Quilt in a Day Forums

What is the difference between cotton fabric and cotton backing? Can you use cotton backing for the front of a quilt?
Carol

Fabric described as 'backing' is usually just much wider - 90" or even 108" wide. Makes it possible to back a quilt without seaming. Sometimes it's a little 'coarser', but often it's just the same as what we buy for piecing.

Garden - are you inquiring about muslin? Muslin comes in different widths and is either white or off-white and it use to be the only thing people used for backing. It comes in various grades but I don't think any muslin is as good as quilt shop fabrics. It is courser and more loosely woven. Muslin is less expensive and wider than regular quilting fabric which is why people use it for backing.

I am not sure now, I went to the dry good store and they told me that their backing was 100% cotton and could be used for top of quilts. It felt like the other fabric and yes it was cheaper.

Thanks for your help