Does anyone ever use a sheet (bed sheet) as backing for a quilt? I need to back a King size whole cloth quilt, and I want a wedgewood-y blue. I've been looking for the right color for two weeks, and can't find what I want - except in a king sized sheet. I did find one, but it's 44" wide. My pre-printed top is 90" x 108", so even 2 of the 44" wide sewed together won't be big enough. Any suggestions? (Nothing on-line. I don't buy on-line) If you can use a sheet, what thread-count?

I haven't done it yet, and probably will at some point .... though many people do!

If it's what you like and want, then why not?

Yes, I just did today. It's 50% cotton 50% polyester and has a nice feel to it.. I was just too broke to buy more material and had the sheet. Especially nice when doing a large quilt because you don't have to piece anything togethe for the back.

Yes, I did do it when I found a sheet with a pattern I just could not pass up. It came out great! Will keep my eyes out for more of them. :thumbup:

I use them. I found that using a kingsize sheet works for a queen size quilt. I bought a whole bunch of flannel sheets when I was out in New York at a fabric outlet and they were on sale for like 3 or 4 $ a sheet for kingsize. the othres were 1 or 2 or 3 $ depending on the size. Still have lots left.

I guess hand quilting can be really hard if you use a sheet. Otherwise, it does not matter and there are lots of pretty, cheap sheets out there. Lots of people get them at goodwill or somewhere like that- then they are all broken in for you!

I have used sheets many times and have had no problem. I do not hand quilt, only machine.

I will be hand quilting this one. Apparently it makes a difference. Maybe a lower thread count would be better for hand quilting, but then would it make bally-things? That would ruin a whole lot of hard work.

I would imagine any thread count would work. I've used cheap ones and expensive ones for my practicing on the longarm....LOL and bought them ALL at thrift shops.

DITTO...none of the ones around me will take a sheet...even if it is 100% cotton!

The "bally-things" come from the polyester in sheets/fabric. So an all cotton sheet and you should not have that problem!

I use sheets all the time for quilts I make for family. For the children I usually try to use a flannel sheet, makes it softer. For me it is less expensive to go to walmart and buy a sheet than to buy fabric.

ditto

I have used a sheet before when I tied a quilt. The next quilt I make I think I will cut in half and use it, since I have to quilt it in half anyway (since my machine throat isn't wide enough). That way I will know I have enough fabric and it may be cheaper.

Sheets work well for me. I love it that there isn't a seam on the back. I usually look for 100% cotton sheets.

I use sheets for backings on any quilt I'm not hand quilting. I've tried hand quilting with sheets, it's possible but more difficult. Sheets are really nice though, I use them a lot for most of my projects.

Don't use a sheet that is says sateen - does not matter of the thread count if it has sateen...it will Pill!!! Use 100 percent cotton. I find I have to really read the package becuase many have sateen hidden on it somewhere. I have not used a sheet yet for backing but may use a flannel sheet in the future. I find I replace sheets once a year on the bed so a bit nervous that they will not last as long on the quilt. I do not buy cheap sheets and they still do not last. Flannel sheets may be good for a baby blanket since they quicky out grow them.

yes I have used sheets for backing- I recently got a 100% cotton King size sheet at the thrift shop. It was yellow ticket day-50% off so I paid $1.50. Thread count is 250-300 and it is so soft. Will work great for the scrappy quilted tablecloth I am making.

I go to Walmart and buy the less expensive sheets for backing. I am hand quilting one right now with no problem.

Sheets are wonderful. Use them frequently because of the cost and the fact there are not any seams.

I also hand quilt and have been apprehensive about using a sheet because I heard it's difficult to hand quilt. However, looks like some people here have no problem hand quilting with a sheet so I think I'm going to give it a try! Is there a particular thread count we should look for?

For handquilting I would use 100% cotton and a lower thread count. That shouldn't pill and will be easier to push the needle through. I would also wash it several times before making the sandwhich. Cotton flannel would also work but make sure it is cotton.

Yes, I have! And, the quilt group at the church that makes quilts for the homeless does most theirs that way.

But, those quilts are all tied...

when you go to buy the sheet, take needle and thread with you and try to needle a bit of it to see if it will be easy to quilt.

Have you tried AAA quilters supply? They have great backs, and reasonably price. Not to mention great service.

Holice - oh, my goodness! is it really you? I'm using one of your pre-printed whole cloth tops. "Garden Bouquet" It's lovely. (do you think a King size sheet would be big enough for this project? I bought the backing to go with it, but I'm doing it for my sister, and she wants blue) I've already done "Feathered Pineapple" (my avatar) and I loved every minute of it. Can you tell I'm jumping up and down with excitement? Almost like talking to a hero celebrity! :-o