I have quilted sheets as backing for clients (APQS longarm) - no problem
, but myself,I prefer good quality muslin.

But my concern is: why put an "old" - vintage sheet on the back of new fabric and batt....even though it may be cotton, it has a lifespan and actually the backs get more wear than the tops......just me thinking out loud........

Thank you for your detailed explanation feline fanatic. I don’t quilt for clients and use my machine to quilt for Community Quilts, friends and family and I haven’t seen the “runs” you mention but then I probably haven’t used high thread count sheets either.

I made 2 whole cloth quilts using a sheet for the front and the back. Had no problem hand quilting them. The sheets were cotton poly blend.

My mom handquilted using sheets for a backing all the time--I still have several of them. She was a great quilter and had no problems at all. And they are still holding up great!

I did it back when I started and they were tough to (hand) quilt through. I think it was the sizing. I would not use used sheets, how do you know when they are going to "give"?

When we first started making quilts, many people commented on how nice it was to have printed backing, they were used to seeing muslin I guess. This was in the 1980's. I still get comments on how the quilts are reversible.

I've done a few flannel sheets, I buy them new at big box on clearance usually and then wash and dry on hot a couple times then start sandwiching! Don't see why you couldn't use a "regular" (non super high thread count) cotton sheet, I haven't but just because my family likes flannel and I can get the flannel flat sheets cheaper

I haven't used sheets as backing -- but I do watch the sales. I have 3 quilts that are very large king size quilt tops, and even a king-size sheet would not be big enough. At the same time, I purchased very good quality muslin (118" wide) and, using a coupon, got it for 60% off -- results - my cost $21 plus sales tax, instead of regular price of $52. Sheets can be pretty expensive, too.

My projects are usually smaller as I don't have enough room to work on full-size quilts. I frequently use a heavy-weight unbleached muslin for my backing. I also use it for my hand embroidery. I like the way it finishes.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with sheets. Believe your common sense and skip all the hype about unbelievably expensive high end quilting fabrics. I understand that they have their place just like the Westminister dog show has a place for some dog lovers. I love my rescue dog and my recycled fabrics. Recycling is part of the legacy we leave our grandchildren and a great way to make wonderful, unique items. If you get a chance to recycle a sheet, try it.

I use sheets quite often for backing a quilt. I must admit that I do not hand quilt because it hurts my arthritic fingers too much. Sheets are usually wide enough for a one-piece backing, and there is certainly enough variety to get a good color match to the quilt top. I do FMQ on my regular sewing machine, and I've never had any problems other having to wrestle a little bit with a queen size.