the pillow case idea gave me an idea - if the hem on the top of the quillt is less used than the rest, we might be able to get a few 4 - 5 inch blocks from it to incorporate into the quilt back. And we can back those little blocks with another fabric so if they do tear, we may only have to carefully take the individual piece off - very carefully.

Thank all of you for verifying what I was thinking. It really helps to hear from people who have either experienced the old sheet problem or can imagine the same results that I do.

Just remember that sheets can be very difficult to quilt through because of the tight weave. I know that most long armers refuse to work with sheets as backing.

I use sheets and I get them at the thrift stores I look for a 100% cotton and how it feels I have even used ones that are
not all cotton they work okay I do not use the real thin ones.

All of these opinions are true... because we, as experienced quilters, know better than to use inferior materials in our work. BUT... it's her quilt and if she is thrilled with the Alf sheet, I would not butt in on her decision. It's not the end of the world if the quilt falls apart later... Sheets have higher thread count than quilting cotton and you may be surprised at how long it lasts. Let her make her own mistakes and learn, rather than offend her.

Now, if she pointedly asks your opinion on the sheet's fitness for a backing, I'd tell her. But if she doesn't ask, don't try to change her plan. She may not appreciate it.

I would mention it at least once -