If it is a lap or throw, I don't like to use muslin because the entire quilt will be on display a lot of the time. It will get turned over, wrapped up in, etc. I want both sides to be pretty, and in my mind that means color!

I have seen some very great muslin backs though, that showcase the quilting. Guess it is each to his own, which is what is so appealing about quilting. I can do my own thing!

Me, too. I love to be able to see the quilting on the back and can't do that with a print. But I am trying to get rid of stash, so for a little while, it will be prints on the back! froggyintexas

I use muslin sometimes. It is so soft after it has been washed. My grandchildren love it and they don't want to use a top sheet. Of course the quilts have to be washed to death that way.

Me, too - I also buy the 108" wide muslin for spacing blocks and sashing - it's cheaper than the 42-45" wide. I use the scraps and leftovers for string-pieced blocks, linings, backings for small wall hangings, and a zillion other things I can't think of right now.

I've also used the unbleached muslin with 19th century reproduction fabrics for quilts made with those scraps.

I only use muslin for wall hangings and tablerunners. If you piece the back with fabric that goes with the front, you're sort of getting a 2 for 1 deal. Especially if it's a bed quilt, you can turn it over from time to time.

Hi Ava, Muslin , which I have used , is the softest fabric you can put on the backing of quilts. Of course, flannel is also good but probably more expensive. Being a frugal yankee, I don't buy much fabric anymore, only when I really have to have something special. Seems the moreI washed the quilt the softer it got. One more thing in favor of muslin, it's plain and won't clash with other fabric. Nice talking with you, Loraine

good point

I use it sometimes on wall quilts and who will see the back!

I use it on mine. It's not the thickest or thinnest so I'd say probably medium thickness because I quilt mine by hand. I bought some one time and it was so thick I had a heck of a time getting my needle through it!

I think it's traditional to use unbleached muslin. If you do not plan to use both sides of your quilt or if it is a wall hanging why waste the extra money.