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-   -   What is the downside to Muslin??? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/what-downside-muslin-t58356.html)

adrianlee 08-09-2010 05:26 PM

I purchased bolt of good quality muslin. I wash what I need for a project in hot water, dry and then iron. Good for backing a wallhanging, foundation blocks, crafts, etc.

Pins n' Ndls 08-09-2010 06:43 PM


Originally Posted by quilterguy27
There is another thread going called "Muslin" and everyone seems to say muslin isn't that great. I asked there what the downside to muslin is and haven't really seen the question answered. So... I thought I would ask in a seperate thread. I use muslin all the time. For those of you that do not, my question is WHY???

I like the softness factor of muslin.

okiequilter 08-10-2010 04:29 AM

I love the look of muslin, especially with 30s and Civil War reproductions but I always use 200 thread count muslin. Definitely worth the cost difference.

QuiltswithConvicts 08-10-2010 04:36 AM

I, too, love muslin - both the unbleached and the bleached. However, as with most things, there are different qualities of the fabric. I always go for the top quality - usually means higher thread count. Some muslin is so wimpy that you can see through it. I also prefer what is called "permanent press. All cotton wrinkles, but if it's not perma-press, you just can't iron those wrinkles out :)

My Dear Jane is a scrappy quilt & I have used muslin as the background fabric. I really like muslin for backings to my quilts, especially wall hangings. Walls don't have eyes and I'd rather spend my fabric $ on the front.

I think whomever said there was adownside to muslin must have gotten hold of the low thread count, non-permanent press stuff. Continue to use it and don't worry. Out ancestors used lots of it!

KR 08-10-2010 05:07 AM

Definitely different grades of muslin. I'm using Robert Kaufman's unbleached 108" wide from JoAnn's for the background in my Dear Jane blocks.....think it goes nicely with antique-looking fabrics. Just my opinion.

StitchinJoy 08-10-2010 05:15 AM


Originally Posted by quilterguy27
There is another thread going called "Muslin" and everyone seems to say muslin isn't that great. I asked there what the downside to muslin is and haven't really seen the question answered. So... I thought I would ask in a seperate thread. I use muslin all the time. For those of you that do not, my question is WHY???

I began quilting in 1969. My first quilts ALL used muslin as a background. It was one of the few 100% cotton fabrics that was readily available.

I have some quilts that I made in the 80s that have muslin backgrounds, have been used on beds for 20 years, and washed frequently. They get softer and softer, but none have holes in them, none have batting bearding through!

Look for a fabric that is about 60-70 threads per inch. If you can read a newspaper through it, it's probably a bit thin for quilting.

I think there is muslin and muslin, like any other fabric. Buy the best that you can afford.

dott443 08-10-2010 06:06 AM

I make quilts for children and just tend to stay away from a lot of white. Thats the only reason I don't use muslin for backing and very little for patchwork. If you like it use it, the quilt police want come and get you.

sueisallaboutquilts 08-10-2010 07:25 AM

Hi Fellow Buckeye! I love muslin!! Oh my gosh I've used it for years. One thing I love about it is the quilting stitches show up beautifully with it. I've never had a problem with it.
I buy the best I can afford but I've been happy with the cheapie too!

everybody's mother 08-10-2010 07:28 AM

I don't see one, if you are careful what you use it for. My daughter buys best quality muslin, gives it all there prep to dyeing and then prceeds to make the most beautiful colors you have ever seen! The big PLUS is it never will bleed or shrink. It is wonderful to do needle turn applique with. :) :) :)

quilterguy27 08-10-2010 08:46 AM


Originally Posted by sueisallaboutquilts
Hi Fellow Buckeye! I love muslin!! Oh my gosh I've used it for years. One thing I love about it is the quilting stitches show up beautifully with it. I've never had a problem with it.
I buy the best I can afford but I've been happy with the cheapie too!

Hello right back, Buckeye! I agree with you!


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