Do you use sheets for backing?
 

The LAQ'er that I am taking my quilt to tomorrow suggested that I find a nice quilt to use for the backing. Well I found an awesome quilt (actually 2 different ones - I can't not make a decision,LOL) at Target. My quilt is twin size but it is a large twin, approximately 63 X 93. So I ended up buying a queen size sheet. I was afraid the full and twin would be too short- they said they were 96 length. Didn't seem like enough for quilting, plus wouldn't I need to cut off the top border (hem) on the flat sheet? So did I buy the right size and is this a good idea? The fabric pattern is awesome and matches beautifully.

I use sheets for backing quilts. It's easier, and in some cases much less expensive. Although, there are stores online that have extra wide cotton fabric for use as backing.

not lately.. the sheets are poor quality.. watch the thread count !! I have done this in the past, worked out well. even used sheet material for curtain material, or lining.. what is up with the sheets??? thin, nearly see through and ... will they wear or tear? dissappointed ! good luck !!
Ell

I use what I have - or I can find - sometimes sheets - I get alot of flack from some quilters however I look at it like "when you get a quilt from me it has the sheet and the blanket for warmth." I use the best quality I can get. I do both hand quilting and machine quilting...I have never had anyone who gets a quilt complain...I even sometimes use flannel - just do what I want :)

I use sheets all the time, both cotton and flannel. You do have to watch the quality and check the thread count. Some of the sheets at Walmart lately have had a very course weave and a low thread count (180). They are the ones that I don't bring home. I always buy the biggest sheet that I can and use the left overs to make a matching pillowcase or two. I found Dan River queen size flat sheets, 250 thread count made in USA at Len's Mills in Guelph Ontario (fabric, clothes, cleaning products, sheets, towels etc.) for $8.49. They are much better than the sheets made in Pakistan which are not consistently good quality.

some laq's don't want sheets

Most quilt fabric is a thread count of only 160. Going with a high thread count sheet for a backing , is not always a good idea. The high thread count sheets will no allow the needle to pass between the threads , and the needle will puncture the threads in the weave. One of the reasons LA pros do not like sheets is the high thread count.. it s harder for the needle to pass through ... and if they make a mistake and need to take out the stitches there will be holes , that will not dissappear completley.
Sheets can be a good choice.. choose an all cotton 200 thread count or less. I find a 180 thread count works wonderfully... but finding 180 thread count all cotton these days is not so easy.

I use sheets as well. I don't buy new sheets though. I go to savers and Goodwill and see what they have. So far i've not been disappointed. I've also found silk sheets there for $3.00 for Queen size. Yea.....

This is what I do also works for me!!!

Thanks for your replies, I knew I could count on some really good answers here. My LAQ'er suggested the sheets, so she should be ok with it. The thread count is 225, hope that is ok! I go meet her today and take her my quilt. She says she will be done in about 2 weeks, I am so excited!!!! Then binding and done. Whoo Hoo. It will be hard to part with this first quilt, but I know my niece will love it too.

yES I do. I like IKEA cotton sheets best but I don't have a store close & they aren't available on line. At the store you can get a single flat sheet-any size- & last time I was there, a lrg. was $13.00 I also go to thrift stores & look for ones in good shape. I also get some from family members & garage sales. Walmart's have changed & are crappy....so I don't use them anymore.

I have also found real nice flat sheets, they're not worn like fitted ones, at thrift stores for a couple dollars. Use them for wallhangings & lap quilts mostly, I can get more small quilts out of a good size sheet. Haven't had any problems with needles going through them. When my DD's were young I would buy kids print flat sheets on clearance where I worked, amazing how many things can be made from a twin size to decorate their rooms. :)

I use sheets whenever possible..THe more money I save on the backing, the more fabric I can buy!!

I have used sheets on occasion, but always wash them first.

Dayle

I've used sheets, used and new, when the quilt will be machine quilted.
Did one years ago that I was hand quilting - what a nightmare - come to think of it, probably what brought on my carpal tunnel.

I'm new to quilting, and have made several quilts. Each one had a different backing: used sheet; bleached muslin (pieced); fabric pieced together & 108" wide fabric (purchased on-line). I either machine quilted them or handquilted. They all turned out ok. No one complained/commented on what I used as backing. **Some people have told me to never use a sheet. But I couldn't get a good reason from them as to why not.

Have about decided quilting is a lot about expressing ourselves and enjoying the process. Whatever works for us, should be good enough. :cool:

I will use sheets on some of my donation quilts...I have 3 nice ones that I rescued from my Aunt and Uncle's home before they were torn up for rags. They are King sized...and a very nice quality. My cousin is of the mind that if they don't have a bed that size anymore, they don't need the sheets...so he started tearing them up for rags for the car.

It's because sheets tend to have a higher thread count than quilting fabric and it stresses the needles and the machine when quilting. Some people say they don't have a problem with the needles going through the layers, but others have. And even if the needle does pass through, sometimes it has to pass through the thread instead of past it. I had thought of using them before, but the man who services my sewing machine advised against it since it not only stresses the needle, but also the machine. That's the reason why I don't. I'd rather spend a bit more to buy fabric meant for quilting, than to mess up my machine. I don't use a LA, though, I quilt on my home machine, so perhaps there's a difference? I really don't know how it would affect a LA, though I've heard that most won't quilt on sheets, at least in my area.

It's because sheets tend to have a higher thread count than quilting fabric and it stresses the needles and the machine when quilting. Some people say they don't have a problem with the needles going through the layers, but others have. And even if the needle does pass through, sometimes it has to pass through the thread instead of past it. I had thought of using them before, but the man who services my sewing machine advised against it since it not only stresses the needle, but also the machine. That's the reason why I don't. I'd rather spend a bit more to buy fabric meant for quilting, than to mess up my machine. I don't use a LA, though, I quilt on my home machine, so perhaps there's a difference? I really don't know how it would affect a LA, though I've heard that most won't quilt on sheets, at least in my area.

Hmm, apparently I submitted twice? Sorry! :D

I tend do get skipped stitches when using sheets on my long arm, the reason most won't use them... I don't want you to have issues with my quilting....

I quilt on my Janome 6600 and will use what I have or can find for backing. I've used regular quilting cottons, wide backing, flannel, and sheets. I've never had any issues with any of them and always wash all of them before using. Using a sheet as a backing can be a great thing if you are doing a kids themed quilt....kids love the prints and very easy to get an extra sheet to make matching curtains.

I have a longarm, and will not use sheets. I did for only one quilt, and that was because it was a family member, whom I did not want to offend. I do not recommend ever using sheets. They are usually too poor quality, and if you do get better quality, then you have to pay more, and you might as well use a good quality fabric. I also had to take the hem out of this sheet, and wash it prior to putting it in the rack.

I buy king flannel sheets for backing for queen quilts. Perfect for summer quilts! Penny's has sales reg and I get them and just wait for a top to be ready! I normally buy netural colors and always wash them before sending them w/top to my quilter.

I would wash the sheets - to go with the washed top fabrics -

It seems to me that if one buys sheets that are similar in weight and weave to 'quilting fabric' - that there would not be any issues.

Although I have a serious issue with the words 'suitable quilting fabric' - seeing as I come from an era where velvets, denim, silks, cottons, rayons, wools - were used - probably anything and everything except cheesecloth and burlap!

(I'm not saying that all these combinations were 'successful' - just that they were used)