Jingle

Backings are different weights, I just use them. They are always 100% cotton.

QuiltE

Not all widebacks are the same weights/quality.
I've had some that are a good heavy weight ... some that are quite flimsy.

Coming from Fabricland, I would first question ... are you sure it is 100% cotton? and was it really a quilting weight?

Fabricland have been coming out with all sorts of variations lately. Recently I bought some regular width that seemed like it had a lot of sizing, and like others before it, would wash out and be a little on the light side, though acceptable for the end purpose. After washing, it definitely was not as stiff, but still more than expected. Plus it had a polyester feel. Of course, I could not go back and read the label on the bolt, being that I had bought the bolt end. Change of plans for that fabric ... will be used somewhere, sometime!

I used to be able to purchase at Fabricland, with caution and still buy comparable quality to an LQS.
Lately, I have been very disappointed in the quality and what they have on hand.
I am definitely not a fabric snob ... but honestly they are going to have to up their game, to keep my business.
Knowing your location ... in the future, it's worth the drive to Len's (again, shop cautiously) ... but great selection of many of the same you find in the LQS'.

donnalynett

Connecting Threads has beautiful backing. I washed it first and there was little shrinkage. Love their fabrics!

GingerK

Yeah QuiltE, I'm planning to make the trek to Lens tomorrow. Grrrrr....really don't have time for this but the quilt will be a wedding gift so want it to be right.

QuiltE

GingerK ... another possibility, on your way, check out I was in Undercover Quilts-Fergus. I was there yesterday and they had a lot of widebacks. Len's-Guelph has quite a few too, but probably not as wide of a selection. Really depends on what sort of a backing you want. I seldom buy widebacks ... just don't find what I want, so put seams in it. Another would be Creative Sisters-Kitchener. A further drive for you, but probably the best selection of all ... and of course, another Len's nearby!! Before you head to Len's don't forget to print the coupons from their site ... 20% off if you empty a bolt (regular is 15%) and perhaps others that might be of interest to you. Good Luck!

CAS49OR

If it feels sticky it may still have soap in it. Front load washers use about half as much soap as you think they might. Maybe just rinse it with some vinegar water, spin cycle.

GingerK

Update. I decided to bite the bullet and buy more backing from a different source. It was also labelled 100% cotton. I washed and dried it in the same way as the original piece. What a difference!! After ironing, the new fabric has a lovely crisp feel. It was not difficult to iron and never felt at all sticky. Plus, it weighs about half of what the first backing weighed!

I think I'll take the original back to the store and ask their opinion. See if anyone else has complained about it.

BettyGee

I am really puzzled by what has happened to you. I've purchased the wide backing and it, at least to me, seemed to be lighter than my quilt top. It was good fabric, but it didn't seem heavy. When I first started quilting I tried using an old queen size sheet for the backing and oh what a nightmare, never do that again.

QuiltE

Glad it worked out for you at Len's.
I bought all my DJ background fabric there and am quite happy with it too.
Will be interested to hear what reaction you get when you go to Fabricland.