Cindy's Tips
COOL SLEEPING...THE OLD-TIME WAY
How did our ancestors do it? With a "summer spread," an unlined (or lightly lined) quilt, often simply pieced and embroidered. (Redwork was a favorite technique.) Sometimes the quilt top was backed with a sheet, the edges turned and whipstitched together. Sometimes the top was left unbacked, and the raw seams turned over and handstitched, french seam-style. White, cool muslin was the main ingredient in these refreshing pieces. |
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| I need some advice on quilting an antique quilt top. |
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Cindy, I need some ideas for a backing for an antique quilt top. It is totally hand-pieced, in excellent condition. What do I use for backing ? And the Batt? I plan to hand quilt on Hinterberg frame. Thanks Judy Judy, Obviously your backing should be in keeping with the same period as your top...since I am not sure when your top was made, the best all-around consistent choice would be the best quality muslin you can get your hands on. Cotton muslin has been a consistent choice for quilt backings ever since the invention of the cotton gin made cotton fabric more accessible. In the later part of the 19th century and the 20th century, it was often sugar sacks -- but it was muslin. If your quilt top dates closer to the 1970s or 1980s, then a choice consistent with the times would be a sheet, especially if it is poly-blend. Some restorers argue that this would not be a good choice, because sheets can pill or be more difficult to quilt through. Nonetheless, it is consistent with what many quilters used. Another choice for a backing would be to choose a reproduction print from the same period, or a reproduction solid. There are some remarkably good shades currently out on the market. You might also consider using vintage fabric...but make sure it's in good enough condition to stand up to the rigors and stresses of quilting. Yardage in solids is not too expensive for the 20th century, considering how old it is. For reproduction fabrics and batting, try Hickory Hill, the Kirk Collection or Patchworks. Cindy |
