What This Fabric Is
The Natural Cream Color Wave Texture Flannel Wideback Fabric, sold by the yard at Linda's Electric Quilters, is a 108-inch cotton flannel wideback made by Benartex. Instead of a flat solid, it carries a gentle wave texture in a classic natural cream tone — a timeless, elegant look that adds quiet movement to a quilt back without competing with the piecing on the front. Cream is one of the most useful backing colours there is: it sits comfortably behind modern minimal tops, traditional quilts, and rustic farmhouse styles alike.
Because it is a true 108-inch wideback, it covers most quilt tops in a single piece. That means a seamless back with no piecing, no centre seam to line up, and no extra seam bulk in the quilt sandwich. Flannel brings something plain quilting cotton does not: a brushed, soft surface that feels warm and cosy against the skin, which makes this fabric a natural choice for quilts that will actually be curled up under. The product description notes that it is made from high-quality materials for a soft, comfortable feel and durability, and that it can withstand repeated washings without losing its plush texture and colour intensity. It also works beyond quilt backs — the same seamless width suits throw blankets, pillows, and wall hangings.
How Much Backing Do You Really Need? Top Plus 8 Inches
Start with the standard rule: your backing should measure your quilt top plus 8 inches in both directions — 4 extra inches on every side. That overhang gives a longarm quilter room to load, clamp, and advance the quilt, and gives a home quilter room to baste securely and quilt right out to the edges as the layers shift slightly during quilting.
Now run the numbers against a 108-inch width. Tops up to 100 inches wide fit across a single width with no piecing. A 60 by 72 inch throw needs a 68 by 80 inch backing — one width covers the 68-inch side easily, and 80 inches of length is just over 2-1/4 yards, so order 2-1/2. A 72 by 90 inch twin needs an 80 by 98 inch backing, just over 2-3/4 yards, so order 3. A 90 by 100 inch queen needs 98 by 108 inches, which fits the width at exactly 3 yards. For any size, take the longer backing dimension, divide by 36, and round up. If your top is wider than 100 inches, rotate it if the design allows, or plan a pieced backing instead.
Cotton, Minky, or Flannel? Choosing the Right Feel
A standard 108-inch cotton wideback is the stable, breathable default: it presses crisply, does not stretch, and quilts cleanly. Flannel like this one is cotton with a brushed surface — warmer, cosier, and softer to the touch, with a matte look and a little more shrinkage to plan for. Minky is plush polyester — soft and drapy, but stretchier, sensitive to high heat, and often in a narrower extra-wide width than a full 108 inches. Choose this cream flannel wideback when warmth and comfort matter most: winter quilts, quilts for colder bedrooms, and gifts for anyone who reaches for the cosiest blanket in the house. The neutral cream and subtle wave texture also make it a forgiving back that pairs with almost any top colour.
Working Tips: Pressing the Fold, Prewashing, and Longarm Loading
Pressing the fold: Widebacks arrive folded, and that centre crease can be stubborn. Press gently from the wrong side, working along the fold rather than across it, and let the fabric cool flat before you move it. Use a moderate hand with flannel — heavy pressing can flatten its brushed texture, so aim for flat and smooth rather than sharply creased.
Prewashing: Prewashing matters more with flannel than with plain quilting cotton, because flannel can shrink more on its first wash. Washing the backing before you quilt lets that shrinkage happen up front instead of in the finished quilt. If your quilt top fabrics were not prewashed, keep the whole quilt consistent and wash the finished quilt gently instead — just expect a softer, slightly crinkled finish, which many quilters love with flannel.
Longarm loading: Centre the backing on the frame, keep the selvages running parallel to the rollers, and check that the 4-inch overhang is even on all sides before you float or pin the top. Flannel has a brushed surface that can grip batting and the quilt top a little more than smooth cotton, so load with even tension, smooth as you advance, and avoid over-tightening, which can distort the softer weave.
Care
Once the quilt is finished, wash it gently in cool water and dry on a low setting. Flannel softens with use, and this Benartex wideback is described as holding its plush texture and colour through repeated washings — exactly what you want from a warm everyday quilt that will be used, washed, and loved rather than stored away.
Shop the Natural Cream Color Wave Texture Flannel Wideback Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
