I usually split the backing and add a strip in the middle. I don't think it really matters how you do it though.

I usually do it like Jackie. Or you can offset it does it doesn't go in the exact middle.

The backing with a diagonal seam might be an option: http://www.multi-patch.com/html/diagonal_backing_calculator.php

I haven't used it yet, but plan to on quilts that are in that "just a few inches" range.

bkay

Thank you all so much. That diagonal thing is very interesting. Not sure how I would do such a long, straight cut on the bias, but it's an intriguing solution. Sharon, your backings are amazing. I may try a pieced strip down the middle. Would love to have this quilt done and delivered, but not yet, I guess.

Great ideas for pieced backing. Thanks for the pinterest board, Sharon.

Sometimes you just need a pieced backing! My mind goes blank when trying to think of different ways to do it so I decided to do a Google search and make a board on my Pinterest so it would be easier for me. As you can see, I only have one pictured that I did and those were blocks I had left over from the zig-zag front. The quilt I'm working on now has a pieced backing and I'm really pleased with it. It's in the quilting phase so won't be too much longer til it's made public. :-)

I've never seen that about the diagonal before but it's brilliant! Thanks, bkay!

I've used the diagonally pieced technique once and you have to be really careful to not stretch those long bias edges.

Donna

Your back look is cool...I like it

Very nice!

I love those pieced quilt backings but some of them could pass for tops. I've been using muslin for backing more and more these days.

Thanks. Here is a better, daylight, detail of back.

Gosh, the colors look so dramatically different btwn those 2 shots I'm having trouble believing it's the same quilt back. Nice job.

Edited to add:

Thanks to Geezer/Sharon for the Pintrest of Pieced Backings, they're great. I've done several myself & am working on one now, as we speak.

The quilting makes the back look so cool. Took me a minute to realize those weren't actual squares.