flat sheets
 

To those who use flat sheets for backing, what so you do with the edges of the sheets? Do you just leave them on and cover over them with a border on the back side , or do you cut them off. What about the border on top of the sheet?

I cut everything off so all I have is a huge piece of regular cloth.

I use sheets all the time, especially flannel. I cut off the edges, and the top. They work really great.

I usually cut off all the hemmed edges of the sheet now. When I first bought sheets to use as backing I picked out all the hem stitching and iron it flat--it did give me more fabric--but I decided it wasn't worth the time to do that!

Same here. For family and friend quilts I almost always use sheet for backing. Less expensive and no one has ever complained.

I also cut off hemmed edges unless I need the extra fabric....then I take out stitching. Since a lot of them are chain stitched it goes very quickly. And if it isn't, if you carefully slide a seam ripper it will come out easily. I have found out that many sheets are not square, so I make sure to do that before I put it on my frame.

I unpick the hem if I need the additional fabric and as cheryl222 mentioned, many sheets are not on grain, so I tear the edges off to make sure I wind up with a large piece of straight fabric.

When using sheets for backing be sure to check the thread count of the sheet. I use the 200 thread count sheets. Any thing above that will be difficult to stitch.

I have only used old sheets as foundation for foundation-pieced crazy quilts, and I just rip them up to get my squares.

But by doing this I have DEFINITELY noticed that most sheets aren't on-grain, some have been really far off!

I to pick out all around the sheet with my best friend the seam ripper it gives you a little extra fabric that way and make sure it's square up evenly

I have used flann.el sheets as backing but the regular sheets, especially the lower thread count are great as foundation fabric. I have no plans of putting my quilts into a show for judging - a sheet back would definitely get your NO points with the judges but for giving them to family and friends we all have to stretch our money

I use whatever is left over, sometimes as bindings, sometimes in blocks, small pieces left are either put in the scrap bag or in the pet bed bag. If the sheet has a top "border", then I'll either use in a border or a block of some kind.

Picked up some sheets the other day at an estate sale. Had one small twin size with Battenburg Lace trim. Not sure how or when I'll use it but put it back for safe keeping. DOn't see too much with that type trim. Across top and edges. $5. I pick up BAttenburg when I can. Great to add for trim. Sometimes if you like the trim at the top of the sheet. You can cut in half/? and add to the quilt. Just gives an extra dimension. I like to take the elastic out of the fitted sheets.

:D:D:DI did that ONCE!

I cut off the bottom seam and the selvedges from the sides. If it is a cotton sheet I cut off the top on the sheet side right close to the hem and use them for hanging sleeves. Measure, tuck in the ends and you have a ready made sleeve.

That is a great idea!

Jeanne49 mentioned not using sheets on quilts for show but guess what? If you use a sheet it is very unlikely the judge or anyone else will ever know. I have been complimented on my backings many times by judges and other quilters and they have been sheets! I think they probably thought that they were wide quilting fabric backs. I think that using sheets is just a "quilter bias" and it shouldn't be an issue. If I need the size, I open the hems of my sheets and if I don't, I cut them off.

I too sit with my friendly seam ripper, and take out all the sitching...many are chain stitched....so it doesn't take log...then I press all the folds and creases out...I've used some higher thread count sheets...as well as some higher thread count backing fabric...new needle...and take it slow!

Good thought. I've only used a sheet for a backing once. It was my very first quilt (queen size) and hand quilted. What a pain! I had to use one of those little round thingies to pull my needle out on every stitch (yes queen size). Then everyone told me sheets are not for quilts. I guess I figured that out on my own. But now that I'm machine quilting I may try a sheet for the backing again. Thanks girls for weighing in on this!

I use sheets for backing and they look great. Many times, Ill find, "almost new," used ones at the thrift store for just a couple of dollars. I trim them off and keep the larger scraps for another project.

~ Cindy

I use sheets (used, and new) for my quilt backing, unless I have found the 90x108 backing on sale at Whittles...I usually save that for a quilt that I might put into a competition. Every penny counts, right? Unless you are talking about the BOM for 2014 that I am trying to finish up now--been back to Goodlettsville twice now because of wrong or sloppy cutting.....this quilt (gift or competition, depending on how it turns out) will more than likely cost me over $200.

I used a flannel sheet to back one quilt. I got the idea because I could not find a piece of flannel the right color. I just bought a white fluffy flannel sheet and dyed it to match. Worked great. I will use more of them now.

I use the used sheets for making my puppy blankets...this way if she tears one I don't mind and I can repair.

I rip the stitches out. It will give you about 10 more inches on top and bottom.