re-purpose bed sheets for FMQ
 

I am in the throws of downsizing from house to apartment and have several old top bed sheets that don't match or go with anything (saved for some "emergency" that hasn't happened for 26 years! LOL).
I was wondering if I couldn't cut them up and make practice sandwiches for FMQ? They are not muslin but some type of cotton and polyester blend....kind of slipery. I have read on the board here to use muslin for the sandwiches but I am house rich and cash poor. Will the sheets quilt up differently than the muslin? I would only get probably $.25 for the sheets anyway in yard sale. Besides, doing something creative while cleaning out the house will get my mind off my troubles. What say you FMQ's out there?

I say use what ever you can! Waste not, want not. I know that many longarm quilters say not to use sheets for backings, but I have many customers who do & it's never been an issue. GO FOR IT! You may end up w/a whole clothe master piece! Map it out & give it a try! Or using chalk, draw a grid & do a different technique in each of the blocks! It's only practice right!?! HAVE A BLAST!

Hi,
I have used vintage sheets for the backing of quilts, and they are fine. I love the look! Upcycle!!!
nancy

I have just been to a shop of used items and purchased 2 curtains made with light weight cotton same as for quilting. I have them for backing as I like you find it so expensive for the big piece for the back. I paid £7 or the two.. £7 I metre is cheap over here in UK.

Estate sale sheets and blankets (for batting) are the only thing I've used to practice on. Fabric and batting are too expensive for practice!

I've used many a sheet for backing quilts and never had a problem.

They sound work fine!

Practice your FMQ. Back some quilts. Use them for blocks if they suit your fancy. Sheets will work for any of those things.

I would absolutely practice with them. Being the blend that they are will help you to learn to control the fabric better.The quilt police are not allowed in my house and wouldn't let them in your house. You can do what you want. It is called a learning experience. I'm working on a Victorian Crazy quilt and am using a former pillow case. A friend of mine uses very little muslin and she makes a lot of VCQs.

The only real problem is that of heat. Quilting cotton can generally take a higher heat, than polyester/poly blends. The solution is to simply lower the iron's heat setting. :)