I've made several string quilts. I started out using a muslin square, then switched to waxed paper from Costco. I think there was a discussion about that somewhere here on the board. I find with a small stitch and a size 12 or 14 needle that it's easy to take off and besides, it's a mindless task when in front of the TV. I found that the muslin either made the quilt too heavy with a batting and to flimsy without. I prefer using a batting. If one uses a fleece backing, I like the thin Thermore batting. as I think it has more stability. I've made some of my quilts with a common center strip and others just random, depending on what I have to use. Lately, I've been doing random and I like the look too. It's a fun and again, mindless, way to use up the scraps (which I can't seem to throw away!). I've had good response from those receiving them too......they are fun and in a way, kind of an "I Spy" feel to them....