i am assuming you are talking about not using a foundation?
we use the foundation for stability. if you are not concerned about the strips getting a little wonky you sure can do with out. i use foundation because for me it is easier and faster to put them together...but that's just me. if you don't want to use a foundation try it without and see how it goes.

I don't know about backing but I love your avatar, ck.

Thank you :) It is a rug in front of a fireplace actually. The picture is sideways. It is on the floor of a new home of a friend and I took it so I could make a quilt that would match it perfectly.

Hee Hee - picture on side. I never would have guessed. Now a quilt using these colors and design will be beautiful. Do post when you finish it.

As for foundations, I really prefer to use them because it makes the seams go perfectly straight and quick. As for cost, I use the cheapest fabric found as it is just that--a base. Muslin works fine too but then again one can find cheaper stuff anyplace and it does not matter because it will never be seen. Therefore, I have stripped block from leftovers sewn upon junk fabric, next to regular batting and finally the backside of a better quality fabric. Makes for a nice quilt. Good luck.