I have a quilt my aunt made me 9 years ago -- the binding is all but gone, but the muslin back still looks good.

This old quilt that I have is really nothing more than a backing and binding with some top and batting in VERY sparse places. However the backing which appears to be muslin and the binding which also appears to be muslin do not even have so much as a snag in them! There is no label on the quilt so I have no idea how old it actually is but I would say it has held up GREAT over time!

I think the maker used a thinner muslin for the backing and it is THIN, but not ripped up like the front is!

The muslin used on the quilt blocks my mom did for her hope chest that were started in the 1920s/30s held up for 60-70 years before wearing out and that quilt went through my washer and dryer many times in the 1970s and 80s and into the 90s. It was well used and loved and worn out.

Never had a problem with muslin for the backing

the batting is sparse because it was a "combed" cotton batt...very old indeed!

I have 4 quilts that my Grandmother made in the late 20's oe early 30's and all of them are backed with muslin. She raised 6 children and the quilts were used and laundered regularly. I would say that muslin will hold up

Thank you all for your replies, muslin will be used and it is much cheaper,
I called the store where I saw all of the old blankets and of course they are all gone but I'll be on the lookout.
I appreciate you all so much, thanks again

I have a 30+ year old quilt made of three sheets. Hand stitched washed in a machine sometimes daily (her dog was old and oopsed) and is still just fine.

muslin is the best.so soft and hold up really well.