ocydroma

I am rather new to quilting. I haven't finished a quilt yet but am really close. I was wondering if anyone uses muslin for backing. I would be doing wall hangings and lap quilts for now. If you guys could give the pros and cons I would greatly appreciate it. And also, between bleached and Unbleached, is one better than the other? Joann's has a 10yard 60" bolt for $34.99 and thinking about getting it if it will work using it for backing. Will be going in the morning early afternoon so I hope I get some responses prior to heading out. Thanks so much!!!!

dunster

Muslin is often used for backing, especially on wall hangings where the durability isn't as important. Bleached and unbleached are only different in color as far as I'm aware. The bolts that JoAnn's has on sale tend not to be the best muslin, usually a very coarse weave. Since all muslin is relatively inexpensive, I would suggest getting one of the finer quality muslins, such as the Legacy Studio Premium, unless you prefer the coarser weave. (Be aware that if it is washed, it will shrink more than the finer weave muslin).

ocydroma

Just the kind of information I'm looking for!! Thanks for the info and the recommendation of the legacy studio premium.

TeresaA

Muslin is fine for backing, although you do want good quality muslin. I agree that the muslin you mentioned might be poor quality, but would definitely be all right for a wall hanging. Solid colored fabrics are good too. The Kona cotton solids from Robert Kaufman are excellent, and Joann's and Hancock's both sell those.

katier825

There are several brands of nice muslin. Look for 200 thread count. Legacy, Kaufman Kona Muslin, Moda, Southern Belle.

QltrSue

I have bought two bolts of muslin at JoAnns. One was Roc-Lon that was a close weave, nice hand and suitable IMO for backings and others similar uses. The other was lesser quality, coarser weave and very thin. While I was disappointed in the quality, i was still able to use it for foundation under strings, practice for MQ and the like after washing. I learned to read the bolt end information to see what I was getting! It is very nice to have that amount of a fabric on hand for all kinds of projects. JMHO

Barb_MO

I have sample of Roc-lon muslin. The 59-60" CRF muslin (#71790) unbleached and #719080 bleached is 100% c0tton, crease resistant. It has a really nice feel.
I haven't used the 60" though have used a lot of Roc-lon and like it very much.

117becca

My mom used to make curtains out of the "slubby" type muslin fabrics. They were nice!

Country1

I use muslin alot. My DH likes muslin as backing and says it reminds him of the quilts his grandfather made. He says it just feels good to curl up and nap in one and it brings back memories from his childhood.

PaperPrincess

I also use muslin for some quilt backs. I usually use a quilting cotton for throws & baby quilts - items that you are commonly going to see both sides of. For bed quilts and wall quilts, however, I usually can't bring myself to put pretty fabric on the part of the quilt that you hardly ever see! A good quality muslin works great!