I think some of you said you use muslin on the back of your runners. I was wondering if that looked ok , or not as nice? I am making a bunch of runners for christmas gifts and benefits; would muslin look good enough for the backing, since it isn't going to show much anyways? I feel like it would be wasting pretty fabric ,to put it on the back.

I always make the back out of pretty fabric...something that matches the front.
But, if you want to use muslin...no rules says you can't!!

If its just for me sometimes I'll use muslin. Sometimes I'll experiement
with fabric dies on muslin to try and match it to the front. Sometimes it works sometimes don't. But it was always fun trying.

I always use muslin on the back for myself...I'd rather use the pretty stuff in a project. For a gift, usually use a pretty fabric...then it can be reversible. Two gifts in one!

For me both ways work. I am just finishing up one with muslin but it is for everyday use. If its for a holiday or gift I use a pretty fabric on the back side then it is reversible.

Muslin works great....used it for backs on many things.

I usually try to use a coordinating fabric - but that being said - I have used the Kona muslin. I probably would not use the inexpensive muslin but Kona has a nice feel and decent quality. I also, when plain fabric is on sale, purchase a bunch and use that as well.

I have used muslin but always prewash and dry it in the dryer. Even the Kona and other good muslin will shrink. Loose weave or something.

I like making my table runners with two distinct different sides so that they can be used for different holidays, events, etc. Fall and spring together, summer and winter together, etc.

Hugs,
Sharon

I don't always use the same matching fabric....but I will find a decorative fabric that is on sale and use it for my backings...or I use the scraps from my oversize backings for quilts..they are long so I don't have to seam them and what not.

I usually put muslin on the back of just about everything. I hate having to use my nice pretty fabrics in an area that you don't really see it. but that is my own personal preference.

I usually make two different table runners and sew together. Generally 2 different holidays so that they are doing double duty.

You could also use muslin as your main fabric with strips of pretty fabric...or use it with scraps to make a patch work back... I like the idea of dyeing it to match the colors on the front, too.

Hi all,

For really special table toppers or table runners I have used some really nice decorator swatches - mostly the soft velour feel type - that I received FREE! They feel lush and the recipients love them.

alice

I am going to "help "my adopted niece (6) make a table runner for her family for Christmas. She wants it to say I love you with a patchwork heart, I'm figuring 24x36 & have the basic plan down(using scraps so not an expense for me.my question is I've got a big piece of red felt can I use that easily as the backing? Will it shrink or loose it's dye--- I don't think it's the most expensive felt(it was given to me)should I wash it first?

I would test a piece of the red felt, wet it and lay it on an old terry towel. If the colour bleeds, I wouldn't even try preshrinking it.

I like pretty fabric on the back that way if something spills on the front they can turn it over and use the other side a bit longer before having to wash it. Reversable.. sometimes one theme on one side and a different holiday on the other makes it twice as useful.

I've been making placemats and runners that are reversible and great for making one side Halloween and the other Thanksgiving. One side birthday fabric and the other a child or adult noveltly pattern another one is the Christmas and winter on the other side. Gift receivers love them as they serve double purpose. :lol: