Muslin Backing
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 135
Muslin Backing
I am rather new to quilting. I haven't finished a quilt yet but am really close. I was wondering if anyone uses muslin for backing. I would be doing wall hangings and lap quilts for now. If you guys could give the pros and cons I would greatly appreciate it. And also, between bleached and Unbleached, is one better than the other? Joann's has a 10yard 60" bolt for $34.99 and thinking about getting it if it will work using it for backing. Will be going in the morning early afternoon so I hope I get some responses prior to heading out. Thanks so much!!!!
#2
Muslin is often used for backing, especially on wall hangings where the durability isn't as important. Bleached and unbleached are only different in color as far as I'm aware. The bolts that JoAnn's has on sale tend not to be the best muslin, usually a very coarse weave. Since all muslin is relatively inexpensive, I would suggest getting one of the finer quality muslins, such as the Legacy Studio Premium, unless you prefer the coarser weave. (Be aware that if it is washed, it will shrink more than the finer weave muslin).
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Washington
Posts: 855
Muslin is fine for backing, although you do want good quality muslin. I agree that the muslin you mentioned might be poor quality, but would definitely be all right for a wall hanging. Solid colored fabrics are good too. The Kona cotton solids from Robert Kaufman are excellent, and Joann's and Hancock's both sell those.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NH
Posts: 645
I have bought two bolts of muslin at JoAnns. One was Roc-Lon that was a close weave, nice hand and suitable IMO for backings and others similar uses. The other was lesser quality, coarser weave and very thin. While I was disappointed in the quality, i was still able to use it for foundation under strings, practice for MQ and the like after washing. I learned to read the bolt end information to see what I was getting! It is very nice to have that amount of a fabric on hand for all kinds of projects. JMHO
#7
I have sample of Roc-lon muslin. The 59-60" CRF muslin (#71790) unbleached and #719080 bleached is 100% c0tton, crease resistant. It has a really nice feel.
I haven't used the 60" though have used a lot of Roc-lon and like it very much.
I haven't used the 60" though have used a lot of Roc-lon and like it very much.
Last edited by Barb_MO; 03-28-2014 at 03:48 AM.
#9
I use muslin alot. My DH likes muslin as backing and says it reminds him of the quilts his grandfather made. He says it just feels good to curl up and nap in one and it brings back memories from his childhood.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
I also use muslin for some quilt backs. I usually use a quilting cotton for throws & baby quilts - items that you are commonly going to see both sides of. For bed quilts and wall quilts, however, I usually can't bring myself to put pretty fabric on the part of the quilt that you hardly ever see! A good quality muslin works great!
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