Christmas quilt and I'm going out a red and white gingham print tablecloth on the back. Thanks for taking your time to do these videos
Thank you, Jeanette! When I read, "red and white gingham print tablecloth," I said out loud, "Ohhhh!!!" 😍🤩🤓 That is a FANTASTIC idea, and I bet it will turn out just gorgeous! ❤️ You are so very welcome, by the way--thank YOU for watching them!
Great video! I also like to cut my backing apart and add an interest strip. But I often put the strip off to one side, and not right in the middle. Just to make it a little more fun. You make such beautiful quilts! ❤
Thank you, my friend! ❤️ And why am I not surprised that you do this too?! Kindred spirits, through and through! When I tell you that I just (like THIS WEEK) put together a backing for the Birch Point quilt (the jelly strip one) and added a strip off to one side, just to make it interesting and fun, I'm not even lying. Not.Even.Exaggerating.A.Little! 😘🤓🥰
I would imagine with the growing trend in the US of the younger generation to not use the top sheets in making their beds, the thrift shops will probably end up with volumes of virtually unused flat sheets for sale. Score for the quilters, eh?
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Bloopers and outtakes at the end-so stick around for them!
I loved the REALITY!
Love it all❤
This was one of your best videos ever. No one ever talks about the backs and they are half the real estate of the project. One of my favorite cost saving methods is to use leftover wide strips of fabric from the front or other projects.
Oh my goodness, Jeanette. Thank you so much!❤️ I'm humbled and pleased. I too like the use of leftover wide strips for all the reasons: cost-savings, tying the back to the front, design aesthetic: it's ALL good!
Ya know, if the pharmacist gig doesn’t pan out, your followers are confident that there may be a future for you in the quilting community 😂😂. Wonderful video. I went back and watched a bit twice ❤. There’s a lot of content and it’s appreciated
Delia! I wish!! 🤞🏻🙏🏻 Quilting videos and quilting and whatever else quilting community for a living? YES PLEASE 😘
But for real, thank you. ❤️ I sometimes tell my husband, "you're gonna have to cut content in this one, I went down the rabbit hole!" but he is always reluctant to edit content [out!] He *regularly* says, "but there's such great stuff that people need in there!" LOL! Good to know he's not the only one that thinks that! 🥰
@@TheCatBirdQuilts your husband is correct and all the work you both do is appreciated.
Ok, doing the quilt sandwich is made easy by using a ping pong table! I’m getting older, with arthritis in so many joints, I CAN NOT get down on the floor as my mother did. ( I only do large quilts) During Covid, I got the idea to order a clearance ping pong table. Oh my goodness, what a great idea! My husband, not so happy, because my “quilt sandwich table” takes up part of a wall in the garage. I made a cover for it to keep it clean and to protect it. Just wanted to share. (KH)
Oh my GOODNESS! What a great idea!! 🤩🤓😍 Thank you for sharing your genius--and the fact that it folds up when you aren't using it!!! Aren't you just the cleverest, K!! ❤️ (tell David that it's better than having pin marks in your wood floors---and don't tell Paul I said that. It's been an unpleasant topic of conversation in the Martin house!) Thanks again for sharing!!
My kind of quilting! I use thrift store sheets as well. Since I am so hot natured I also use a sheet in the middle instead of batting. I also shop for cotton clothes in cool colors at the thrift stores. I watch tv and deconstruct all sorts of clothes. Love the channel!
Your first quilt (red plaid square on back) was exquisite! It feels vintage and heirloom at the same time! I am also a math teacher and love contextualized examples of math!
👍 the learning opportunities in making quilts are endless. 😂
I really love your quilting stories and beautiful quilts. The work and care you put in your quilts and videos really shows. You were the inspiration for my most recent quilt top made all from men’s cotton shirts I found at the thrift shop. I learned a lot making it.
When I heard your story today about the pieced back of your first quilt it really made me smile and I had flashbacks to my first quilt. Mine was a kit that came with a pattern that just said add the backing and finish the quilt. Having sewn for over 50 years I somehow got it in my head that I was supposed to piece the back to look just like the front. I pieced the entire back to match each block on the front (in reverse) and then used pins to match up every corner of every little block before quilting it on my home machine. I showed the completed quilt to my friend who has been doing beautiful quilting for many years. She asked me why I pieced the back and how I got the quilting to line up. I said I thought all quilt backs were pieced. She very kindly set me straight. It just goes to show that we are never done learning.
