eltsorb

I've heard mixed reviews about using a cotton sheet as backing for quilts. What is your experience? Tips?

I am making a superman quilt for my son - the top is blue with the superman shield. I would like the back to have superman figures but can't find good quilting fabric. I HAVE found a good quality Pottery Barn 100% cotton flat sheet on eBay I could use. What is your experience doing this?

Thanks in advance! :-)

Lori Peercy

I have used sheets with good results

juliasb

I have used sheets a number of times on quilts always with good results. Be sure to wash the sheet first before using just to insure size for shrinkage. Like you, I have found it difficult to find what I was looking for in regular cotton fabrics for quilting. Best of luck with your quilt and I can't wait to see the finished quilt.

greensleeves

I have not had problems using a cotton sheet for a quilt back.

Jo Belmont

The only caveat I would think of is that it's almost impossible to quilt because of the closeness of the threads in the sheet. Most all of mine are done by machine and it presents no problem. I'd say go for it and post of pic when done - we'd love to see it.

meyert

I have used a cotton sheet before.. but have used flannel more often. My last 4 quilts have had a flannel sheet on the back.. and the receiver commented every time how much they liked the backing. Sometimes this is cheaper - but not always

dunster

If you're going to send the quilt to a longarmer, check with her first to be sure she accepts sheets as backing. I have no personal experience using sheets, but I have read that some longarmers won't accept them.

ckcowl

There are people who will tell you to never use sheets- but, when it comes down to it- when you show off your finished quilt no one knows you used a sheet unless you tell them. You can just say it’s all cotton.
I use wide backs all the time.

Barb in Louisiana

Before Hancock's closed, I bought Cotton Sheeting fabric by the roll for all my quilts. I love the closer weave and no seams on the back of the quilt. I do all my own long arm quilting so the close weave is not a problem.

The one thing I wouldn't do is use an older sheet for the backing. Sheets do wear out and start to tear or rip as they age. It takes a new one a long time to do that on the back of a quilt, since quilts are not washed very often.

Austinite

I use sheets all the time for backings, Ross is my go-to for them! I've done flannel, 100% cotton and the cotton/poly blend. What's frustrating is that now more and more sheets are the microfiber 100% poly and I'm not a fan of them for backs, I'm sure they would work fine but I just don't like the feel. I do always pre-wash the sheet in hot to make sure it's shrunk.