Thanks, everyone. I have been using sheets but wasn't sure what other quilters would think. With all the time put into hand quilting, I want the quilting to show. As for sheets not being big enough, I usually don't find that to be a problem. With a few of them I have made little borders on the sheet side and they look quite nice.

I used to go to an Army-Navy surplus store near me and buy wool blankets which I shrank prior to using. They held up well. My family had 3 brothers in the Navy, so we had lots of blankets to use when I was young. They, too held up well in our home which had only 1 stove in the family room.

The first time I ever brought up the topic at my LQS I had the wrath of God and the fear of He** almost shouted at me. But I could never understand the logic of it. If you find a pretty sheet that's appropriate, why not? I think I'd use a Microtex needle, but other than that, I'd say go for it!!

The lady that encouraged me and taught me to hand quilt always used sheets for her backings. She even used poly/cotton blends as well. Her quilts are lovely. It was what she preferred and not an economic issue at all.

I learned to handquilt with sheets and I do think they were a bit harder to needle. Very doable tho. I will probably do it again but for now I have been piecing backings with my scraps and gifted fabrics. Just try it and see how you like it. Not heresy at all.