My Grandmother on my Dad's side made quilts for as long as I can remember, As a kid I too remember those heavy
tied quilts... She would sample piece the tops using what ever fabric she had at hand, whether it was cotton, silk or double knit. Inside batting and the back would be done with old draperies. It didn't matter what the pattern would be on top, she used what was at hand, even her kids clothing when they were young. So my suggestion would be drapery, but maybe use todays drapery, Today I still have 3 tops she made that are yet to be sandwiched, and I too will be tying them. She was 94 yrs when she passed back in 1993. I also have acouple of single quilts my boys used on their bunk beds, yet well worn. One is Grandmothers Fan.