I know most quilters only use cottons, but I use what ever I like. So did my mother. We also made our clothing and what was left went into a quilt. I use a lot of blends that I received from a sewing factory that made comforters, dust ruffels and draped. The brand name was Springs. I'm sure most of you are familer with that brand. All the quilters in my family uses this material. I say if you like it use it. And no, if you put blends into a crazy quilt, it does not need to be backed with anything.