The wide backs are (should be) the same quality as the regular bolts as they come from the same manufacturers. Not only do I use them for piecing but I buy "short cuts" to use for sashing and boarders so I don't have to piece long lengths. Often the short cuts are marked down because they aren't big enough to back a quilt so you can get them a lot cheaper. One last point, 1 yard of 108" backing is about the same as 2 1/2 yards of standard widths, so a backing that costs about $15 is equivalent to $6 a yard. Not a bad deal IMO.

I use a premium quality muslin for most of my backing and also use it very often for the piecing background fabrics .

Good quality backing is the same as good quality 43-4" quilting cotton. In fact, I have seen the same fabric in both widths. I have purchased name brand 108" backing fabric on-line for as little as $6/yard, and it has been lovely, high quality fabric. If you stick to name brands, I don't think you can go wrong. And I always use my backing scraps for piecing.

I use leftover wide backing for piecing all the time. I have only once run into getting a wideback that I wasn't real happy with the quality. The fabric was very course and stiff. I haven't washed it yet so maybe washing will soften it up. Some of the batik wide backs are beautiful and I wouldn't hesitate to use the left overs for piecing.

I do not know why you could not use the quilt backing for piecing.

I use left over wide back for piecing--although if the piece is of any size I'll put a couple together and use for a backing.

I use the normal cotton fabric used in piecing. I've never used a sheet as the majority I've seen are polyester based. Muslin would be too thin and unsuitable for a backing or piecing.

You can. I was looking for some red for this quilt while in the states in March. The ONLY marbleized red I could find in the Greenville,SC area was at the now-bankrupt Hancock's and it was wide quilt backing. Yes, I bought it, and yes, it worked just fine. Here is the finished quilt.

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Justflying in, That is a FABULOUS quilt. Thanks for posting it.

The best price and variety of wide backings is Marshalls Dry goods. I have bought from them several times and use it in piecing as well.