Holice

No rules. However, it is much easier to use a low thread count otherwise it will be more difficult to quilt through.
Take a needle with you when you buy one (if you buy it) to make sure it needles ok. Even the sewing machine can act funny if the backing is more tightely woven. So a sharp needle may be needed to penetrate through the tight fabric. Back on the early days (1970's) it was recommended to get a muslin. Not sure they make those anymore. Muslin sheets would needle better than the percale.

clem55

this is where the cheapies come into use.

littlehud

Buy a cheap one and try it out. No quilt police here.

carolaug

I have a friend that buys old vintage table cloths for backings. They look wonderful! She picks them up for under 5 dollars. Until I get good I will stick with ways to practice my quilting with cheaper ways unless I am giving them away as gifts. I still look for quality, just a cheaper way to enjoy my hobby.

RkayD

Right now I'm using all of my grandma's sheets as backing for her quilts I'm doing for her. No problems so far.

stewyscrewy

I do the same thing as I wait for wal mart to have thier closeout on each seasons colors and pick em up for next to nothing. You get 2 sheets for like 4 bucks I just undo the elastic and trim up the fitted shees for lap quilts and then unhem the flat sheets.

Annaquilts

Yeah on the above.

campion

I have bought a 200 count cotton sheet,so I may after all machine quilt but I will do a practise hand quilt first----the sheets are so much cheaper than fabric!!!! That's here in England,suppose we can't have it all ways
Thank you for all your help

finch

I used one on my t shirt quilt and had no complaints at all from the lady that did it for me.I use them quite a bit.

irenecarter

thanks for asking this question. I was wondering the same thing. Since I need to make so many in such a short time thanks for the advice.