I'm in Central Florida and consider all the quilts I make to be 'summer quilts'. We just couldn't use them here if they weren't lightweight. But I always use batting and backing. I use the thinnest batting I can find. I think without any batting all the seams would be too noticeable and uncomfortable, but I'm interested too to know if anyone has tried it!

Good subject. Thanks for bringing it up!

Kate

I really don't see a quilt with no backing, but I have seen very lightweight quilts with no batting. Often these are the embroidered quilts, in blues or redwork. Myself, I have for years switched out my heavy spreads or quilts for thin cotton embroidered coverlets in summer. The ones I've used were found at charity shops and much too large for a tablecloth, so were probably used as summer bed coverlets. Many have very light or white backgrounds.

If you are totally uncomfortable not using batting, a piece of flannel would work. In fact, I have a simple quilt top made I intend using a very thin hospital-type flannel blanket as batting for just such a purpose.

We have always called lightweight quilts summer quilts in my area. I have made summer quilts with flannel backing and no batting. Without something on the back the seams would show and I wouldn't like that.
Rosa

Thanks to all for their comments - I also have used flannel as batting, but have never used only flannel as a backing with no batting. I'll have to try that. Speaking of flannel, do any of you know of a place where you can buy wide flannel, like 108"? I've asked around here in Brooksville, FL, and Tampa, everyone just looks at me funny. As for the quilt on Eleanor Burns, I'm certain that she said "no batting or backing" and I did wonder - won't the seams show on the back? And how did they finish the edges - but I may be mistaken. I agree, I wouldn't want the seams to show either.

I've been meaning to try a flannel backing too but haven't done it yet. I have this place bookmarked although I've never ordered anything from them. The price seems very reasonable for wide fabric.

If you try it please let us know if you have a good experience with this vendor and if the fabric is nice!

Kate

Here is a link that might be useful: 108

You could also use a flannel sheet if you find a good buy on a flat sheet that is a good color for your quilt.

Teresa

What awesome ideas! The flannel sheet thing is such a great idea, and I bet there are plenty of deals out there for them. Thanks so much.

Rita

I'll bet the quilt you are talking about with no backing is a Yo-Yo quilt. All the pieces are circles gathered in the center and then slipped stitched together. The back of the quilt would be the back of the Yo-Yo's

I saw the show today also. Yes, she said no batting or backing. It was just a quilt top. I was also wondering about the exposed back, of the quilt top.

What was the name of the pattern she was making? If it was Cathedral Window, or similar, it wouldn't need a backing.

Sharon

That's the first one I thought of too, Sharon. But they weigh a bazillion pounds when done, even without the batting. It is a heavy quilt for winter, even. I have one UFO hanging on my wall now in Cathedral Windows. I am sitting here laughing, because I am about to turn it into a very, very large pillow cover and be done with it.

Sharon, I don't recall the name of the pattern, it was a patriotic quilt with - if I recall correctly - blocks pieced together with an appliqued border all around, I don't remember what the patterns were on the overall quilt but I believe they were appliques also. I guess as soon as I heard her mention no batting or backing my brain took over and I didn't pay attention to what my eyes were seeing anymore! (I can't think and see at the same time.)

Yes, I have made one. It has only good fannel backing and no batting...

It is a summetime fav with the a/c blowing giving a chill...

Gwen

Thanks for the photo, Gwen, love this. I did almost the same quilt except that all the bricks were the same length, all different shades of blue for my grandson's bed. Such an easy pattern, and I tied it. If I ever figure out how to upload pictures on this site I'll share it.

Calliope, I think mine will end up as the same thing! I'm thinking about filling 2 old pillowcases with trimmings, sew them together making a big-o-heavy body pillow and using my Cathedral Window for the cover!

Rita, I think the Victory Quilt series might be running now. You could probably go look at the books on her site and see if anything looks familiar. Or, call their customer service dept. The girls are great!!!

Sharon

Rita, I was going to send you an email about posting pictures but you don't have a link to an email address on your member page. Instead, just go to the Conversations page on this forum and scroll down a few until you get to Easy Photo Posting Instructions. If you have any questions or problems with it, let me know.

Kate

Did anyone here ever try just a flannel backing and no middle layer? I am thinking of trying a cotton pieced top and using a flannel sheet for the back, no batting. Will the flannel "slip" or will the regular amount of pinning work? Thanks in advance......know this is an older chat ( :

I made one like that, pretty far back so don't remember much about making it but I don't remember any issues with it. I also recently made a quilt and used flannel instead of batting in the middle, I thought it would be lighter weight but it wasn't - interesting texture effects with the machine quilting, though.

Do y'all have time for a story? My Uncle Nick and Aunt Lilly celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, and one of the presents was a beautiful summer coverlet. It was unbleached muslin with a big gorgeous embroidered flower basket Medallion in the middle. My aunt Lily put it away safely. One day my mother and I were visiting, and my mother asked Aunt Lilly about it. Evidently they'd had this discussion before because my aunt Lily got a little tight-lipped started being a bit rough with the coffee cups, thumping them down on the table. She admitted that she still had it stored safely away. My mother went into her big lecture about using what you have and enjoying what people have given you blah blah blah. Just as my mother said, "who are you saving it for, Nick's Next wife?", my Uncle Nick walked in the door and said, "Thank you Lily Mae. My next wife and I appreciate it." Next time mother and I came over, that coverlet was on the bed.

Sylvia, I so agree. They should be used and enjoyed.

Hey, I'm working out of Alberta Canada here so even in the summer it can get kinda chilly. That being said, my "summer quilts" always have the top and the backing but not necessarily batting. Especially if I use any kind of felt. I find having the backing protects the quilt top by not exposing the stitching to the harsh environment of everyday living. I hope that helps