"Never done learning"---new Life motto! I laughed and had the "oh no" feeling for you as I read this comment (maybe my favorite comment, although I don't have favorites 😉) just because I feel so seen and understood! ❤️🥰 It is laughable now, probably, to us both, but also HOW AWESOME IS IT that we pieced our very first quilt back?!?! We rock!! 🤩 And also, "Bless our hearts!!" 🥴😂
Thank you so much for your very kind words about my quilts (and me); I'm humbled and honored that anything I do would be an inspiration to you! And I bet it's beautiful!! ❤️
I LOVE using sheets and other things form the thrift store!!
As a retired high school math teacher, I appreciate how much importance you have given to mathematics in quilt-making!!! I also love how you have come up with ways to compensate when there was insufficient fabric for your quilt back! Thank you for so many wonderful ideas! 😊💞
Aww! Thank you, Kay! 🥰
Received some fat quarters that I literally couldn't stand, sewed them together for a quilt back that my friend just LOVES😂. Unintentionally made a reversible quilt
Good information. I've been wanting to make my daughter a quilt, but I've never made a quilt before, and it's very intimidating to me. So, I'm getting good ideas. Thank you
My mother has used bed sheets for decades to back her quilts. I’m so glad you have shared this typically cost effective way to back a quilt. Even a new sheet is less costly than $12 a yard fabric store cotton. Also, I love your presentation style.
My very good quilting friend uses bed sheets too--most people would never know, either! Thank you, Kim!❤️ And thanks for watching and commenting! 😊
I think using 2cd hand clothes, bed linen etc for quilt backs is preferable to buying new fabric. It is economical but more importantly, better for the environment. And I think it is lovely to use articles that will give memories of a particular point in time, a person one is fond of etc
Glen, I agree 100% 🤓👍🏻
So appreciate your videos! Thanks so much. I have purchased cotton duvet covers at thrift stores also and cut them apart which yields 2 nice size pieces of fabric. You are so right, there are lots of possibilities and it just takes thinking outside the box. Thanks again! Your editor is also doing a great job. No one would ever know you felt like you were on the struggle bus during some of the filming. Love your videos!!
Tracy, sorry for the late reply--and especially since you commented so early on! Thank you!! ❤️ And yes, Paul does an excellent job making me look put together and at ease, and edits out the things that would detract from the videos---I do love the bloopers though because you get to see some of the reality of what it's like with me during filming! 😂Sometimes it's a barrel of laughs, and sometimes I'm just annoyed and struggling to get my words out right! I'm like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get! 🤣🤓❤️
Thank you for the quilt back idea with the triangle corners . Going to use the Xtra fabric from the front ... thank you thank you thank you, 😊
You are so welcome, Karen! ❤️
Light bulb moment...marking the centre of the top and the bottom and aligning then when creating the sandwich. 🤯 why didn't I think of that 4 days ago when I sandwiched my latest quilt😢. Great video!!
Thanks, R V!! So very glad it was helpful to you! ❤️ (and thanks for watching but especially commenting to let me know it was a good one to you!) 🥰
The confetti quilt back is such a great idea of the use of those little triangles that we all have! Fun episode!
Thank you, Julia!! ❤️
I really love the confetti back! I would look at this background as a mesmerizing back to make….not complicated but giving your mind a relaxing place to create something lovely and repetitive….I like being mesmerized ❤️
Sophia, me too! Calming but interesting---it's what I like in art, too. ❤️
Oh my just found you and I am at the beginning of my journey so happy to see all your amazing advice. Today was my first charity shop trip to see what the shirts are like here in the UK and the costs. Average around £5 for a medium. I'm guessing this is still better than paying for fabric. Looking forward to giving this a go. Many thanks from SE UK
Zena that is so exciting!! I think you're going to have a wonderful time with it! 😊🤩
@@TheCatBirdQuilts I am so excited 😆
I personally always dress up the backing on my quilts, love all the added touches. Thanks for sharing yours 👍❤️🙂
I just love your wit and wisdom regarding quilting. 😊
Loved the video! I feel vindicated for wanting my quilt backs to be fun, and not cost $80 or more! I am going to watch your shirt back video, very intriguing!
Thank you :)
Thank you, Cora!❤️
My local quilt store has an “End of Bolt” sale once a month for 3 days where if you buy whatever is on the bolt, it is 50% off. A great way to buy enough yardage if you like making quilt backs from yardage.
