I am a tearer from way back. I intentually purchase the wide backing fabric when I can get a good price. I make at least 20 Linus quilts a month and it is one way to keep my expenses down. A new Joann's opened up near me recently. They are having their grand opening this weekend. Yesterday I purchased three yards of their 108" solid color backing fabric. With a 50% off coupon I will be able to get at least 4 teen size Linus quilt backs out of it for about $10. It is also a great way to get lengths for borders, straight of grain binding etc. Tearing is a great way to keep the grain straight and the size of the strips etc. exact.