QM

That is exactly what I did when I was asked to rescue an older baby quilt.

nanna-up-north

I think your plan will work just fine. I once bought a quilt that was torn in spots and generally in bad shape. I bought it at the time because I was making stuffed animal pillows with vintage quilts that couldn't be salvaged. Anyway, when I cutting my shapes out of the good parts I saw that there was a quilt underneath. After doing a little research I found that using an old quilt as batting was common practice during the depression era. People didn't have the money for fabric and batting. They used worn out clothing for piecing tops and old quilts for batting. Quilts were made for warmth and utility.....

Shelbie

Leaving the old backing on if it is really thin anyway and attaching the new backing should work out just fine. It does sound as if your son should be on your list for a new quilt! Quilts that are used constantly do wear out and it is ok to "retire" them and make a new one.