Interesting Info comparing Moda 45" and 108"
 

I work parttime at a LQS and one of the things I noticed with the Moda backings was the quality of the fabric...yes very silky..now I know why. Thanks for sharing. Since I always prewash...prewashing my backings are not an issue.

One thing I disagree with is the article saying 60 thread count is good for quilting fabric. It's the low end of good (but not poor) as far a quilt fabric goes. Raveling a lot when cut is one indication of low thread count. The best quilt fabric has between 68 and 78 count. It shrinks less, sews better and lasts longer.

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

I'm trying hard to use out of my stash. In that wonderful closet is a bolt of Avalon bleached 100% cotton. It feels stiff, even after I washed it with softner and a fabric sheet. I need some white for a project, but I am afraid to use this. It's 200 thread count. Any ideas?

Try soaking it in the washer with 1/2 cup vinegar

I prefer wide back on the long arm---just seems to play nicer to me. and I routinely carry a bolt of 108" of Moda's bleached muslin--it's so soft and has a great hand. And while it's darn near impossible for wideback to come off the bolt straight of grain, this muslin comes pretty darn close! I don't pre-wash it but load on the frame and then to get out wrinkles I spray it with water and let dry overnight before loading a quilt--that seems to shrink it plenty. Color wideback I do wash.

Very informative thread. Thank you.

At the LQS where I work and does LA quilting, we tear the wide backing fabric instead of cutting...that insures the whole piece of fabric is on grain before you put it on the frame.