I use wide backs from SewBatik and LangaLapu. Any leftovers go into other quilt tops as borders or pieces. Love them.

WOW - check out SewBatik. Beautiful batik backings. I especially loved the double border - and I'm thinking caftans, too.

so far the only wide I have found (108") is muslin - where do you find other wide fabrics?

JoAnns, LQS, online stores.

The 108" wide from SewBatik.com is printed on goods that are NOT like regular batiks - for a reason. Regular batiks are printed on a very high thread count fabric. When used on a longarm there can be problems with threads breaking instead of parting for the needle. By using a threadcount closer to that of quilt shop quality quilting fabrics, the backs behave better during the quilting process. I LOVE quilting on their wide backs!

I just checked out SewBatik.com. OMG their prices are high!

I don't have an answer, but the inmates figured it long ago. They are allowed 4 yards of fabric - policy doesn't state how wide the fabric has to be. Clever or sly, but they buy the 108" whenever they can - even the batiks!

Same here, haven't seen 108" fabric pattern in 44" width. I have used left over backing in quilts at times, although it is thicker to my feel. Always get backing material for large quilts...cheaper and I don't have the pesty seams.

;-)

I haven't use the 108" much because I don't find colors that I like. I have not noticed them being thinner. Just the opposite. They are usually very stiff. Some of our quilt shops carry fat backs. JoAnn have some. Be care at JoAnn because a lot of times the fabric shiffs as it is rolled on the bolt and they cut exactly on the measurement. By the time you square up the two ends you are short. I am using a longarm and need to square things up.

This has been my observation, too.