Muslin as backing on table runners - Tacky or OK?
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 18
Muslin as backing on table runners - Tacky or OK?
I just can't bring myself to use 'good' fabric as a backing for something that would be seen only when laying it down. Is using muslin tacky, a cop-out? Should I bite the bullet and use 'good' fabric? I don't mind pieced backings on quilts, they can be interesting and even fun. But, in my mind, I'd rather see a solid backing on a small quilt than pieces of whatever.
Specifically, I'm making red-white-blue table runners for my daughters-in-law and will make Xmas ones next.
Specifically, I'm making red-white-blue table runners for my daughters-in-law and will make Xmas ones next.
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
In my opinion, muslin backings are perfectly fine!!! I have seen quilters who use muslin backing on their quilts and the quilts looked great!
This is one time, though, when I would pre-wash the backing fabric since muslin can shrink. Also, I would use a good quality muslin. (I like Kaufmann Kona, but there are other good ones out there.)
This is one time, though, when I would pre-wash the backing fabric since muslin can shrink. Also, I would use a good quality muslin. (I like Kaufmann Kona, but there are other good ones out there.)
#3
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Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,867
I use anything that will hold the batting in. Several of my Spicy Spirals have a thin light blue - probably a poly/cotton blend that I purchased at WalMart for $.99 a yard. Not for that use, but I had it, so I used it. The one I put together today will have any light colored plain fabric 40x60 that I can find around here. $12 a yard on the front and $.99 on the back is fine with me.
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Muslin comes in many ( grades) there is really good muslins that are perfect for backing. Muslin washes beautifully, gets softer and softer with use has been used for quilt backing for generations- no reason to think of it as a ( cop out)
it shows the quilting beautifully is a great choice
it shows the quilting beautifully is a great choice
#6
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 5,967
Muslin is fine to use. I think of it this way. If I use "good fabric" on the back, I have two table runners. If something happens to one side, I can easily flip and use the other. I vote for good fabric backs.
#8
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
Well, if that's the case, I am queen of tacky! I use muslin on backs of everything! There was a time that was the routine, until fabric prices began to skyrocket, and stores/mfg needed to push more "fabric"...a good quality muslin as mentioned washes beautifully and becomes soft as marshmallows...
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08-29-2011 11:36 PM