pamelor

Hello all, I know I could Google this but wanted opinions and experience from real humans. Where do you usually buy muslin? I've never used it but think I need to try quilt backing with it. Also dipping into garment sewing (complete newbie) and was suggested to make prototype muslin garment before using moe expensive fabric. Thank you for any advice.

pocoellieagain

I get my 108" wide unbleached muslin from Marshall's Dry Goods, I buy it by the bolt, very good fabric, good customer service, I also get other fabrics there, since their prices are hard to beat.

Onebyone

I live a couple hours from Marshalls, so I have bought muslin there. Walmart and Hobby Lobby sell muslin too.

joe'smom

If I were buying muslin, I would order from Fat Quarter Shop. I've noticed in the past that they have a good selection. Unless you're in a real hurry; I think they do a high volume of business so it takes them a few days to ship.

Onebyone

I use the premium cotton muslin for quilt backing or blocks. I use the thinner muslin for foundation piecing, rag quilts, samples, etc.

pamelor

Thank you all for advice! MDG does have great prices, haven't bought from them before but think they are in my future.

tropit

It has been a long time since I bought unbleached, cotton muslin, but I do have some tips for you for making a muslin "block."

You want to match the weight of the muslin fabric to the type of fabric used for the finish product. Eg: if the finish piece is made from a light linen, or lawn, then use a lighter muslin fabric for your block. If you're using a heavy wool, then use a heavier muslin. This is because you want the block to drape properly. If you are making a block for your own, personal body, then you should probably make it with slightly heavier fabric, so that you can take it apart and reuse it over and over to make your own different styles of clothes.

Also, it is really helpful to have someone help you that knows how to properly measure your body. (Not your husband/BF....LOL. Been there, done that.) They will know just how to measure in the right spot, (hips for example are always off,) and it's very difficult to get accurate measurements doing it yourself.

It's also a good idea to invest in a good dress form that you can add/subtract padding as your body changes. The good ones are a bit more expensive, but worth it because you'll have that form for the rest of your life and you can change it as needed.

Good luck with your new sewing adventure and have fun!

Onebyone

If you go to Marshall's wholesale website you can buy their brand of fabric, MDG, by the bolt at a reduced price. You don't need a tax number. I would find what I wanted, call and talk to a fabric rep, the rep will be your go to from then on. Next time just call the rep and make an order. The rep can adjust the prices sometimes to a lower cost per bolt. This is only for wholesale and MDG fabric if you don't have a tax number.

WMUTeach

Thanks for this conversation. I always purchased JoAnn's best bleached and unbleached muslin and well..... no longer. So knowing that MDG is a good source. I may give them a try. I use white frequently for blocks and backs. I am working my way through all of my odds and ends for the immediate future. It is wonderful to have a bolt or LARGE cut that can be used for multiple quilts and not have to wonder if the color of white or cream is the same or just slightly different. By the bolt is always a winner in my book.

bearisgray

Might also consider cotton muslin sheets. They come in different thread counts - used to anyway

I strongly suggest soaking muslin in very hot water for at least a couple of hours and then washing and drying it.before cutting it.

I purchased RocLon muslin seve4al years ago- the end label said preshrunk - it shrank at least a couple of inches per yard. I measured it before and after. I was unpleasantly surprised.

Even the legacy muslin lfrokb jo-ann's shunk noticeably.