iluvquilts

Do you use Muslin normally as a backing material, background material or try not to use it all?

When I started quilting - less than a year ago - I thought Muslin was the backing of choice - now I am not so sure.

I have been using a coordinating backing material although it is much more expensive than muslin.

Thoughts???

Cindy

kathy

I usually try to buy a good quality muslin and hand dye it to coordinate with the top, how often is the back really displayed?

renee765

I tend to use muslin for the backing when it's a wall hanging or table runner, but for lap quilts or bed quilts I use a coordinating fabric. I'm just not sure how muslin would hold up with constant cuddling under a quilt. With a wall hanging or table runner, there wouldn't be a lot of handling of the quilt. Besides, I like the look of coordinating fabric for backing that will be seen a lot. JMHO

Candace

I only use muslin for foundation piecing. I never use it for backing. I spend too much $ on the quilt to not make the back nice:> I prefer co-ordinating fabric that goes with the front.

katier825

It's just a matter of preference. I haven't used much muslin in a long time. But, with the economy, I think I will be using more in the front of the quilts. I sometimes use it for the back of wallhangings. My favorite is Kaufman Kona Mulsin.

I love pretty backings though. If I shop well, I can get decent prices on nice brand name prints for the back from online shops. A little more expensive than the Kona muslin, but still about half as much as the local quilt shops.

ckcowl

i very seldom use muslin for backings, but i do use a lot of muslin, for foundations, for some blocks, for embroidery, for printing pictures on, for making labels, seems like i am always needing it, and always buying yards of it, it is like the flour and sugar in the house...or maybe the salt and pepper...the main staple of the sewing room. but i get pretty creative with my backs.

Baysidegal

I use muslin for so many things and I am planning on using a hand dyed muslin for backing on my grandson's quilt...

bearisgray

A lot depends on the muslin one uses.

thismomquilts

I love using muslin on the backs of anything I make - I hand quilt and love to see it - it shows up so well on muslin. Never thought of dyeing it to match the front - good idea!!:)

BRenea

For me, good quality muslin is a must. I use it a lot in my quilting! I'm not saying that it has to cost a fortune, but I avoid muslin that has a loose weave and feels rough to the touch.