Was that the Warm and Natural all cotton? Just wondering I'm ready to purchase "something" for a top I just pieced. I would never have thought to wash the batting prior to quilting. Is that something that should be done on a regular basis?

OK, on re-reading your post you stated backing and not batting.
So sorry for confusion.

I regularly use flat sheets for the backing on kids quilts because they get so much hard use. I just buy a sheet that I like the color or pattern for the back of the quilt.

If you are with the quilt police, please do not write to me, I do not care if you do not like this. I make quality things with quality workmanship and am proud of what I do.

I have heard many say that it is difficult to hand quilt through sheets, but I FMS so it is not an issue for me.

I rarely go to Joann'a, but thanks for the heads up. What ever happened to the customer is alwys right?

No Quilt Police Allowed!!! I say sew with whatever makes you happy!!!

I am just so glad you pre-shrunk! You would have been jumping up and down if you had made the quilt and then washed the fabric the first time. Oooooohhhhhhh! I am sorry it shrunk but I am glad you knew before you sewed.

Joann's should take the fabric back. I once bought a pack of fat quarters. When I sprayed the fabric with water to iron it, you could see it shrinking on the ironing board...alot. I took them back and they gave me my money back no questions asked.

I bought a couple of sheets at Ikea yesterday. Twin size, 150 thread count for $4.50 each. I got white and red. I've never used a sheet for a backing before and I'm a quality snob. But, these sheets looked and felt just as nice as LQS solid fabric quality. Since I machine FMQ I don't think it will be an issue either. So if the quilt police come and get you, I guess I'm next on their list!!

In fairness to JoAnn's, the manager did agree that losing 16" in width was really excessive shrinkage, that I could bring it back and they'd write it off as damaged goods. But since I'll never wash it again in hot water, she said it should be safe now after the two hot-water washings and regular dryings in the clothes dryer.
What do you think? Just wash it in cold water [eventually]?
Will washing in cold water also prevent the Warm & Natural batting from shrinking? Dry on low heat to minimize wrinkling?
I love this board -- so much wisdom from so much experience.
Thanks, everyone!

I have had flannel shrink that much so I always pre-wash it.

Flannel excluded, I find just pressing the backing with a hot iron shrinks it enough for me to get it squared and loaded on the frame. I like the wrinkly look so my top isn't usually pre-washed either.

I have had some really thin & loosely woven fabrics shrivel up when I press them out so I know right away not to use them until they have been pre-washed. Muslin especially has very different thread counts. You can't always go be the "feel", either because sizing and starch makes the thin fabric feel thicker. Holding it up to the light is the only way I know to check it before getting in the cutting line.

Perhaps if my quilts were exquisitly beautiful and I had plans to enter them in shows, then I probably would not use sheets for backing. However, I make them to be used and make them because I enjoy doing so. Most of them time I use 200 thread count. I do have some that are higher and will try them in the future. I bought them at a great price on sale. I guess the quilt police will have to add me to their list as well. Bottom line, if you are making your own quilts, quilting them yourself and have no problems doing so, what difference does anyone else's opinion matter????