If I am doing a large quilt, I prefer to use the wide backing....so much easier and no seams!.....I've also done flannel (must prewash and dry)....and I've done pieced with just one fabric and that is ok, but don't care to mess with the ones that are pieced with several different fabrics.....keeping the seams straight and where you want them is a real bother, at least for me.....am sure there is a technique to make it easier, just haven't figured it out yet!

I mostly use the 108" wide backing fabrics, and mostly white or neutral. The back of a quilt just isn't that important to me, especially if it's a wall hanging. I can't bring myself to pay for yardage when $18-$20 will buy enough 108" wide fabric for a backing.

Regarding the extra wide fabric being thin, I have found that in non brand fabric. Robert Kaufman and Moda both have very nice bleached muslin though.

I prefer wide material for backing as I don't have to worry about making sure the seams are dead straight at the back.

I go with whatever the quilt seems to call for. I have pieced some and used the xtra wide for some.

I have been using yardage from Connecting Threads clearance seconds I have not found anything truly wrong to use for backings but limited colors and prints but they have worked for the last 12 bed size quilts I have made. I have been paying 1.98 per yard for it, and if I order enough for two quilts to make some pillowcases to coordinate and a new spool of thread - I get free shipping.

I mainly use wide backs, but, have also pieced

I have used yardage for my quilts. I have bought some duvet covers that were on sale and of course 100% cotton. Those are nice because you have both the front and back to use in two different quilts. I am thinking a flannel flat sheet might work too. The sheets are suppose to be 200 250 thread count, not the 1000 counts that are divine on the bed. I also like doing some piecing on the back using fabrics from the front. It is all fun and with fabric getting more and more costly, alternatives to yardage are great.

I have a Long-arm and shop thrift stores for flat sheets. They work well, and you can usually buy a gtwin size for $2.00.

I usually buy the wide fabric, but have been known to use thrift store sheets. The fatbacks are cost effective in that you can buy 3 yards (117 x 120) for about $45. If I had to piece it I would need about 8 or 9 yards of 45 inch fabric, which would cost me much more than $45. The plus side to this is that the back of the quilt (depending on the long-arm work) sometimes looks like a trapunto whole cloth.

Same here kimberly. :-) Whatever works.

Pat