I recently received a packet from American Patchwork encouraging me to purchase their book. In it was several inserts of interest and quoting from one insert regarding using bedsheets for backing:

"Using bedsheets to back your quilts? DON'T DO IT!

Sheets have a high thread count, which forces your quilting needle to break the sheet's threads as it pierces through. This leaves holes in your backing and diminishes the stability of your sheet.

Quilting fabric has a looser weave, which allows your needle to easily slide between the threads and keeps your backing fabric in tact."

Just thought you'd like to hear their opinion. Suzanne

I've heard that before but I also work with quilters who use sheets for their backing and has done so for years. Thanks for sharing the info.

Anyone here use sheets? What has been your experience?

I only use flannel ones after washing them a few times to make sure they will shrink no more.

Maria

I almost always use sheets. They are readily available here where backing fabric isn't. I've never had a problem and my quilts have lasted so far, but I also don't machine quilt so keep that in mind.

Lynette

My first ever quilt I used a black bed sheet to back it.

I machine quilted it, although not intensely. I have to say it still looks great, and it has been through the wash a lot. It's my son's bed quilt, so it gets a thrashing.

I quilted 2 bed sheets together with Warm & Natural batting just to practice all my pantograph patterns when I was learning. It has been washed many times w/o problems as it's been used for a beach blanket, picnics, poolside etc.

I use bed sheets and when my children were little my mom made them rebersable quilts with a character sheet on each side they sure took a beating and held up just fine. They are still around someplace and my oldest is 36.

I guess it goes back to what the quilt will be used for.... if you're creating a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation, then maybe a bed sheet is not appropriate for the backing. But for an everyday quilt that the kids will use, maybe it's ok.

That is all my Long Arm quilter uses is bedsheets! I take one for each quilt that she has done for me (except one) I don't get the really high thread count for them. For years I have got the 180 and 200 count and they have worn really great on all of them!!! She didn't have a problem with quilting it. I had a quilter tell me the other day that she would not quilt if I wanted a bedsheet on the back because it was too hard on the needles. I guess some people want the highest thread count that they can get thinking that the higher the better sheet!!??????!!

It is funny.....I was thinking about this yesterday and get on here this morning and here someone is talking about it!!! Love this place and all of you!

I've used sheets for backing before and never had any trouble.