I tend to keep a variety of WOW patterns and watch for great sales that discount with the more yardage you buy. Fabric.com is good about that. I try to keep at least 3-4 yards of any single print. Enough to do an entire quilt or sometimes 2.

Northcott Colorworks Premium 9000, I buy it from fabric.com by the bolt. I keep a white and an eggshell.

I really like using the lighter Moda grunges. They’re like white or beige but with a little something more interesting. Since I started using the grunge fabric, the solids like Kona solids seem a little flat to me. Some are available in 108”. Hancock’s in Paducah has decent prices.

I recently bought some white kona cotton and really find that it is one of my new favorite background fabrics. I prefer cream background when I am working on a pattern with Civil War fabrics. Also, I made a wall hanging for my grandson and used a light grey grunge fabric and that was so nice to work with. Oh heck, I like them all!! :). If it is fabric I like it.

I like the off white, tan or dove grey backgrounds. I also have seen light blue that was very pretty. I suppose any pastel would work if the other fabric you are working with has a strong color hue. The antique country mostly have a muslin or off white background and sometimes black or navy blue.
I suppose what I am saying is, use what is best for your design you have in mind.

Battle Axe
Do you know how I can find seller franks11 on ebay? I tried to put it in the search bar, but it didn't take me there. Any help would be appreciated.

I often purchase whole bolts from JoAnn's of a white on white. I have one that is a favorite that is a really small floral, but I have used stars, dots, and small scrolls. Of course, I watch for coupons and it is just a thrill to dip into my bin of whites/creams and find all I need to start or finish a project. From time to time I will purchase JA, highest thread count white muslin.

Thank you everyone for the ideas of where you are finding good backings are a bargain price.

When Joann's has 60% off coupons I stock up by purchasing a bolt of Kona Snow.

You have to enter it as searching for a seller not a store. I found it that way. You can find it using advanced search.

I keep Optical White and Canvas (both RJR fabrics) on hand. I usually buy 10 yards at a time but thinking I might get a better deal with bolts. I also have a few precuts (jelly rolls and layer cakes) in each. Plus odds and ends when I find a good sale.