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.

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.

Wow, WalMart may not have fabric but they sure do have inexpensive quilt backs.

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.

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:

Minkee is a soft fuzzy-ish fabric with a nap. It usually has dots on it. Moda also makes a version that is like Minkee but Minkee is a brand name, I think.

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.

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.

If it`s 100% cotton, it will be fine. I use seets for backings.

If it`s 100% cotton, it will be fine. I use sheets for backings.

Everything I have read warns against using sheets, as backing or piecing fabric, but I do it anyway and the results have not been unpleasant.

Yes indeed gul! I have used sheets for parts of quilt tops, backing, curtains, it's all material and usually a whole lot cheaper and just as good!

Absolutely. Just prewash.

I used a cotton sheet for the back on my first quilt, and will be using one for my current one...and planning on a flannel one for my next quilt...can't see why you couldn't use it in the quilt top...?

Why not!!? I just had a quilt machine quilted and I used a sheet for backing. Worked out really well.

I think so.

This debate over whether or not to use sheets has been going on for years. Do you think our ancesters ever thought of it, they used what they had, and their stuff was (is) absolutely beautiful. My grandma(bless her heart) always used sheets, she always bought a bunch when there was a white sale, she used the patterned ones, though. I don't use sheets, but I know a lot of people who do, and their quilts are gorgeous.

Hehe...I'm doing a whole cloth quilt made entirely from Ikea sheets. Think I'll go to jail?

I purchased 2 sheets in the past several months. Twin size and a queen size. Thread count is wonderful,definitely pre-wash- but they will hold up for years from what I have read.
They are a breese to sew with, not to mention there are some fabulous prints now.

Hi,Im Dori and Im new here..I repurpose old clothing with bright colors for my quilts..I use white sheets as the backing after I wash them to bring out the contrast in the colors of my blocks...its nice to join you all here...Have a great week!!

Some of our quilt artists use the drapery fabric for the back saying it helps hang straighter and flatter.

I work for one of Austalias best bedding companies , so Have lots of goodies come in , some real bargains at times I can tell you I have whole quilts made from sheets ,use them all the time , but I always per- wash all sheets , they have a sizing in them and they sew better without it .
I say go for it .

I use sheets all the time. I would hit the flea markets in Germany and pick up some nice old cotton sheets. They are so soft and make great backs or are good for piecing as well.

This is great to know. I have always been told that this was a total no no, but now I think I might try it. Thanks for asking the question

I go to estate sales, etc. with this purpose in mind. People usually pass them up. I always buy the ones still in the package. Got 6 of them this summer at $2.00 each. I have about 20 saved. Now for the time to make tops for them. :)

I think sheets are a great idea. I have even used thermal, wool, and flannel blankets instead of batting- works great and saves money. Call it cheap--I call it "upcycling" or even "refashioning".

Why not? It is your quilt.

Hi, Dori. Welcome from N. Texas.

It is very difficult to hand quilt a quilt that has a sheet as the backing. However, I don't think it should be a problem in a quilt that is to be machine quilted.

Jody100

I have used sheets and my mother did also. It makes them look more old fashioned.

I have used sheets as backings for my quilts all the time. It is cheaper for me and I do hand quilt then. Actually, I just finished hand quilting one, with not problem.

I used to use sheets for quilt backs, but I found them a LOT harder to hand quilt through.

I would use it if I had it, I have been so wanting to do a old quilt, and I was given some older fabric, so now I put that aside so it will be used when I get to do one. God bless.

Yup, bedsheets lol :) It's actually my preferred way, first because i have to be thrifty, but also cus i get a pleasure out of being thrifty too, but that's just for me :)

Most of mine are sheets. I cant afford the amount of fabric to cover the back of all the quilts I make. If I only used fabric, I could only do maybe one or two a year. I say yes, use the sheets. I find it much easier and they seem to last forever- some of mine are 30 yrs old.

I think they would be ideal. The 'olden day' quilts were always made from old clothes and flour sacks, so I would go for it as long as the other fabric you use is of similar quality and weight so that you don't get too much uneven wear.

Goodwill cant keep enough in stock. I buy them up as quick as they come in. You can get nice fabric cheap when buying sheets.

This sounds great. Crazy question - do you leave the sheet whole (after cutting the hems) or do cut it and the piece it together?

Leave it whole unless you have to add length or width to make it fit the top.