Muslin is a plain woven cotton sheeting fabric that is one the most ubiquitous fabric in theatre production. Extra-wide muslin is used widely for scenery flats, backdrops, cycloramas, and projection i.e., any surface that may be painted or used to reflect light. Note that if you’re using muslin for costumes or scenery flats, you might also want to look at our standard width muslin products since the savings will be significant.
Why Extra-Wide Muslin Is Ideal for Backdrops
Muslin fabric backdrops are a staple of theatrical productions due to the material's durability. Its durability helps it withstand use as a hung backdrop, which can put stress on fabric fibers. Since muslin isn't naturally stretchy, it doesn’t warp under its own weight. Fashioned from hardy cotton, this fabric can last years, allowing you to store and reuse it safely.
Theater muslin also handles dyes and paint very well, giving you plenty of leeway in creating a compelling background. The fabric itself is non-reflective, an essential trait for any material under the spotlight.
While most muslin is not naturally fire-retardant (cotton is flammable), Rose Brand offers many that are treated with fire-retardant chemicals and also offers Trevira muslin, which is IFR (inherently flame retardant). Most theaters require the use of flame retardant fabrics for the safety of all involved and to be in accordance with local fire safety regulations.
You’ll see two different tables of Extra-Wide Muslin below. Use Tight Weave Extra-Wide Muslin to more easily obtain opaque areas within a translucent drop. Use traditional Extra-Wide Muslin for a wider selection of both widths and colors.
Muslin Widths and Weights
Rose Brand stocks a variety of muslins from 44” in width up to 39’ wide widths without a seam and many, many sizes in between. Our extra-wide muslin fabric is stocked in both flame retardant and non-flame retardant options, as well as in a variety of weights (referring to thread count) and colors. The 3 common weights of muslin are lightweight, usually used for lining or patterns by costumers; medium weight, used for hard covered flats or small drops; heavyweight, used for soft covered flats and large drops. Click within the Fabric column of the charts below to obtain more info or buy a given muslin product.
Buy Muslin By The Full Piece and Save!
If we don’t have to cut it we pass the savings on to you! All roll and bale sizes are approximate and based on availability. We can only offer full piece pricing for piece sizes that we have in stock at the time of your order. If you need to know the exact yardage on full pieces in stock, please let us know. Pieces are either rolled or folded (if it makes a difference to you, please advise at the time of your order).
Flame Retardant
Most venues require scenery and soft goods to be flame retardant. If you use FR goods, Rose Brand can provide a certificate. If you paint on FR fabric, there is a risk that the moisture in the paint will cause the salt crystals in flame retardant to leach to the surface, causing discoloration. You may prefer to start with NFR Muslin instead and add flame retardant to the paint or sizing, or spray with flame retardant after painting.
Custom Dyed Extra-Wide Muslin
We can match a color swatch or Pantone® number in most widths of our FR Extra-Wide Muslin. Minimum = Approx. 30 yds. Allow 3 weeks lead time.
