cwessel47

I generally use muslin for backs and for piecing on the front when it calls to me. Muslin is a seriously strong fabric - there shouldn't be any worries about it's ability to stand the test of time. Muslin is simply the fabric that prints are set upon. Anyone who wants to turn up their nose at this is welcome to - But I won't be buying 6 yards of fabric to match a print on the back, rather than buying 2 1/2 yards of 90 - 108 or 120" wide to finish something that the down side will always be down on. Let's use these things anyway! And I agree, as a handquilter, that I love the satisfaction of seeing all those even stitches showing up so well on the back!

littlehud

I use coordinating fabric for my backing. It's just what I like.

0tis

I always use some patterned piece that coordinates with the front. But, I never considered muslin for the back - So my question is - Can you use muslin on the back of a show quilt? Or would that be for utilitarian purposes only?

zz-pd

Thank you all for the information. God bless. Penny

Jeannette in NJ

Any dying hints? I will check to see if there is a tutorial on dying muslin also.

quilterguy27

I don't know about show quilts, but personally I don't see why you couldn't use it. It's fabric and it's 100% cotton. If you don't like it the plain way, you could always dye it, tea or coffee stain it. Slather it around in a bucket of blackberries or blueberries. I bet that would be pretty. Doesn't all fabric start out as muslin before it's dyed anyway??? Just curious.

quiltmom04

I often hear people talk about getting a less expensive fabric for a backing. Think about it - which side of the quilt will get the most wear, if you actually use it - the BACK! Choose just as good quality for the back as for the front. If you choose interesting fabric, or piece fat quarters, it's almost like having 2 quilts for the work of one. I do use less expensive, or unmatching fabric is it's intended to be a wall hanging, becasue no one sees it, and the wear on it is less.

Kathleen charnell

I want the back of my quilts to be as beautiful as the front, last as long,& be completely reversible. That's why I always use the same quality in the back as in the front..I only use muslin for practicing. I love the Kona solids even for my background in my hand applique projects. After all that work, who wants to use substandard musln unless you reaaly can't afford anything else. I would rather have one nice good quality quilt, than five that will fall apart after a few years!!!

fancifrock

Kona makes an excellent quality muslin. Not the old muslin that we are use to. Really makes up beautifully and shows off the quilting on the back.

sewjean

My Mom always used muslin for the backs and they hold up very well, just like the front. And her hand quilting is beautiful! I think most people have a favorite side of a quilt and use that rather than turning it over to use both sides. jmho