Can I combine a pieced cotton top with a fleece backing?

[Dorothy V.]

Just another thought: I've used cotton tops and fleece backings successfully using "quilt as you go" technique. I cut the fleece backing to desired finished size plus an allowance for binding. I then stitch the cotton strips on as desired, often in a simple log cabin or crazy quilt pattern. The "quilt as you go" technique minimizes the amount of fleece I'm trying to keep smooth at any one time. When the pattern is complete, the extra allowance for binding is then pulled to the front and stitched for a quick, easy quilt.

I donate these quilts and don't know the final recipient. Some charities are concerned about potential safety hazards of tied quilts becoming untied; e.g., loose threads and young children.

Good luck.

[Robin G.]

That sounds like a wonderful way to solve this problem. I took the easy way out, however. Made a traditional quilt and then just did a totally fleece blanket. They both turned out well and I probably was able to get the two of them done in the same time that struggling with just one would have taken.

R.