Confidently choose or piece a quilt backing that fits your style, skill level, and stash - with creative ideas, practical examples, and savvy tips. No more boring backs or costly new yardage - just thoughtful choices that make the whole quilt shine.

Quilt backings are an opportunity to showcase sustainability at it's best - thoughtful, frugal, AND beautiful options that make the whole quilt shine.

BONUS:

Your ticket includes lifetime access to the replay - so you can revisit it whenever you want a little design clarity.  

Tired of running out of steam when it’s time to think of the quilt back?

Let's fix that.

You finish your quilt top, step back proudly…
…and then realize you have no idea what to do for the backing.

  • Do you have to go shopping for more fabric?

  • Can you just use a sheet?

  • Are you able to cobble leftovers or extra blocks together — and if so, how?

  • How many seams are OK? And which direction?

Most quilt makers either panic-buy expensive backing yardage, or default to something boring just to get it done.


This workshop changes that.

What You’ll Learn Inside This Workshop


  • Why backing is a design opportunity - not an afterthought

  • Which nontraditional materials (like sheets or fleece) actually work

  • Creative ideas for piecing backings from stash chunks, leftover bits from the quilt itself, or orphan blocks (with tons of photo inspiration)

  • Creative ways to make asymmetry or contrast feel intentional - not random

  • Seam orientation, pressing tips, and layout tricks for flatter finishes

  • What to pay attention to if you’re prepping for a longarmer

  • Whether you’re finishing your third quilt or your thirtieth, you’ll walk away with a fresh, flexible lens on what backings can be


This Workshop is for all Quilt Makers

You don’t need to be a professional quilter or own fancy equipment.

This is about making creative, informed backing choices - not mastering longarm skills or intricate quilting designs.

Whether you quilt by hand, by machine, or send it out to a pro, this workshop helps you prep a backing that supports your quilt and expresses your style.


PLUS you'll see real-world examples

I’ll walk you through photo-rich examples of both simple and creative pieced backings - including:

  • The easiest “one-seam” approach

  • A few panel layouts that are well balanced

  • Scrap chunk layouts that feel cohesive, not chaotic

  • Clever ways to use orphan blocks and leftover bits without making it busy

You’ll leave with practical layouts you can adapt to your taste, stash, and skill level.


You're warmly invited.

In just 60 minutes, you’ll go from second-guessing your options to confidently choosing or piecing a backing that feels creative and doable.

Instant Access: $27

Meet Your Host

Hi, I’m Susan Smith, and I’ve quilted hundreds of quilt tops for clients. That means I’ve worked with just about every backing idea out there. I've seen what works beautifully (and what really doesn’t).

I also have frugal in my DNA😉 I care about using what you have, making thoughtful choices, and designing quilts that feel intentional and beautiful all the way through.

That’s what this workshop is all about.

 

Common Questions

  • Do I need to be an advanced quilter?

    Nope! This workshop is designed for confident beginners through intermediate quilt makers. If you’ve made a quilt top, you’re ready for this.

  • What if I send my quilts to a longarmer?

    We’ll talk briefly about how to prep and communicate backing choices to your longarmer — including seam orientation and alignment tips.

  • Will you teach how to actually quilt it?

    No — this is focused on backing design and construction, not the quilting process itself.

What students are saying:

  • Linda

    Every time I have machine quilted since I started following Susan, I am reminded of the many things I've learned from her about everything from loading the quilt to keeping it flat and straight to the thread color and quilting pattern selection. Sew grateful.

  • Doris

    I am learning so much with Susan’s excellent instruction. The course material, watching Susan stitch the designs, and her samples of how the design appears on quilts is so helpful. And all in the comfort of my own home!

  • Lori

    I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. They are high quality productions with very, very useful content. I always learn something while watching you and find inspiration to try something new.

FAQ

  • Is this for machine quilters only? Or quilt makers in general?

    It's for ALL quilters! Even if you don't do the quilting yourself, you'll find MANY ideas and tips for your quilt backing.

  • Can I watch this on my own time? Or only a specific time?

    It will only be held LIVE at the specified time, but the replay will automatically be available for every enrollee.

  • How do I access the workshop?

    Watch for your introduction email! (And carefully check your email address when you enroll🔎) That email will have login details for your student dashboard. That's where you'll find the LIVE course, and also the REPLAY as soon as it's released.

  • If I'm an ADVANCE member, is this workshop included in my membership?

    No, it's not. This is a brand new workshop.