how about tablecloths?
 

Has anyone used a tablecloth for backing fabric? Has anyone cut up a tablecloth and used the pieces in the top layer? I'm not talking about all polyester, I mean a tablecloth that is part or all cotton and gets wrinkled and has to be ironed. Thanks.

I have seen that done with older tablecloths at our guild. Not many folks use those older linen or cotton tables clothes and it is a way to preserve a bit of family heirlooms that way.

I bought a gorgeous Indian block print cotton tablecloth at a free trade shop on vacation and used it as a whole-cloth top and made a throw out of it. I LOVE it, it's my favorite throw and the colors go with my livingroom perfectly. Plus it always reminds me of that vacation. :) I bought a very similar tablecloth on another vacation and eventually will get around to using it the same way.

I've used them with no problems. If it is fabric, I like it, and it can be cut up or quilted I will use it. I have also taken an oval tablecloth, put appliqués on it, quilted and bound, then used on my table, still has oval shape, easier than trying to cut it from fabric.

I've seen some gorgeous quilts made with vintage tablecloths.

Maybe I should try this out of old tablecloths that have holes in them, but are hand embroidered.

I have not yet used tablecloths in quilting, but did use several of the round ones for children's circle skirts for costuming. Worked great. Hardest part was getting the waist size correct. Not something you would have to worry about with a quilt!

Nancy's Notions had a program where they used the old border print tablecloths to make shirts. They were beautiful. There is no reason not to use them however you want. I have a large tote full of old crocheted doilies, some small, some large and I am toying with the idea of using them on quilt blocks and sewing them down securely (after washing and blocking, of course).

I have a gorgeous damask table cloth waiting for just the right project. I would spray starch it well before layering.