suezquilts

Vat, this is a tender subject. Because Quilt shops want to sell good fabric and the prices are to high right now.
Some think the quality is not there, I say, pick up a piece of quilt fabric and look at it through the light, then a sheet. Same or no difference?
And yes I this subject has been posted on several LAQ sites that I visit, and I'll tell you most say you may use sheets.

If you get on the Poly vs. cotton fabric, I will choose cotton.
These sheets are 100% cotton. I use them (although a larger thread count) on my bed, they wear wonderfully. Any needle holes in cotton will be small and when washed always shrink around the thread, whether it is a sheet or quilt fabric.

I have been quilting for 17 yrs, LAQ for 8 yrs or more, I have heard NO sheets and sheets. Personal preference, or pocketbook will speak.

I will make quilts to give as gifts and use sheets. My personal quilts I usually have a theme on the backing as well and use quilt fabric.

For the next conversation... lets talk batting! or maybe not!

patdesign

If you really want to try sheets for backing, go to a thrift shop and check out the sheets there, usually the fiber content is on the label. Try to get all cotton, also look for softness, you can ususally get king size sheets for under $5.00. Just remember that sheets are usually harder to quilt through because of the thread count and most quilting advice I have read says dont use them. If you want to bag and tie a quilt the sheets work fine.:D

Janebird

The most inexpensive shop I've found so far in Canada is http://www.cherishedpieces.ca . Her prices run really close to the standard US cost. She has a shop in Tillsonburg. Galena Bay (BC) and Sew Sisters (Toronto) have 6.00 a yard or metre clearance sections, but I haven't ordered from either. I have bought backings - regular 44" fabric - from Fabric.com when they have their $3.95 a yard specials. It depends on whether or not you want a match to what is on the front. They ship by UPS too so you get it quickly.

EagarBeez

That is too expensive for sheets. I have found 108 quilt backing for 9-10 a yard

zoey

I agree check out the discounted fabrics that LQS have usually in the back or off to the side in their stores. Also Fabric.com has great sales and prices and free shipping over $35.00 purchases.

Holice

back in the olden days of the revival of quilting - 1970's
the recommendation was cotton muslin sheets. It was a soft cotton and very easy to quilt. I don't know if they are available any longer.

butterflywing

a square inch is a square inch. it won't get bigger. if you try to squeeze more threads into it, the threads have to be thinner.
100% cotton 200 thread count sheets are fine. they're actually much stronger than fabric.

if you look at vintage or antique quilts that were actual utility quilts, you'll find that the fabric was relatively loosely woven by today's standards and yet they held up for over 100 years. anything too tightly woven will be punctured in the sewing and damaged. i'm sure you've seen holes in sheeting along the edges?

if you're hand-sewing, you need a needle that will slide between the fibres. i'm not a hand quilter, so i don't know what that would be, but it's important not to break or tear the threads.

if you do want to try sheeting, why not try a thrift store? a decent sheet, new, 100% cotton, flat, queen - king size, shouldn't cost more than $3 - 5. a good bargain.

suezquilts

My problem is the nearest thrift store is 30 miles away. With the price of gas, it is less expensive to go to Walmart and know they have the color I need. I really enjoy the fact I can do a backing for $4 for the twin size, and no seams.
I do not always wash it, my fabric isn't prewashed.

I love to hear of the thrift store finds.

Carol Ann

I never thought of using sheets for a backing on my quilts, thanks, this is great! I hope some one puts a picture up who used sheets for their backing on their quilt.

suezquilts

Here is the back and front of my quilt