Just looking around at 108" quilt backing prices, where it's the same pattern as is available in 44" goods.

And the (wholesale) price for the backing is 1.5 times as much as the 44" goods.

Huh? You're getting 2.45 times as much fabric.

I don't understand. Anybody out there that can explain this?

Maybe I misunderstood what you were saying... But if they are only charging 1.5 times more for 2.45 more fabric... Isn't that a good thing?

I have found that the wide backings, while more per yard have always been a more cost efficient alternative for me because I am buying much less linear yardage. Wide back I can back a quilt with about 3.5 yards of fabric and no piecing. 44" I usually have to get about 7 yards. (for queen size quilt).

well i always heard it was cheaper to buy in bulk! i don't think i've ever seen the same 108 as any 44 tho. that sure would make it cheaper to make a quilt if you could get focus fabs that wide, might only take 1 yd. i need to check these out, the only time i think of 108 is when i'm done and looking for the back. LOL

I try to use the wide backing fabric on Most of my quilts.

one thing i've noticed about most of the wide fabric i've bought is that isn't as dense, not really flimsy but just not as heavy as most LQS fabs.

Maybe we should be buying the wide backing fabrics to make our tops too.

I'm glad you said that, because now I know to ask what kind of greige goods the backings are printed on. It could well be that they are not as thick as the 44"-wide ones.

Do you recall what brands the wide goods you bought were?

I have found the wide backing fabric is cheaper per yard. I just have a hard time finding the patterns I want for the front of a quilt. They are great for backing though. I love not having a seam in the back.

That is all I ever use. They look so much nicer than when you have to piece 44".

i have used regular prints wide 108" backings, 110" wide flannels and 116" wide batiks. the flannel was the only one that was not as heavy as what i usually buy but it still worked great and was a good quality, did not pill after a few washes. the batiks are the same as 45" wide bali batiks. i love using wide backs and have had no problems with sub-standard quality. and i am very picky about fabrics!
2 sources for wide backs are fabric.com AND quiltbacks.com but if you type wide quilt backs into your search you will find lots of shops that carry them, and just like everywhere some are better quality some not so good...shop at a reputable shop and if in doubt contact them and ask for a swatch so you can check it out before you buy. it is a very cost effective way to go...3 yds of 116" wide fabric gives you 116"x 108" ...so cost wise i can back a quilt for about 1/2 what it would cost for me to buy 9 yards of 45" wide fabric.