I LOVE the confetti back! Yes it is essentially making two quilt tops but a great way to use scraps and make the most of a fitted sheet. (And lets be honest, piecing the top is the fun part so I don't mind doing it twice.)
Ok, first, thank you!! ❤️ Second, YES piecing the top is the FUN PART--and in fact, not only don't mind (well...sometimes) but look forward to it. Like, more piecing? Yes, please! 😘 Thanks for bringing that kindred spirit here to the comments, MsFitz--I appreciate it so much! 🥰
In sewing my last few quilt tops, I have had to “design” the quilt backs. I am getting better with every quilt (I think 😉) I am on a quest to use up my fabric stash so….if I piece together a scrappy top then the backing can be a bit scrappy too.
I do love "designing" quilt backs! I bet you are getting better with every quilt---always learning, right?! I agree that scrappy on the front = scrappy on the back! 😘
Several years ago, a couple of thrift stores 50 miles from me , had weekly sales. Everything with a particular color was 25¢, or 5 for 1.00 !!! I stocked up on all the good cotton and cotton flannel sheets and pillow cases I could find. There's some I still haven't used yet that still have the store tags. Lots of fabric in a king sized sheet. I also found some great fabric, at the same deal. My living room curtains are from a 15 yard piece of fabric I got on the 20¢ deal!!!! Deals aren't like that now, but sure pays to look around. Thank you and your nice camera man for all your work!!
Ok, I'm green with envy over this story---what an amazing thrift haul for you that day!! And you are right, it DOES pay to look around! You never know what you might find at the thrift store! 🤩❤️ You are welcome, and for the record, nice cameraman (my cutie husband of nearly 29 years) does a TON of work behind the scenes. He's the REAL reason the videos look and sound so good! 😘
@@TheCatBirdQuilts I was dealing with a death in the family and actually went every other Sunday all summer. I'm still trying to work through a lot of the things I bought. Sadly, now some of those sheets they want 5.00 each for. I didn't even think about the men's shirts, unless I knew someone who needed a few to wear. Oh, well, live and learn, too late, lol.
I love all of your backing ideas, I recently finished a mainly blue and lemon front, then found a totally different colourway in the shape of a childrens doona cover (bag to put doona in), which was really loud and fun and had large colourful birds etc and jungle style print that was really stunning. I used it for my backing because it was a Queen size and anyone who has seen it (plus my quilting lady) have really loved it. We did an all over leafy design to quilt front and back and it is fine. Also, at a thrift store I noticed a gorgeous brand new quilt cover in a tiny print in blue and yellow which said it was a King Single size, I took it home and it turned out to be a Queen, so that was a win for me. I will used it for backing at some point, whereas I bought it thinking I would just cut it up for future quilt fronts. Thanks for all of your ideas, they are all great....of course the other bonus when using existing quilts to do backing is that you get 2 pillowslips !!
Valerie, that blue/lemon quilt with the colorful backing sounds really gorgeous and amazing!! I have a great visual that probably is just a shadow of the real thing! 🤩 I too, buy sheets or duvet covers knowing that at some point they'll get used!! 😘
Love all your quilt backs!! 👏🏻🥰 That Magnolia quilt back making use of those “waste” corners was genius and it looks beautiful!! 😘👌🏻
Charity, I swear you have to be the most encouraging of all my YT viewers and that's really saying something because I have a crazy-supportive community here! I LOVE seeing your name in the comments and I'm always thankful for your support and kind words. So thank you, and just know that I feel (and receive!) the love!! 🥰
@@TheCatBirdQuilts oh wow! Thank you!! 🥰 Glad I could be an encouragement!! 🫶🏻 Thank you for your sweet reply
Like everyone else,I love the vision you have for the back. That quilt will be beautiful like everything else you have shared with us. Most importantly you take the time and put all the love in your quilts. ❤
Veronica, you sweetie! Thank you! ❤️ I always want to make beautiful and useful things, but if nothing else, the love is there. Right?! 😘
I’ve been waiting for someone to help me with making sure the back is matching the front when I used a piece or pieces for the backing. Thank you!
Oh wow, Sandra! 🤓 How wonderful! And I'm so glad that this video is what you needed! ❤️ Thank you so much for watching and commenting!!
LOL "there is nothing redeeming about a quilt sandwich"! I so agree. And thrifted sheets are so great for backing, besides the price. They are soft and will not shrink!
