I am shopping on line so I can't see what the weight is but I found 100% cotton shirting fabric on sale for $1.95 per yd. Could it be used for backing or is it too thin? Thanks

I'm not sure if I would use a shirting fabric for the backing. Can they send you a sample by mail before you purchase? They may be able to give you a thread count for the fabric which may be helpful in making your decision. You may want to check out the price of the wider backing fabrics as they may end up being a good deal.

Pam M

Gosh, that is really cheap. Is it by a well known quilting manufacturer or just no-name? I think that I would want to see it and feel it before buying it for backing. Maybe buy a yard and see what it's like? If it's too thin, the batting could beard through it, and who needs that mess?

I love Thousands of Bolts for long yardage. Most of their fabric is less than $5 a yard and they also stock wide backing fabrics. I've had great fabric and great service from them.
www.thousandsofbolts.com

No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

I have two antique quilts made from men's shirting fabrics. They certainly held up well thru the years. I would think as a backing they would do fine. I would wash them to tighten the weave before using however. My DH's shirts last for years, going to the cleaners to be laundered every week or so. That is tough material.

OK since fabric.com has a free return policy I bought backing and also some for night gowns and a few summer skirts.