I've used muslin as backing on a couple of quilts. As far as performance, functionality, and looks, it's wonderful. However my tastes have changed and I now prefer a bit of color in my backs, especially if I can use orphan blocks or excess fabric. When I make stack-n-whack or OBWs, I make sure to put some of the uncut fabric on the back of the quilt. Makes it fun for the quilt recipient to compare the original fabric to the finished blocks.

muslin has been used in quilts for generations! muslin is a wonderful fabric- washes up beautifully and gets softer & softer with use/laundering- there is (like with any fabric) different quality muslins-some are quite thins...others are as good (or better) than any other quilting fabric! i use the muslins from fabric.com all the time!

A good quality muslin makes good background fabric (I use Moda muslin or Southern Belle). But, you don't have to use a solid fabric as background! Any light colored print will work as well. I often use light shirting as backgrounds in Civil War reproduction quilts.

Just a note Kona is a registered trade mark of Robert Kaufman. If it says Kona only Robert Kaufman can use that name on fabric. Look closely at the label on the end of the bolt (not the secondary label that may be applied by the store for inventory purposes , or price changes) you will see Kona with the small R with the circle around it. That small R with the circle means its a registered trademark.

There are lots and lots of different manufactures and grades of muslin. I have used Kaufman Kona muslin and really liked it. It is one of my favorites for quilt backings when I want the quilting to show ( or should I say show-off) on the back.

I looked at Robert Kaufman site and there are many different colors, so, is all Robert Kaufman Kona muslin?
I love using their black Kona but never tried any of the other colors.

Hmmm. I wonder if the confusion then comes because of Kona Bay. Maybe people confuse Kona Bay muslin with Kona muslin made by Kaufman.

I use muslin all the time that I get from Joann's. It works fine. I do not prewash until the quilt is finished. I have a quilt that I made in 2000 that is on my bed from November through March every year, and the only thing that is showing its' age is the bindings. It has been washed at least once a month each winter for 12 years and looks amazing. Over the summer, I will replace the well-worn bindings.

I have used muslin in quilts to. Just buy a good muslin and always wash and dry it before you use it because muslin shrinks.

My sister made blocks of applique stars with muslin background before she died and I finished it. I used muslin for the backing. It worked perfect!