Freddie, right?!?! Kindred spirits. ❤️
Everything is beautiful! We appreciate you taking the time to make these videos 😊
Thank you, Steph! ❤️ Thank you for taking the time to watch them and then to comment! 🥰
LOL - "Am I good?" Yes, indeed you are ! Love the attention and direction you have given to the backs of the quilts. The back is just as important in cost and design as the front. I'm guessing when using sheets for the backing - the sheets are typically a cotton blend. Have you encountered any problems with that?
I have used cotton sateen and cotton blends, both of which have given me trouble, honestly. The blends crawl under the rotary cutter AND the sewing needle/machine so much so that I won't use them anymore. The sateen feels good and looks great but I had issues with nap and because it's more "slick" it wanted to crawl as well. I think the best is cotton percale or a cotton that has a texture like flannel (I call it "peached.") Thank you for your kind words and for the encouragement---I got a little teary that you commented on "am I good?" so sweetly. It's really the life question, isn't it?❤️
I love “fancy backs”! Scrappy backs are as much fun as those scrappy happy tops! These are such awesome ideas!
FANCY BACKS! LOLLLL!!! 😂 Thank you, my friend for your comment (as always) and for your support here on YT! ❤️
Brittany’s quilt is gorgeous! Top, bottom, front, back, and binding!
I use top sheets for backing. Way cheaper , I take out the hems wash & iron , a twin top sheet can back a double or queen size quilt . The new sheets are cute & colorful patterns. Also second hand used sheets
I certainly admire your attention to detail Cathy. My pieced backs are usually a mush mash of leftover fabric. Thank God there are no quilt police! You’re quilts are a labor of love!
Marti, yes I agree, "Thank God there are no quilt police!" I'm sure I'm breaking the rules all the time!! 😂
This was a great video! I love making pieced backs for my quilts. It often saves on yardage, and I can get creative. My pieced backs are more like the “afterquilts” that Just Get It Done Quilts makes. I use my leftovers from the front to add fun details to the back. Extra blocks go on the back. Often I sew together scraps from the top into crumb type blocks and put them on the back. I figure if all the fabrics go together on the front, they also go together on the back. The backs are a little more “modern” and improv, but I figure that the recipient gets two quilts for one, and I get to play with the fabric!
Thank you so much, Becky! ❤️ And isn't getting "to play with the fabric" what we all love anyway?! It is for me for SURE. I have seen/heard Karen Brown talk about "afterquilts" and I love that idea and term! And yes, of course you're right---if it works for the front, it works for the back! I think I'm entirely to tightly-wound for improv quilting (lol) but I love a good modern twist on a quilt!! And that's the great thing about the back, you can make it lovely the way you see fit! 😍
Thank you for your very informative videos. I am always open to new and even repeated quilting information. As a result of your recommending sheets and other thrifted items for fabrics, I recently acquired at a local thrift store 2 banquet-size linen table cloths. While 1 had a few stains at one end of the cloth, they are VERY large and will make excellent fabric for piecing or they can be used for quilt backs. The largest one covers my king-size bed with about a 12" drop on both sides of the bed, and it covers the entire top of the bed. I never thought to look at linens as a source of fabric before watching your videos, but your advice helped me score these 2 pieces for only $24. Yay!! 😃❤🥰
WOW WHAT A FIND!!!!!
That is amazing, Theresa! The sheer size alone of the largest tablecloth is crazy and awesome!! 🤩 And $24?! Yes please!! LOL!
And I'm so glad the videos have been helpful to you! ❤️
Just got a very cute bicycle graphic print twin bed set from IKEA. The pillow case has the same bike graphic all blown up… very much like a panel😍… and the duvet cover looks to be enough for quilt blocks AND a quilt back, so worth the price overall. Not thrift store prices, but less than the quilt shop.💪🏻
Yaaassss! IKEA for the win!! 🤩 (and yes, maybe not thrift store, but good quality and VERY affordable, especially in comparison to yardage!)
I've gone to only using thrift store sheets for backing. Soooo much more budget friendly, and to quilt with they are great. Plus up cycling always feels good!
Caitlin!! I'm so glad you commented---I have had you on my mind all week and missed seeing your name here and on IG! Not sure if I DM'd you or not, but someone on Patreon saw my tailor's clapper and commented "tailor's clapper envy!" 🤩🤓😍 I too, am moving more and more toward thrift store sheets for backing: SO easy, SO inexpensive and you're right--feels good to use something that would otherwise go in a landfill! ❤️ All my love to you and that woodworking husband of yours! 😘
@@TheCatBirdQuilts That's soooo sweet. I'm glad you are using it! I love mine. I hope the Pattern is going well for you and Paul. Still watching your videos every week!
