i've used sheets in the begining when i first started to quilt. i didn't really have any kind of problems using the sheets . but in the begining when i first started i all so went to the thrift stores. i wanted to save money so i bought some of those thicker covers to use for the batting instead of buying the batting, and omg how horrible it was to roll that under and try to quilt . it was a b#@#*&:". when i finally started useing the real stuff (batting) i said i would never do that again.batting is so much lighter and easier.