This begs the question, why can't we use cotton sheets for backings if you are machine quilting? Anyone know the answer to this question?
Back in the 70's when I first taught myself to quilt (not too many books or classes out then, this was even before rotary cutters) I used a percale sheet for a king-sized quilt that I tied. The quilt lasted for over 40 years. Of course, nowadays I wouldn't mix percale with cotton fabric, but there are some good cotton sheets out there that you can get a good buy on when they are on sale. At the cost of fabric these days, it seems it would be cost effective to go this route.
Any opinions?