Thanks and best wishes ❤❤
Hi from Texas. Thank you. 😊.
Lets roll!! Its Friday y'all🌞 great weekend ahead🙏 love this thank you Cathy and paul!
Thank you, Neva!! And right back atcha, girl! Happy Friday and have a great weekend! 😘
Great topic! If you’re looking to save money but not finding good options at the thrift store, I suggest wide back (109”) fabric. It’s significantly cheaper per square inch than regular quilting fabric. Also when using sheets, my experience is that sateen weaves are difficult to work with but cotton percale is great! I love all your pieced backs! ❤
Thank you, Valerie!❤️ I'm getting educated on the wide back fabric, but it does make sense! And yes, that's been my experience too (sateen being challenging to work with--mine crawled and wouldn't hold a straight line in cutting NOR sewing; infuriating!) Now I know to REALLY watch for 100% cotton and yes, percale seems to work best! I appreciate your comment and (as always) your supportive and kind comments! 😘
I really learn a lot from your videos. Your approach is so different from mine. It’s eye opening to see another person’s process, and you’re really good at methodically explaining how you proceed.
Thank you so much, Nancy! ❤️
I always use any extra blocks or fabric, make a framed tiny improve quilt and fill the rest with sheets. It's my favorite part 😁 no waste.
I LOVE this idea! Thank you so much for sharing (tiny framed improv quilt--YES PLEASE) and I will totally be copying this idea!❤️
Thanks for your ideas
I just bought the book "Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs". It has a lot of interesting ideas on how to use scraps, FQs, etc that arent difficult. Each quilt back in the book has a corresponding quilt too that can be downloaded.
LB, now I totally have to get that book and check it out!! Thanks for the suggestion---if I'm lucky maybe my library will have it (so I can try before I buy!😂) 😘🤓❤️
I've made lots of backings through the years like these!! It's kind of fun for me!! Loved your video!!❤
Dolores, it IS fun, isn't it?! And thank you so much!! ❤️
Excellent video‼️Crazy? You? Not at all‼️Passionate about quilting more like ❤
Thank you, Carol! ❤️ Definitely passionate--sometimes a little crazy! 😉
The confetti corners are lovely. I could see a quilt front made of them as well. 💕
Kristen, doing those confetti corners made me thing EXACTLY that! ❤️Can you imagine how glorious it would be to have even smaller squares with those confetti corners all across a whole quilt top?!? 🤩 Amazing, that's what it would be! (And now I want you to do that and send me photos! As for me, I've got to get some more of my dang WIP's done first!!😂)
😘😘😘
Wonderful video Kathy! Excellent examples of quilt backing options and possibles for reversible quilts. I can’t wait to see the confetti backed quilt finished! ❤️
Shannon, you sweet one! Thank you and you know it's gonna take me THREE FOREVERS to quilt the dang thing, but we'll get there eventually!! 😂❤️
Love your thrifty ideas and so have been an avid follower and practiser of your suggestions. Have I missed the session on where you discuss being thrifty with your batting? My apologies if you have covered this already.
Thank you, Maree, and no, you haven't missed it, but maybe it's time to do a video on that! 🤓
Cathy, you are a delight to this new quilter! I'm currently working on a one inch hexagon EPP quilt, with some WILD (for me) Kaffe Fassett jelly rolls. I really love the idea of a pieced back to make the quilt interesting but calmer on the reverse. Since there is so much fabric from all the folds of EPP on the front, I'm wondering how to make the back interesting without *too* many seams.
Justgetitdonequilts video on after quilts could be very helpful to your backings in the future
Algebra vs geometry? I have dyscalculia! Adding and subtracting are about it for me. I use a calculator and wonder if I'm doing it right. Oh and most of my quilt backs are bleached muslin, the wide backing on sale at Joann's Fabrics.
I am doing a baby quilt for a baby... I use for the back piece of fabric that I Made from scraps ... For this quilt that saves me some Time and money.
I confess that I use fabrics from fabric store. The thrift stores around me are really awful and the best one Is about one hour from my home ..
I will go there this summer to pick my men shirt dosis...
