Backing

• The backing is the fabric layer on the back of the quilt. Cotton solids and prints, flannel, calico and muslin are all commonly used backing fabrics. The colors usually reflect or complement colors from the top. Pieces can be joined to make the backing large enough. All About Quilting and Design says the backing should be cut 3 to 4 inches larger than the top on each side.
  
  

Batting

• The batting is the middle layer of the quilt and provides the quilt's warming qualities. Batting is generally made out of polyester, cotton, wool or a blend of these materials. The loft of the batting refers to its weight and thickness; low loft batting is thinner and easier to quilt while higher loft batting is thicker. Batting has a minimum stitching distance which dictates how far apart the quilting stitches can be.
  
  

Basting

• Basting is a technique for temporarily holding the quilt layers securely together immediately prior to quilting. The backing is taped down on a flat surface, then the batting and top are smoothed down onto the backing. The layers are either hand stitched together with a large needle and thread using a long stitch or held together with multiple safety pins. This step is to keep the layers from bunching or shifting during the quilting process.
  
  

Quilting

• The quilting step permanently joins the top, batting and backing. For hand quilting, quilters often use a hoop frame that keeps a section of the quilt taut. The quilt is finished in parts by moving the frame around to different sections. On a sewing machine, freehand patterns can be quilted with a darning foot. Horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines are quilted with an even feed foot. After quilting is completed, the basting is removed.