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Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 1/2/14 3:51 PM ET
I made Mum a quilted beach bag for Christmas. I want to make her a coordinating beach quilt for her birthday in April.

Mum goes to the beach every day during the summer and has been using the same old army surplus blanket for 50+ years. Wow those blankets were durable.

I will be using cotton quilting fabric for the top, but want something a bit more durable for the back. I have used denim to back rag quilts, but it would be too heavy for a beach quilt.

Any suggestions for the back?

The quilt be be used at sandy beaches, rocky beaches, on logs and grassy areas. It will probably get washed 2-3 times a season.
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Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 9/18/04
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Posted on: 1/2/14 4:19 PM ET
In reply to Michelle T
I agree that denim is probably too heavy for a quilt that will be carried back and forth to the beach often.

Consider a bed sheet. Most "standard" bed sheets have a thread count of 200 to 300 threads per inch. (Overstock.com bed sheet information page) A poly/cotton blend isn't always the most comfortable sheet to sleep on, but might be a good choice for backing for an outdoors quilt. Don't use a sateen weave sheet; sateen wears and pills because of the long bits of exposed thread on the surface of the fabric weave, which also provides the "satiny" look of the fabric.

Info that I can find on the web says that quilting cotton has a thread count of about 75 threads per inch. The tighter weave of a sheet will be more durable against the sand, grass, logs, etc. than quilting cotton.

Another fabric to consider is rip-stop nylon. I confess that I have no experience sewing with this fabric, but I've seen it used as backing on a commercial pic-nic blanket. Rip-stip nylon would be light and sturdy. Sewing Rip-Stop Nylon PR discussion

CMC
  
Member since 2/17/06
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Posted on: 1/2/14 4:34 PM ET
I love the rip stop nylon suggestion! So lightweight and so durable!

Not going to provide much comfort though in a rocky situation.

Just don't put a lot of stitching holes in it.

I used rip stop to make a cooling vest for my dog. I did not find it hard to work with.
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Cathryn
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 1/2/14 9:13 PM ET
I will check for a local supplier of rip stop nylon. That sounds like it will be just the ticket.

The rocky beach is smooth flat pebbles, not too uncomfortable, but the one she goes to the most often. The quilt shop where I bought the bag fabric is having a sale this weekend, I plan to stop by there tomorrow.
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
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