Reporting in on 'cheap muslin'

A while back I posted that my dogs are allowed on my bed and my bed quilts are washed to death in a year or two. Therefore, I was no longer going to use LQS quality fabric for the backing but buy cheap muslin instead. Some here cheered me on and some took exception to my decision. ;-) Here are the results of what I bought:

Joann has 118 inch wide Kona Premium muslin- it had a lovely, slick finish before washing. After washing the slick finish was gone, but I may have caused that with how I dried it... it still feels nice but no slickness. I bought the unbleached. It's made by Robert Kaufman, 200 thread count, 4.02 oz. per sq. yard, 100% cotton. It sells for $12.99 a yard but I used a 50% off coupon, so I paid $6.49 per yard. The piece started off measuring

146X120 in.- that's edge to edge including the selvages.

I washed it in cold water (the water heater for my laundry room isn't working right now or I would have washed it in hot water) and dried it on high heat. The measurements were then 141.5X118.75 in. (The recommendations are for a cold wash and tumble dry on low.) The finished piece came out with some wrinkles, but no more than any good quality LQS fabric and ironed out nicely with a spritz of water and the cotton setting on my iron.

I would recommend this fabric for any quilting use... tops or backings. I haven't actually quilted- or sewn with it- yet, but expect absolutely no problems.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie& The Furbabies in MO.
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Thank you, Leslie. Very thorough report. I have no experience with wide muslin but do respect the Kona /Kaufman name. From 146 to 141 sounds quite reasonable. Snuggles to the Fur Babies. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

That's good info. Thanks for sharing. I use a lot of Kona solids and like them very well. Sounds like you got a really good deal on it, too.

Sherry

Reply to
Sherry

I've used this in several projects now, and really like it. The more it's washed, the softer it gets. I've used it in Civil War undergarments as well as in a quilt, and so far, it's been wonderful. I like that it doesn't wrinkle too easily.

Reply to
Jenn in Tacoma

I'm glad for this report also. I think I'll be switching to muslin for most of my backing due to cost mostly. Five to seven yards of LQS Moda fabric costs the earth. This will go on my shopping list for the next Joanne visit. Donna

Reply to
dealer83

Thanks for the report Leslie. Naturally, we'll want to see pictures of the new quilt when you're finished. :-)

Best regards, Michelle in Nevada

Reply to
Michelle C.

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