Kisses from France
Jimmie, I love that you made a quilt back out of scraps! Great idea! No need to confess--I use fabric from the fabric store too! It is a balance for me; repurposing fabric and also getting beautiful fabric from the local quilt store! 🤓👍🏻
Kisses from America 😗😗
Thank you for sharing your creative ideas and talents with us I think you are doing a great job.. I Love your style ❤
Thank you so much, Patricia! ❤️
Cathy - Such a great discussion on quilt backs this week. Thanks for all the great tips - on both fabrics and cost. I think it’s something I’m going to start thinking about as I begin each new quilt. ❤ 🤗
Aww, thanks, Peg! I TOLD you I was going to credit you with "party in the back!!" 😘❤️🥰
Good early morning🐦 I'll be back❤
I have all the same issues with my backs. As I make them bigger and bigger? Last quilt 98 x 95. For my 6 + foot cousin. I pieced it with an insert on two sides of the back same fabric as the front. to match . Very involved. Took 6 months. Because I hand quilt the top, as I watch TV. It's HUGE. . Thanks for talking about the money involved. It can be expensive. Have a great day. Hugs from Tampa, Fl.
I receive your hugs and give them right back, Laura! ❤️ I think the expense is one of the things few people talk openly about---and when we love fabrics like we do (and all the gorgeous new fabric lines out every few months) it can get out from under us pretty quickly! It's hard to justify the cost of the quilt back in full yardage (at least for me.) 95X95 IS huge!! But I bet your cousin is going to love it! 🤩
So glad you added the bloopers! Fun!
We have Paul to thank for that! Just a glimpse inside the REAL video-making!! 😂
I just recently discovered your channel and I just wanted to let you know that I really love it. I love your personality and love that I don’t feel like you are trying to sell products or flaunt expensive designer brand fabrics.
Yesterday I watched one of your videos and you mentioned that your seam “reaper” was getting dull and needed to be replaced. I had never thought about a seam ripper getting dull. I’m wondering if they can be sharpened with a round file, the type that is used for chain saws… I don’t know, but keep doing what you’re doing. ❤
Thanks for another great video. There is a wonderful TH-camr who also does pieced quilt backs. She calls them after quilts. She often uses up parts and pieces from the front. You will finder her at Just Getter done Quilts. She has lots of other great tips too.
Christine--it's Karen Brown and I LOVE her channel! So many good ideas, hacks and tips/tricks/strategies there! ❤️ And yes, "afterquilts"---what a clever name! 🤓
Made several pieced backings an love it. Also like to incorporate some fabrics from the front to bring it all together.
Now I'm using an old bedsheet cover from flannel for a Christmas throw quilt and love how soft and cozy it feels. I also am on the lookout for clearance sales in the fabric stores and got fantastic backing fabrics there for sometimes only 3 € per meter. And the matching quilt front just shows up when the time is right.
For my huge 100 days 100 blocks quilt which I gave to my friend I pulled all my purple fabrics (her favorite colour) included leftovers from the front and several orphan blocks and threw it all together. Loved that in the end, as well :)
And so true what you say about making decisions based on time, energy and creative capacity 👍
Julia, apologies for the late reply, especially since you commented so early on! Thanks for watching and for commenting, especially that very last line---I feel very seen and understood and it's nice to share that with someone who feels it too.❤️
As for flannel, I don't love how stretchy/crawly it is but using it as a Christmas quilt backing might be the most perfect application EVER! So soft! SO COZY! 😍 I do agree that the matching quilt shows up right on time! And lastly, I bet that purple-wash quilt back is AMAZING! 🤩
@@TheCatBirdQuilts no need to apologize, Cat! I'm always happy if my comments are seen and appreciated, but if there is no response, that's ok, too. You do so much already with your lovely videos :)
Have a wonderful day.
Also love the neutral color choice of the border around the confetti!
I wasn't sure I was going to love it, but now I do!
I finally joined a “live” 🤗
Brilliant video. All too often the backs of the quilts are overlooked, and I think they are just as important. If I go to quilt shows I have to have a little peek at the backing, just to see what the maker has done, I know we're not supposed to touch, bit its not the whole story if you only see the front. Loved the confetti back, hope we get to see that quilt quilted and finished - it looks a real stunner 💗💗
Thank you, Sue! ❤️I too, think they are just as important, and yes, often overlooked! As for quilt shows---if it were up to me, I'd have one of the white-gloved docents walk around with me so I could see ALL the backs, and bindings, and tags that my heart desires! 😊🤓
And you KNOW you'll get to see the quilt quilted---by the time I'm done with it, everyone who follows my channel will be sick of it! 😂
Woot woot!! Best part of Fridays is your videos Cathy!! 😂❤
Aww! Thank you, Renee!❤️ What a great encouragement to me today! 🥰
Great information! I've been using men's shirts, cotton and flannel, to make quilt fronts after the style made in the 30's and 40's when times were hard. I love doing that and and love finding beautiful shirts, sheets and the occasional yardage that someone purchased and didn't use but donated to my local thrift store. Why I didn't think of doing the backs using that material is beyond me! Probably because I'd rather have it on the front and use something less interesting on the back.
