So much will depend on the weave of the fabric. I try to be more careful now when I am buying backing fabrics. I have been known to return a piece I purchased on line because the weave was not as tight as I wanted it. This is one of those you learn as you go and develop your own preferences. I still use both as both a looser weave and a tighter weave work well for a backing. I am just more careful on how much I buy. I do not need to have extra of a fabric I will not be using in another quilt top or can't use in a scrappy quilt.