What type of background fabric is best for a Sunbonnet Sue quilt? Many that I have looked at seem to be muslin. Can I also use cotton? I love this pattern and cannot wait to ge started. Thanks for your suggestions.

Yes, I think you can use any cotton you want. I would suggest a blender type fabric that won't compete with Sunbonnet Sue's dress or hat. You can get really creative in picking out the fabrics for her dress and hat.

I like little tiny polka dots. They hide oops stitches and look cute on so much.

The only SBS that I have worked on have been a series I am doing of Sue around the world...so each background evokes her nationality... (Only have about 5 done,...you can see them on my quilt page at the photo link in my signature)....

I like plainer backgrounds, too, but on QuiltersTV, Marti Michelle shows on she has done with wild backgrounds. It is actually pretty cute. Maybe you could get out all your scraps you are using for dresses and just lay them on some other fabric to see what grabs your eye.

I personally like the plainer background with SBS being very colorful.

I would think it will depend on the colors you use in her dress and hat. Something that would make the girl stand out but not be so busy that it blends in with it all.

I tend to stay away from solids for a background. Tone on tone or fine print fabric adds more interest to the main design. The eye will go right to a solid color.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions. It is so great to have all of you helping the newbies. I couldn't do it without you guys. Thank you!!!!!

cant wait to see it

I like plain too

I haven't tried one yet, but why couldn't you use cottons. It's you quilt and you can do what you want. I can't wait to see it.

I would use a tone on tone in a slightly off white if you are using 30's reproduction prints. White is too bright for it.

Hi,
Please post pictures so we can enjoy

You want to see the Sunbonnet Sue's not the background, tone on tone white or off white, but not muslin. I feel muslin has it's place but not on the front of a quilt that so much time and love has been put into. If you are using good quality fabric for the Sue's, also put good quality fabric in the background. You'll be happier with the end product.

I agree and the tone on tone prints take away the "plain" look. I think they add a lot of subtle detail to a block.