To quilt the sandwich I hand quilt in long running stitches following the borders of each individual piece on the front until each piece is completely filled with stitches. It has a quaint and rustic look when completed, though it takes a bit of extra time to do the hand quilting.
Thank you, Jinx! I love that you use men's shirts to make quilt fronts too! ❤️ Now that your eyes are open to using them on quilt backs, you have that much more enjoyment ahead of you! 😘 I love the look of hand quilting and have a lot of admiration for quilters like you who do hand quilting! I know it is time-consuming, but it is might lovely! ❤️
I have really struggled with backs not being squared to front, turning out askew. Thanks for the tips!!!
Wendy, you're so welcome!! Glad it was helpful! ❤️
100% agree with your feelings on making a quilt sandwich 😂. Thanks for another fantastic video.
You're welcome! And thank you---I'm so glad I'm not alone in my loathing.😂😘❤️
Absolutely love the confetti backing.
Ahh, thanks!! I absolutely love anyone who uses the phrase "absolutely love" and I'm being so serious! ❤️🥰
I use sheets for my backs. I go to thrift stores and yard sales for the fabric
Perfect video for me today. I’m a first time watcher, and earlier this morning, I went through a pile of beautiful soft blue and white shirts with a few lavenders in stripes and plaids that I got from my son before he was going to take them to the thrift store. I have enough for a throw with some extra for the back. Thanks so much.
Tara, I'm so glad you found me! ❤️ Thanks for watching and for commenting---I'm thrilled that the timing of this video was perfect for you! And I bet that quilt throw will be just beautiful!
Hello quilty friend ♥
Great episode!
As we all know, the backing is A LOT of fabric and this is really inspiring! This just goes to show that our making doesn't have to be expensive to look fabulous. With some imagination and piecing you can save $$$ ...
And then buy more shirts! 😂
Whilst watching, I thought of a couple big box stores we have here (in Oz) that often have some pretty good sales on bed linens a few times a year - Spotlight, Lincraft and Harris Scarfe. The first two are similar to your Joanne's or Michaels I imagine so sale time for flat sheets would also be a more reasonable option than buying yardage. But you really can't go past a sheet for $3 can you?
Hey girl! Thank you! ❤️ Looking fabulous: always the goal! Affordably? Even better! (and you know I'm always in for buying more shirts!😘)
I do love this idea of flat sheets on clearance or at the inexpensive big box stores! As you say, still less expensive than yardage--but yes, not sure anything can beat $3 for a whole quilt backing aka thrift store sheet! 😂
I really liked this video. I struggle with backings and usually buy the 108 so I don't have to piece the backing but it is really expensive. Sometimes my quilt is made of thrift fabrics and the backing is the most expensive which always to me seems wrong. So thanks for the ideas.
Judy, YES!! It just seems wrong to me, too, that the backing is so expensive.😱 And you are so welcome and thanks for watching and commenting! ❤️
Your quilts are very creative and simple! Just the way I love quilts!
Thank you, Anna!
I agree with the other commentators, one of your best ever. Being able to see your wonderful artistry in full view, send things into prospective. Also thanks to Mr. Martin, whom's editing skills highlight the beauty.
Oh Daniel, thank you so much!! ❤️ Yes, Paul really outdid himself with the editing (and the idea of the quilt stand!) Thank you so much for watching and commenting and for your kind words! 🥰
Another great video! I love interesting, unusual quilt backs. I made a quilt a few years ago with bright colored embroidery designs on white fabric on the quilt front. I searched for a long time for borders and backing fabric that had the same colors from the quilt front. I knew in my mind what type print and colors I wanted for the backing. After searching for a very a long time, finally one day I found the absolutely perfect border/backing fabric. It was in two remnant pieces and thankfully was enough for borders and backing. It is my favorite quilt and makes me smile every time I look at it. ❤
Renea! I love this story--and I wish I could see that quilt! 😍 I also love interesting, unusual quilt backs, but I guess you figured that out already! 😉
I like the confetti back as much, or more than the top.
