Kinda dumb question - domestic fabric
 

When I was growing up (50 something years ago), my mother would use what she called "domestic" fabric for quilt backing. Is that the same thing as unbleached muslin? Haven't heard that term used in years and I'm curious if it's the same thing.

When I googled "Domestic Fabric" muslin came up. . .

Yes, it is muslin. That's what my grandmother always called it.

Not a dumb question at all! I never heard of that, and now I learned something, so thank you!

I have not heard that term but, I do know muslin was about the only thing used for backing.

"Domestic" was plain muslin because it was common to dye fabrics at home with store-bought dyes. In other words, it wasn't colored or printed.

Jan in VA

Oh did that bring back memories. I had forgotten muslin was once called domestic. I had not heard it called that in many years.

I remember when muslin was called domestic.

My family had a "general merchandise" store which carried fabrics. I can remember seeing huge bolts of this fabric. It was unbleached muslin. Women came in and bought yards of the stuff. I think they were buying it to make bedding (sheets, pillowcases, etc.). I also remember seeing these big bolts of fabric used for dish cloths.

I have always heard that the only dumb questions are the ones you do not ask. I learned something from your question so it was a good one.