Marie Elizabeth

So, I am new to quilting, but would like to outline prints (flowers, animals etc.) by the free motion method, and add fill patterns in the background areas. So will the "pattern" (or lack thereof) of the sandwich backing simply mirror or echo the stitching that has been created on the front of the quilt even though there is no consistent pattern throughout? If this is the case, is this an acceptable fashion or look for the quilt backing? It seems a bit erratic - which is fine, but I'm just wondering if I'm missing something...

Thank you!

JustAbitCrazy

If I understand your question, yes, both sides of the quilt will have the same stitching (quilting) design.

Stitchnripper

Agree. Both sides will be the same. You can try a busy backing fabric and then the stitching won’t be as obvious.

toverly

That effect is actually pretty cool looking.

zozee

The stitching will be the same on the back, which is cool, but remember images will be reversed . Not a biggie in the case of most motifs, but if you plan to write words in FMQ, they will be backwards.

QuiltE

It can be very effective and you can end up with a quilt you can enjoy from both sides.

First you need to consider, how that design will look overlaid onto the pieced side of the quilt.

donna13350

Here's some pics for you

https://www.pinterest.com/quiltinspire/backs-of-quilts/

quiltingshorttimer

yes--it will show. When I finish quilting the first thing my DH asks to see is the back, because I usually use a solid backing and the quilting shows better. Using a print backing or matching your bobbin thread to the backing will "hide" your stitches more.

Marie Elizabeth

Well, Thank you all for the information (and photos!). I like the idea of using a busy fabric on the back to hide the stitching more.
Happy stitching my friends! Marie

QuiltnNan

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting