Anyone Ever Used Upholstery Fabric for a Wallhanging Backing?
 

I wonder what it would be like to use upholstery fabric or canvas for a wallhanging back?

I was given a bunch of this kind of fabric that I have been using for totes.

Would it make a wallhanging hang flatter?

Would it be too hard to quilt through?

Would it make putting the binding on harder?

Has anyone tried this?

First of all, machine quilting thru canvas or upholster fabric would be more difficult and is the fabric washable? I don't think your quilt will hang any flatter. There are many reason to why a quilt won't lay flat.

I do not know the answer but it is a good question. I do think it would depend on the fabric.

I have been gifted a couple of different bolts. I pre-wash everything including upholostry stuff. I have used it both in bags & wall hanging backs. The stiffness makes wall hangings hang nicer IMHO. Bags wear very well. I have made several with different fabrics. many people use decorator sample fabrics in quilting. I also use upholstry fabric to back table runners.
Good luck experimenting

Interesting to know.[QUOTE=cjr;7371151]I have been gifted a couple of different bolts. I pre

I have used drapery fabric but not upholstery fabric for backings.

Well I tried one of these fabrics for the backing of a 24" wallhanging. I have no idea what kind of material it is. I tried burning it and couldn't tell. It didn't melt like I assume polyester would do, and it didn't burn slowly and turn to ash like I assume cotton would do. It burned quickly. Who knows?

It was kinda crinkly and stiff feeling, but not very thick. It worked wonderfully for the backing. There was no chance of tucks. It remained very flat. There was no problem quilting through it either. I wish I more of this kind of material for wallhanging backs.

You can use the fabrics for bags and backing. For the bags you won't need as much stiffening (if any at all). You would not even have to line the canvas bags if you finish the seams real well (I would use French seams if I did not line the bags) . You will need to use a bigger needle with a very sharp point (I would use a jeans needle -- probably a 14). Some of those fabrics ravel a lot, so I would stay stitch around the pieces -- a lot of starch might help.