teddysmom

I read somewhere that vintage quilts (pre 1940) were backed with either muslin or white material. Vintage quilts did not have prints or solid colors on the back. Any thoughts?

quilt addict

I think that was often the case but not a rule. Could depend on the intended use of the quilt. I have seen many more utilitarian quilts with feed sack and scrappy backs.

Look forward to reading what others think.

erstan947

All the old quilts I have are backed with muslin. Although my kin folk used what they had. Times were hard.

NikkiLu

My mother-in-law would turn over in her grave if she could see anything on a quilt back except white. All were muslin or feedsacks.

BKrenning

All the quilts my grandmother & great-grandmother made used "flour" sacks for the backing. It feels like a cross between muslin and linen. They used those flour sacks for everything. Dish towels, diapers, toaster covers, napkins, slips, etc. When flour started coming in paper instead of cloth--then they used whatever fabric was cheapest--usually muslin. I think they even called the flour sacks muslin but it doesn't feel anything like the stuff we call muslin now days.

watterstide

i use bleached or unbleached muslin..tea dyed also, on the backs of quilts..bby and toddler, i piece the backs with the leftover fabrics from the front.

i can't afford sometimes,6 yards, of matching fabrics for the backs..

irishrose

I have used a decent quality muslin on bed quilts, but Ive been making lap quilts now, so I prefer some color and/or pattern. Both sides of a lap robe show at times, whereas only the top shows on a bed.