I am getting ready to use a sheet as backing for a quilt. It is cotton/poly but has been washed Lord knows how many times in industrial machines. No pills and it has the perfect 'hand' and color. (I am recycling all the linens DMIL had in her assisted living apartment. She lived there 7 years and had single and full sheets - they all have been washed to a fair-the-well so I see them as perfect candidates for yardage.)

I also use the Wal-Mart sheets. I have had no problems with them.

We use sheets all the time for our charity quilts at church -- and I use them at home. We generally haunt yard sales and thrift stores for the barely used sheets, but when we buy them we get them from Walmart or Target. The lower thread count sheets are closer to the density of the quilting cottons we use. Always wash the sheets before using them since there may be shrinkage. Incidentally, we have found that the Walmart sheets can be a bit smaller than expected -- and we have found that the stated size of some sheets is actually the pre-hemmed size.

think of it as paper. a sheet of paper is 8 1/2 x 11. 8 1/2 is the width / 11 the length. thats how i remember width vs length.

I also use sheets so it is okay. Agree with the comments about the thread count. I scout thrift stores and garage sales for them but prefer the 100% cotton ones.

Do any of you find it hard to find single sheets it seems around here alll I can find is sets. I do not always need a set just a top or a bottom

ive used sheets w/o a problem.. sometimes i really just want it for the pattern !! lol..

if its a sheet set, cut off the elastic and you can use it for another backing and the pillow cases can be undone/cut and a new cuff can be added to match the quilt to be used to 'gift' it in and after they receive- they get a wonderful matching pillowcase !!!.. Sounds like a win win to me..

I came in to read this thread, why? Because I just bout a bed sheet to back my latest project.
I needed fabric at 108 inches and the cost seamed to stear me this direction.

I love using sheets as backing material, and yes I use it on the top as well , especially solids. I prefer to feel a sheet rather than read the " numbers "

Your flannel sheet will definitely shrink the first time you wash it.