Little quilting gems to share with your customers — and grow your business one stitch at a time.
*Pieced Backing tips - more and more quilters are piecing their backings to use up scraps, be economical and add some fun to the backside of their quilts. Enjoy this tip and pass it along!
Quilt Backing Tip: Use a 1" Seam — Pressed Open
Many quilters piece their backing with a ½" or less seam pressed to one side… but that can cause problems on the longarm.
✅ Best practice: Sew a 1" seam and press it open. Also, use a SMALLER stitch length so it is more secure and stable. I recommend a 1.5 or (15-18 spi)
Why it matters:
1" seam = strength. Pressed open = flatness. Together = a better backing.
PS for a backing that has a lot of piecing, this method may not work and traditional ¼” seams may have to be used. If there are just a few pieces going into the back, you will have a sturdier backing using the 1” seam widths.
Quilt Backing Tip: Use a 1" Seam — Pressed Open
Many quilters piece their backing with a ½" or less seam pressed to one side… but that can cause problems on the longarm.
✅ Best practice: Sew a 1" seam and press it open. Also, use a SMALLER stitch length so it is more secure and stable. I recommend a 1.5 or (15-18 spi)
Why it matters:
- Stronger seam – handles longarm tension without splitting
- Flatter surface – prevents ridges and skipped stitches
- Less distortion – stays smooth when loaded
- Professional results – your longarm quilter will thank you!
1" seam = strength. Pressed open = flatness. Together = a better backing.
PS for a backing that has a lot of piecing, this method may not work and traditional ¼” seams may have to be used. If there are just a few pieces going into the back, you will have a sturdier backing using the 1” seam widths.