Can sheets be used?
09-22-2010, 07:45 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 811
One of the best things about being an artist is breaking rules and doing it your way. I read all the comments on the use of sheets and they are right on. When making any sewing/quilting project what is important to know characteristics of the fabric you are using and deciding if it will work the way you want. Other than that go for it. One thing that is correct is that the heavier thread count of sheets does make it harder to needle through when hand quilting so take that in to consideration other than that, if the sheet works for you then go for it, quiltzillas be darned.
09-22-2010, 07:47 AM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Full Time RV'er
Posts: 485
I was in an area where there were no fabric shops when I started repairing a vintage quilt. It has a lot of white in it. I purchased two twin flat sheets (200 thread count) at WalMart on sale for $3 each. It is working great, no problem sewing.
09-22-2010, 10:38 AM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: MN
Posts: 448
I agree with this and the others that commented on the thread count affecting hand quilting. I thought somewhere on a different thread someone had answered what would be a good thread count for using a sheet and hand quilting. Can't remember. I have no problem using a sheet for a quilt back if I'm machine quilting or tying.
Originally Posted by kellen46
One of the best things about being an artist is breaking rules and doing it your way. I read all the comments on the use of sheets and they are right on. When making any sewing/quilting project what is important to know characteristics of the fabric you are using and deciding if it will work the way you want. Other than that go for it. One thing that is correct is that the heavier thread count of sheets does make it harder to needle through when hand quilting so take that in to consideration other than that, if the sheet works for you then go for it, quiltzillas be darned.
09-22-2010, 11:29 AM
#45
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Northern Delaware - USA
Posts: 73
If there is only one reason (there are far more, I am sure) to have used bed sheets it would be to practice making a square -- or anything else for that matter -- that you have not done before. Think of how many times you have used your "umpteen dollar per yard" cloth to practice on! I would be making a beeline drive to the local thrift shop and buy up those bed sheets. What you do not use in a test you can use to clean your machines(s) or anything else as they are pretty much lint-free by then. Those thrift shop sheets are a favorite of mine for doing loads of cleaning and restoration jobs on old machines. :thumbup:
09-22-2010, 12:23 PM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North-Central Indiana
Posts: 4,909
Originally Posted by tmw
Originally Posted by AlienQuilter
My Grandmother used sheets all the time for quilting. There were no quilt stores back then. People would give her bags of scraps leftover from making clothes. I have inherited a black and white quilt made with "wet look" fabric and sheets for the batting and backing.
And there are a lot of us out there that don't use all cotton either. I have made several quilts using fleece or minkee for the backing.
I had one relative that used to buy wool army blankets from the Salvation Army and used them for batting.
And there are a lot of us out there that don't use all cotton either. I have made several quilts using fleece or minkee for the backing.
I had one relative that used to buy wool army blankets from the Salvation Army and used them for batting.
09-22-2010, 02:47 PM
#47
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Norton, MA
Posts: 227
I have not thought to use sheets, but I buy new 100% cotton home dec fabric at yard sales. Wash, dry, iron, use. This past week I bought about $100.00 worth for $5.00. I have done this for years. They look great and add extra warmth.
09-22-2010, 02:56 PM
#48
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 233
I used a sheet for my very first quilt....a present for my high school daughter graduating and going off to college.
That was in 1994. She took it with her to Indiana, Italy, Philadelphia and Ohio. Held up nicely. It was a quilt made up of blocks of her best friends hand print, in their favorite color and signed by them. Each hand took me 1/2 hour to applique and embroidery as I followed their handwriting. She "took" her friends with her everywhere she went.
That was in 1994. She took it with her to Indiana, Italy, Philadelphia and Ohio. Held up nicely. It was a quilt made up of blocks of her best friends hand print, in their favorite color and signed by them. Each hand took me 1/2 hour to applique and embroidery as I followed their handwriting. She "took" her friends with her everywhere she went.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
