AboutConnie Hester Expertise Quilting and applique expert.Can advise on the following topics:quilting, art quilts, quilt design and construction, machine and hand quilting, paper foundation piecing, machine piecing, hand piecing, raw edge applique, turned-edge applique and fiber art.
Experience Winning awards in international fiber and art competitions since 1983; http://www.conniehester.com/
BS,MS
See my work and books at http://www.conniehester.com/
Question I have an old, completely hand-stiched quilt of a friend of mine - her great-grandmother made it. It is just the top piece - she wants me to make it so she can hang it on the wall in her great room. Do you think I should just put a plain back on it and tie or should I put batting in it also - don't want it too be too heavy. I plan to put a rod pocket on back - it is a double bed size quilt. I thank you for your help.
Answer Batting will add more support to the quilt top by distributing the stress (upon the stitching) of hanging more evenly over the entire surface. Since you are putting a rod sleeve on the back, it will distribute the hanging weight, which will not be an issue, especially on a quilt of that size.
Batting will also allow the quilt top to look its best, as a batting-less quilt top can be seen through when held up and viewed. Even though it will be hung against a wall, there will be some degree of light behind it.
In addition, the batting will soften the look and the hang of it. Even with a hanging rod, a quilt top without batting will not hang as smoothly as one with batting.
