Quilt Backing Ideas – Thrifted, Pieced and Recycled

If you’re always on the lookout for ways to make your quilt backing as special as the front, scrappy pieced backs are the way to go. Today, I’m sharing a variety of creative, budget friendly, and easily accessible quilt backing ideas you can try on your next project. We will focus on unique backing ideas using straight lines and regular 1/4 inch seam allowance. Let’s make that quilt back just as fun as the front!

Most people focus on the quilt top. You spend time finding the right pattern or designing quilt blocks into your own pattern. But the quilting process isn’t done yet. A quilt doesn’t show “her true self” until you find the perfect backing and machine quilting pattern. For better results, don’t forget to use a medium loft cotton batting to give your lovely quilt some puffiness when quilted. There is no such thing as a simple quilt. There is so much that goes into the final product. 

Great tips

Pieced quilts take a lot of time and work. So if your tired from making the quilt top, put it aside for a day or two, even a week. Then come back to it and bring the front of your quilt to life. Grab all the different fabrics that are leftover from your quilt top. Figure out how you can use that fabric in the pieced quilt back.

My favorite way is to pull all the leftover quilt top fabric into a pile. Start with the large pieces of fabric first. Make sure you have fabric for the binding too. Use up every little bit of fabric if you can. 

I’ve tried using extra quilt blocks in my backing and I don’t ever use them, here’s why. My backing shifts when I machine quilt. It just does. The quilting never looks good on the back of the quilt when using extra blocks (also called orphan blocks). It would probably work out a lot better on a table runner or if you send your quilt to a long arm quilter to finish on their machine.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THESE OUT!

After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with information to make your first quilt. It also has links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. There’s lots of free quilt patterns that are great for beginners and all skill levels too. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Make sure you grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! Jot down ideas, reminders about websites where you see ‘must have’ fabric, so I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.

Creative Quilt Backing Ideas

Now before you make a quilt sandwich (baste your quilt) you need to decide on your backing design. For me, it’s about tying the front of this quilt to the back somehow. But selecting the best quilt backing fabric is challenging. The best place to shop is your local fabric store. Now these stores usually have racks in the back of discounted fabric that won’t break the bank. Depending on your quilt size, you may need 3 to 7 yards of fabric and this can add up when you pay full price. Check out my shop like a pro post if you need more detailed info.

1. Scrappy Pieced Backing Ideas

Here are two quilts I recently finished machine quilting, just need to add the binding. Both made with the same fabrics from a half yard bundle. I’ve shared how to piece a quilt backing already with leftover fabric yardage but one of these designs is new. The top pictures are the Pinwheel quilt and the bottom two are the Chevron quilt.

For my pinwheel quilt, I went with a scrappy pieced backing using one main fabric with two diagonal strips. The strips were made from leftover backing fabric from my 5-yard chevron quilt, creating a colorful and cohesive look. It’s a great way to use those extra pieces from previous projects, and the result is a unique quilt back that feels intentional and fun.

If you have extra fabric from other quilts, play around with different layouts—diagonal strips, a vertical column of scraps, or even patchwork squares that incorporate several fabrics for a true scrappy feel.

2. Bandana Quilt Backing

For a fresh and vibrant quilt back, thrifted bandanas are an amazing option. By stitching them together, you can create a colorful patchwork style backing that’s affordable and eye catching. Pick different colors and patterns for a boho look or stick to a color theme for something more uniform.

Here’s another photo from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom and her bandana quilt. Now she only uses three colors but they come in every color of the rainbow. New or thrifted, have fun with this backing idea. Bandanas are easy to find at thrift stores, craft stores, or even dollar stores, making them an accessible and unique choice for a scrappy quilt back.

3. Thrifted or New Sheets

Most likely you have already hard about using sheets for quilt backing. It really is a great option for larger quilts, and it’s an easy way to cover the entire back with minimal piecing. Vintage sheets add a charming, nostalgic vibe, while new sheets come in modern designs and are super easy to find.

