(back then) they used what they had available--
they pieced backs with left overs-
they backed their quilts with muslin
they backed their quilts with solid - hand dyed fabrics
they used old worn out blankets for battings
it is your project-
you can use muslin
you can use reproduction fabrics
you can use printed calicos
you can use solids
you can use prints
make your quilt- then when the top is done- go shopping--for a back.
i have made special quilts that i bought backing for- but by the time the quilt top was done i wanted something totally different for the back than what i had already bought...
you can use an old sheet if thats what you want.