I agree muslin would give the right look. However, you don't have to use old-fashioned muslin, to achieve that. I think I remember seeing a Kona cotton, which looked like muslin (but wasn't actually muslin). Kona also makes a Premium Muslin.

There are several solids that are 1930s reproductions also; they are sort of pastel blue, green, pink, peach. It seems like Connecting Threads had some solids in a collection like that.

Jan in VA

Thanks, Jan. I was hoping you would respond because I always value your opinion. I'm thinking of going solid in a pastel shade. All my "corners" are white so white on the back just seems like it would be too much.

I use unbleached muslin a lot..................

I have seen 1930's prints in wide backings at Keepsake Quilting if that is something you care about.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

I have a couple of old quilts, that have blues and greens as solid backings. They are from the 40's. I loved the Keepsake wide backings in the 1930's prints. I bought some when we were visiting back home last fall.