This was a great video. Everyone is correct that no one ever talks about quilt backs, so many times its an afterthought. I rarely do anthing fancy on the back because at that point I just want to get the quilt done. But in my last couple of quilts I used a fabric panel or beautifully printed yardage as the "extra" piece across the "top" of back so when the quilt is on the bed and the top folds back there is that lovely border piece.
Thank you so much, Wendy! ❤️ And what a great idea--putting really lovely fabric at the top! Clever girl! 🤓👍🏻
Thanks for your excellent backing ideas.
You're welcome, Janet! ❤️ And thanks for watching (and commenting!)
An artist can be and do whatever they want with quilts or art. You are the creator. I love your work. Joanne Vervoordeldonk 😊 🍁 🍀
Oh my goodness, Joanne! Thank you! ❤️ I don't often think of myself as an artist, so this is a high compliment to me! 😘🥰
I also love the confetti back. I love to use as many scraps as possible......waste not want not! I also am an algebra person and geometry never made any sense to me. I need to be more diligent in looking through thrift store linens.
Sara, thank you! ❤️ And thank you fellow Algebra person! I have to draw it out for the [geometry] math to make sense! Also--YES about being more diligent in looking through the linens (ME TOO) because by the time I get done with the shirts, I often have no energy (or desire) to look through the linens which are often cotton-poly and then I'm just plain annoyed. HA!
Great video, as ever! Mostly I piece my backs with the scraps of the front.
Thank you, Anja! It's a great use of the leftover fabric, isn't it?! ❤️
So interesting, could listen to you for ages. And, yes, fabric is so expensive in Australia and our thrift stores are getting expensive too!
Thank you, Linnie! 🥰 I hate that all our thrift store prices are going up---it was inevitable, I guess! 🤷🏻♀️
I love the confetti back. The “mushroom/toupe” color does a great frame. I used up all the larger pieces of “leftover” fabric from the front to incorporate the back so I have 2 quilts in one sometimes.
Thank you, Teresa!❤️ I had a moment of doubt, but once I saw it all together, I breathed a sigh of relief and put my doubts to rest. I rarely have "larger" pieces leftover (shirts, you know, weird pieces! but I keep the extra shirt pieces in my stash)--but I love the idea of putting the leftovers on the back!! 🤩
Your quilts are lovely. I usually do a pieced backing, however, I'm making a Christmas quilt and I'm going out a red and white gingham print tablecloth on the back. Thanks for taking your time to do these videos
Thank you, Jeanette! When I read, "red and white gingham print tablecloth," I said out loud, "Ohhhh!!!" 😍🤩🤓 That is a FANTASTIC idea, and I bet it will turn out just gorgeous! ❤️ You are so very welcome, by the way--thank YOU for watching them!
Great video! I also like to cut my backing apart and add an interest strip. But I often put the strip off to one side, and not right in the middle. Just to make it a little more fun. You make such beautiful quilts! ❤
Thank you, my friend! ❤️ And why am I not surprised that you do this too?! Kindred spirits, through and through! When I tell you that I just (like THIS WEEK) put together a backing for the Birch Point quilt (the jelly strip one) and added a strip off to one side, just to make it interesting and fun, I'm not even lying. Not.Even.Exaggerating.A.Little! 😘🤓🥰
@@TheCatBirdQuilts lol, I believe you! We always think alike! 😁❤️
Wonderful ideas! Thank you!😊
Thanks, Shelly! ❤️
Love the confetti back!
Thank you, Cinzia! ❤️
Lovely video. Helped me appreciate all my 'interesting ' quilt backs.
Thank you so much, Elaine! ❤️ Anything pieced, in my (not-so-humble) opinion, should be appreciated! 😘
As always wonderful information and beautiful quilts. Thanks!
Thank you, Michelle! ❤️
This was very fun to watch
Thank you, Corey! 🥰 It was struggle to film, so I'm glad it was fun for you! (no sarcasm intended there, I'm truly thankful! 😘)
Another great video. Thanks so much
Oh yay! Thanks (as always) so much for watching and commenting to let me know you enjoyed it! ❤️
Perfectly fabulous video. Thank you so much ❤
Thanks, vizluv!❤️ Thank you for watching and commenting! 😘
I would imagine with the growing trend in the US of the younger generation to not use the top sheets in making their beds, the thrift shops will probably end up with volumes of virtually unused flat sheets for sale. Score for the quilters, eh?
Tamara, I lol'd at this, because it's TRUE! It's about time the quilters score one! 😂😘❤️