trolleystation

Go with the muslin. I use it all the time.

junegerbracht

I too prefer a special fabric for my table runners and quilts but that’s just my opinion. You should do what works for you.

margied

I use 'good' fabric on back of table runners just in case something spills etc, you can turn them over and they don't look bad until you get to wash it. Otherwise muslin is good for lots of stuff

WMUTeach

Good quality muslin is .... perfect! Quilt on!

jmoore

Definitely not tacky...I have used a solid which is normally cheaper than the print fabrics or I’ve even done scrappy in corresponding fabrics for the backside...just to use up stuff from my modest stash.

klswift

Muslin is absolutely fine! It you want to 'fancy' it up, use a brightly colored thread in the bobbin and the quilting design will show up nicely. Even if you have done a simple outline or grid, it will show an interesting pattern on the muslin.

mengler

Great idea. I’m making a wedding gift table runner so muslin or flannel it will be.

d.rickman

Also in the wide backs, you can check with the shop you deal with, there is a product called "egyption"
cotton, the quality is unbelievable, and the thread count much higher.....Both our quilt shops stock this product.

Rose_P

Muslin is perfectly good for backing. Who would turn it over and be critical, and if there really was such a person, why would you care? Another option, which I have used because it saves space in the linen closet, is making another pieced table runner for the reverse or using a seasonal novelty fabric. I have a fall one that reverses to Halloween fabric and different Christmas ones back-to-back, and one in spring colors reversing to an Easter design.

tesspug

I make my table runners and place mats double sided. Just flip over for another holiday or season. I use muslin or scraps for the backs of wall hangings.