Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • What is muslin? >
  • What is muslin?

  • What is muslin?

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 09-21-2019, 10:07 AM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Oct 2008
    Location: The Finger Lakes of upstate NY
    Posts: 3,589
    Default What is muslin?

    And how is it different from quilting cotton?

    A local shop had a sale day and one of the items on the wide back table was 108" premium white muslin. I need 2 yards of white as a background for our quilt guild BOM. At $6.95, I got a yard of it. It feels nice - not stiff, not scratchy or thin.

    So... is there a difference between quilting cotton and muslin?
    peaceandjoy is offline  
    Old 09-21-2019, 10:12 AM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Chula Vista CA
    Posts: 7,403
    Default

    I bought a lot of it to make the Cathedral windows quilt - I would use it in any quilt.
    quiltingcandy is offline  
    Old 09-21-2019, 10:18 AM
      #3  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: May 2008
    Location: MN
    Posts: 24,666
    Default

    Muslin is manufactured in various qualities. Some of it is so smooth and luxurious and tightly woven - some is very coarse and rough.
    bearisgray is offline  
    Old 09-21-2019, 11:11 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Ridgefield WA
    Posts: 7,765
    Default

    "Muslin, also mousseline or Malmal, is a cotton fabric of plain weave. It is made in a wide range of weights from delicate sheers to coarse sheeting. Wikipedia"
    Kitsie is offline  
    Old 09-21-2019, 11:22 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Aug 2018
    Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
    Posts: 6,183
    Default

    In addition to a certain weight and feel, I would also expect a muslin to have a non-glossy finish.
    Iceblossom is offline  
    Old 09-21-2019, 12:40 PM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    tallchick's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Sep 2011
    Location: Ohio
    Posts: 2,999
    Default

    I love and buy muslin for backings, my favorite is Legacy Premium Muslin from Joann’s, it’s so soft and so silky makes for wonderful backings and allows quilting designs to show. I buy it in 118 in width, 60 in and 45 in widths.
    tallchick is offline  
    Old 09-21-2019, 02:33 PM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2011
    Location: Tn
    Posts: 9,059
    Default

    I like muslin not only for backing but also as my background fabric. It washes up so nice and soft. You just have to watch the quality you buy. As other said it goes from very thin to very heavy. Also available in bleached white.
    cjsews is offline  
    Old 09-21-2019, 09:07 PM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: in the sticks of PA
    Posts: 2,313
    Default

    I’m with Tallchick I buy the legacy premium for backings as well and definitely have used it within my quilt. I too buy the 118” or the 120”.
    Ariannaquilts is offline  
    Old 09-22-2019, 05:17 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2011
    Location: Hampstead N.C.
    Posts: 1,870
    Default

    I love muslin, but it does shrink so wash it first.
    Grace creates is offline  
    Old 09-22-2019, 06:41 AM
      #10  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2012
    Posts: 819
    Default

    I'm glad you asked this question. I went to KQ some years ago, and they quoted 4 different prices for muslin. I bought the most expensive but came away just hoping it was the best one.

    I think I am someone that needs a name to be looking for, so I am glad to hear about the Legacy. If I am at a LQS, are there muslins from major fabric manufacturers as well?

    thanks,
    charlotte
    charlottequilts is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    Skeat
    Main
    47
    01-10-2010 07:43 AM
    littlehud
    Main
    24
    08-15-2008 08:28 AM
    dittyham
    Main
    20
    05-23-2008 10:17 PM
    Country Quilter
    Main
    39
    12-19-2007 04:23 PM
    ready2quilt
    Main
    2
    09-18-2007 05:19 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter