Murphy224

I was reading another post about using flannel instead of batting in a lightweight quilt. I have bought flannel from quilt stores and it is wonderful stuff but can be pricey for a larger quilt. I wonder if anyone has used flannel sheets for backing? This thought popped in my head as this time of year is when some flannel sheets will go on sale and given the sizes they may be perfect for backing. I also am pretty sure that the higher quality flannel sheets would definitely be a better choice.
Any thoughts or experiences?
Thanks in advance,
Murphy

ckcowl

Sure people have used flannel sheets for backings, for battings and even to cut up and use in pieced blocks. If you find ones you like and the price is right, Why not?
I look for good quality flannel sheets, the thin ones tend to pill after a few washings.
ive used flannel sheets making raggy quilts that turn out great.

PaperPrincess

Sheets are the only type of flannel I use for backing. I get them at thrift stores. Usually they've been washed a couple time (I wash them too!) and they are already shrunk and if they are going to pill, they've already done so and I don't buy those.

GingerK

I also get sheets at thrift stores--both flannel and 100% cotton. The hardest thing often, is finding and deciphering the label. Mine also immediately go into the laundry.

The most inexpensive quilt I ever made consisted of two thrift store sheets (one for the light colour in the piecing and one for the backing) and a meter of wide backed batik. Here's a picture.

SusieQOH

I made my brother a quilt for Christmas and used flannel backing because he lives in a cold climate. The only problem for me was I used a high loft poly batting and that was a beast to FMQ because it was so bulky. Also I'm not a champion FMQer
He loves it though and that's all I care about. But it was a beast to quilt. Lesson learned!

Edit- flannel is a great backing. I got carried away in my response reliving that project lol

Austinite

I use flannel sheet as backing a few times: I wash the sheet in hot water and dry on high a couple of times then start sandwiching! I've never used one as batting but I don't see why not! We live South but we like our house rather cool so all of our quilts still have standard batting.

Joset

oh yes i pick them up when available i have done a lot of my quilts with them

grandma7

That sounds like a great idea for backing, as that CAN be costly. When I use flannel yardage on the back of my baby quilts, I find I have some "drag" when FMQ. I tried the teflon sheet and a heavier plastic to try to help this. Any suggestions? Thank you

Jingle

I use hi-loft poly batting most always, no problems FMQing. I think the flannel is the reason for the problems. Probably because of the softness. I just use cotton fabrics for backs.

meyert

yes I have. I found a great deal on king size flannel sheet sets on amazon one time and I bought 2 sets I have enough to back quilt #1 and then I made couple of more quilts from them as well. I felt like it was wonderful fabric

I don't think I have had problems quilting with flannel in particular - - I have problems with everything