k3n

Thanks Bella - that's a great link! :D

I have bought extra wide backings for special quilts but there's not a lot of choice that I can find (online from the UK mostly); I mostly use good quality plain cotton - which is ONE fabric that I can find pretty cheap here in France - when I see it, I stock up. A few months ago I paid around 5 euros (around 7 dollars) a yard for 108" wide plain unbleached cotton. I HAVE used bed sheets before but not to hand quilt. For smaller projects, I use fabric from my stash that tones with the front or a solid. I've also recently started piecing or appliqueing left over blocks on the back. :D

wraez

I still like to use a good quality fabric on the back but only use fabrics that have been on sale (as compared to 'for sale', LOL)...I am super frugal. I won't pay full price for backing fabric.

Someone here on the board mentioned that they use Connecting Threads fabric that is discounted/on sale for under $3.00 yd, great idea. Means you have to keep your eyes open on the sight quite often to get that kind of deal, but worth the few extra minutes And then buy yards of it.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

butterflywing

i've gotten that backing. it's not the best, but it's pretty okay. it normally costs $9.99/yd. when i have a 50% coupon, i buy a bolt. it comes in different colors and prints. it shrinks a lot, so be advised.

also Sauder's in amish country in pa, has a once-a- year bolt sale, where the fabric averages $2-3/yd if you buy the entire bolt. that makes it worth
piecing. it's all brand-name goods. i don't know if they have a website.

mpspeedy

Since I do mostly handquilting I prefer solid colors and or muslin. If I can get it at a reasonable price I buy the wide stuff so I don't have to piece. I always judge by the feel of the fabric as I will have to handle it constantly. I like a plain back because it shows off my handquilting. I often check it to be sure I have quilted all of the parts of the top. It is harder to see the quilting because of the pattern or patterns on the top. I always shop for cotton fabrics in at least six yard cuts when Joann's has their 50% of discontinued fabrics etc. I have several tubs of various fabrics for backings in my stash. Each selection is at least 6 yards. As a handquilter I don't need quite as much fabric for the back as someone who will be using a longarm machine.

butterflywing

Sauder's Fabrics

Category: Fabric Stores
681 S Muddy Creek Rd
Denver, PA 17517
(717) 336-2664

THIS IS THE INFO FOR SAUDER'S. THEY HAVE THEIR BOLT SALES 4X EACH YEAR. THE NEXT ONE WILL BE AFTER XMAS - DATE STILL UNKNOWN. ANYONE WHO LIVES NEAR ENOUGH TO ATTEND THEIR SALES SHOULD GO. THEIR BOLTS ARE SOOOO INEXPENSIVE THEY ARE PRICED WONDERFULLY FOR BACKINGS. THEY ALSO HAVE WONDERFUL - QUALITY MUSLINS IN A VARIETY OF WIDTHS. IF YOU CALL THEM, THEY WILL PUT YOU ON THEIR EMAIL LIST FOR A HEADS-UP.

wraez

Right now Connecting Threads has 8 fabrics priced at $2.96 a yard...great for backing fabric, also quality fabrics.

Sometimes you can find it for less but if you need it NOW, this is a wonderful price. And I know there is a code for free shipping that others here at the board probably know but I've forgotten it.

Free shipping code anyone?

http://www.connectingthreads.com/clo....cfm?ID=600802

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA

wraez

Yay, I found the code for free shipping at Connecting Threads.

FPSHIP

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA