quilt backing question
 

Hi everyone,

I have a lady that would like me to quilt a top for her. It had been made and given to her mom, and just sat there for a long time, and then her mom gave it to her. I looked at the top, and it isn't in bad shape, there are a few seams that have popped, but they won't be a problem to fix. It looks like the fabric is probably a poly/cotton broadcloth. I am also guessing it is that kind of fabric, because of how old it is. Would you back with a poly/cotton broadcloth or with a cotton? I know if I use a cotton, I will for sure prewash, just to be sure it all works fine.

I am hoping she will still have me do it. I asked what she had in mind, and she said I thought of those little strings that stick up, and I told her that tied quilts are not my favorite and I don't like doing them. I then showed her some of my ideas. I am new at this and forgot to let her know on the phone that I would like a deposit of 1/2, just to cover the batting and the backing. Of course, I won't buy anything until I have her deposit in hand.

If you are using a longarm, I'm thinking for stitching ease it might be safer to use a cotton backing. The only reason I can think of for using a poly/cotton is for fading over time. Poly colors do not fade with washing and exposure to light; cotton colors do. Mixing the two types of fabric would be more problematic for the top, though; I can't see it mattering a lot if the top remains bright and the backing fades gently over time.

What kind of batting are you thinking of using? Polyester batting won't shrink. Once quilted, it is the batting (not, say, an unwashed cotton backing) that controls shrinkage.