Muslin As Quilt Backing?
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Not all muslin is created equal. Some has a really large amount of shrinkage... and some never even gets close to lying flat without alot of steam and a good hot iron. Take a piece, measure it , and launder it prior to use.
I use muslin alot for backings and have come to know which ones are better, in your case you don't know much about the manfuacture or even what year it was produced ... TEST!
I use muslin alot for backings and have come to know which ones are better, in your case you don't know much about the manfuacture or even what year it was produced ... TEST!
#24
Gosh, your question really made me stop and think. When I first started quilting many years ago, I always used muslin for the backing- mainly because it was what my grandmother had always used, and because it was inexpensive. Then I started using quilting fabric for "special" quilts, like ones that were gifts, or for a bedspread that the top would be turned back and the backing would show. These days I use quilt fabric exclusively for backing on every quilt I make, but I have such a large amount of fabric that lately I have been thinking I would start piecing the backing to use up fabric.
But your question made me think about using muslin again, and now I think I probably will. Why not?
But your question made me think about using muslin again, and now I think I probably will. Why not?
#25
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
muslin is still used by many, many people for quilt backs- i know ladies who use nothing else. muslin makes wonderful backs- it washes up so nicely- gets softer & softer with use & laundering- and show cases quilting stitches. there are still many (traditionalists) who do not understand using prints/calico's- other fabrics for backing- muslin is (common practice) in many parts of the country.
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Fox Valley Wisconsin
Posts: 1,920
I personally don't usually use muslin on the back of a quilt, as I prefer a color, but there is no reason you can't use it. It is priced less than printed fabric, and most muslins wash up very soft. If you have it, I would say to go ahead and use it.
#30
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 8
I have been trying to use up some of my stash so I cut up a lot of my "good lord, what was I thinking" fabrics into 2-1/2" squares and just finished the top for the Film at Five quilt. Used muslin for the sashing and I think it works well with the scraps. I also have wide muslin that I will use for the back.
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