Thrift stores like Goodwill or online marketplaces like eBay are great places to find vintage sheets at a bargain. If you’re looking for new sheets, check out Target, Walmart, or even discount stores like TJ Maxx for beautiful, affordable options.

4. Tablecloths as Quilt Backing

Here’s a unique option that no one talks about—repurposing a cotton tablecloth! Tablecloths come in various sizes, and you can find them in fun prints, from florals to geometric patterns. The material is often thicker than typical quilting cotton, which makes it durable for backing.

Check out your local thrift store or even your own linen closet for unused tablecloths. Whether it’s vintage or modern, tablecloths are an affordable and accessible way to add a bold backing to your quilt.

5. Upcycled Fabric from Clothes

Have old button-up shirts, skirts, or dresses you no longer wear? Instead of letting them go to waste, upcycle them into a quilt backing! Cutting up larger pieces of fabric from clothing—especially items like cotton shirts or dresses—can give your quilt a charming, scrappy look. Mixing different colors and patterns will create a one-of-a-kind patchwork back.

Bonus tip: if the clothing has interesting details like pockets or embroidered sections, you can feature those for added texture and interest.

6. Fabric Shower Curtains for a Bold Backing

Another idea that’s simple yet effective—use a fabric shower curtain for your quilt backing! Shower curtains are often made from durable cotton or polyester blends and come in a variety of prints. You can find everything from minimalist designs to bold patterns. Plus, they’re large enough to cover the entire back of a quilt, which means no piecing is necessary.

You can find fabric shower curtains at stores like Target, Walmart, or even home goods stores like HomeGoods. They’re a fun, unexpected option that adds a pop of personality to your quilt.

Thrifted vs. New – Which is Better?

The choice between thrifted and new materials for quilt backing comes down to personal preference and the aesthetic you’re going for. Thrifted options are eco-friendly, often cheaper, and provide a one-of-a-kind look. You can hunt for hidden gems like bandanas, tablecloths, or vintage sheets.

New options are readily available, more consistent in quality, and easy to find in a variety of colors and prints to match your quilt. Whether you prefer the thrill of a thrift store find or the convenience of new materials, both can offer creative and affordable backing solutions.

Here are a few places to find thrifted or new materials:

• Thrifted: Goodwill, Savers, local thrift shops, online marketplaces like eBay, Nextdoor
• New: Target, Walmart, Amazon, TJ Maxx, Bed Bath & Beyond

For more ideas and tutorials on quilt backings, check out these related posts:

• How to Make a Pieced Quilt Backing
• How to Select Quilt Backing for Your Quilt Top
• Pieced Quilt Backing Ideas – Simple Quilt Backs
• Quilt Batting – How to Pick the Right One
• Straight Line Machine Quilting Patterns

With these creative quilt backing ideas, you’re sure to find an option that adds both personality and style to your next project!

Quilt Backing Ideas – BEGINNER QUILTING SUPPLIES

Here are some quilting supplies that are great for quilters that I use and highly recommend. For more info, check out Quilting Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).​

• Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)
• 28 mm Rotary Cutter
• 28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
• 45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)
• 45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)
• 60 mm Rotary Cutter
• 60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
• 5″ x 20″ Quilting Straight Line Ruler
• 4.5″ Quilting Square Ruler for half square triangles
• 12.5″ Quilting Square Ruler for quilt blocks
• Cut Resistant Gloves
• Stiletto
• Straight Pins
• Sewing Thread
• Universal Sewing Needles
• Cotton Batting
• Sewing Machine Beginner (see my about me page for more info on sewing machines for beginners to the one I use today)

Save this pin for later!

This post contains ads and affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. While these ads are annoying, they help pay for this site. See my full disclosure here.

HOW TO’S AND FREE PATTERNS

Quilt Patterns

Quilt Tutorials

ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

Have fun with the backs of your quilts. Always try to use leftover fabric from the quilt top in the backs of my quilts. It’s a simple way to tie the front with the back. Remember, quilt backing is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match fabrics, colors, and patterns. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant look or a vibrant, scrappy design, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process. Happy quilting, and may your quilt backs be as delightful as your quilt tops!

Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when I post new patterns and tutorials.

Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!