I have read here that many quilters use sheets for backing and some buy single flat sheets at Walmart. I did a search and couldn't find the post I was looking for so I would like to ask this - is it necessary to use only 100% cotton sheets or are cotton/poly blends ok? All of my quilt tops are 100% cotton. I was in Walmart with DH today and all they had were the cotton blends. Thanks

I use the blends and have no problem hand quilting them they wear forever and do not ball up like some cottons do.

Ive used the blends too with no problem.

Personally, I only use cotton.

Do you prewash your fabric before quilting (the top and the backing)? I have used it all. I personally don't wash my top or backing before I finish my quilts. After it is completed and washed, the shrinkage make the quilt puffy where there is no quilting.

Because of my Chemical Sensitivities, I wash all of my fabrics as soon as they come into the house. I use white vinegar and baking soda along with my special laundry soap to remove the odors. Some, especially those from JoAnn smell so strongly of cinnamon and cologne. I do it to avoid shrinkage later on. I have found not all cottons shrink equally.

Then I suggestion is to use what you find. I have used it all.

Your choice, either one will turn out fine. If you're going to enter it in a show then I'd be sure to use cotton.

I have used all types of sheets successfully, cotton, cotton/poly blends and flannel. They all machine quilt and wash and wear very well. Just make sure to press, starch if they tend to wrinkle and pin or baste well before quilting. Watch out for the really cheap sheets (we've had them here lately in Walmart) that have very low thread counts, wide weaves and feel a little rough as they won't stand up to frequent washings and probably wear out before your top.

sheet fabric is really nice to use.. sturdy. the blends will be more apparent soon.. cotton crops were damaged or replaced in areas. Quilt guild was talking about that last time. do not look forward to a blend for my tops.
I have use the sheets for curtain backs too.. teh hem already done ! so, enjoy! oh for lining of aprons too !

My Sister in law works at a Hotel and she always once in a while will drop by with a big bag of sheets, mattress pads and blankets for me. I use the blankets and sheets for backing and the mattress pads for batting for summer quilts. They sew up so nicely. As long as I can quilt I will be happy with what ever is available to keep the cost down. Our for mothers sewed to keep warm blankets on the bed and quilting now has become a hobby for most. I wonder what they would think of us...

I use the 100% cotton from Walmart. They are in a cute rectangle shaped cloth bag with a snap. Solids to stripes. I have done several Customer quilts with them and now I have used them for myself.
Sue

What a great source to have. I also use blankets in place of batting between sheets for practicing a new FM design.

One caution on using sheets. If you are hand quilting it may not make a difference, but for machine quilting you have to make sure that the sheet is squared or it doesn't go in the quilt frame very easily.

ditto

Thanks for the help on this.. I don't have a frame, so for those - nice warning !

I am doing the hand quilting right now until I get my new sewing machine. Thanks for the tip on using the sheets in a quilt frame.

i use the blends. no problems.

Thanks so much for all of the information. I will try out the blends that I have found. :)

If you decide to use sheets before you go drop the bucks at walmart check salvation army and goodwill stores I have gotten many sheets there usually for under two bucks. I always wash them before using
David

Good idea, thanks.

I haven't been able to find 100% cotton at Wallmart, but they have them at Target, not a lot of colors, but they are super soft.

I agree! I'm just finishing one with a flannel sheet used as the backing. Easy and feels great.

I have always used sheets for my backing. I buy them at Walmart.

could some of you post some pics of your quilts with sheets as backing? I am not sure i've seen this and would like to see what it looks like. sounds like it'd be a much cheaper way to back quilts! I think a flannel sheet would be so cozy to use! thanks!!

Sheets can sometimes be hard to handquilt.

I usually use cotton, but have used blends. I always back with sheets.

look at thrift for good sheets even you can find new ones sometime and thats what i use for my backings

I've used both with no problems. Those I've used weren't pre-washed and they didn't shrink.
A word of caution - it's a nightmare to hand quilt them - sheets are very closely woven.

not a full pic of the back put partial this is just a white sheet.

I dont like blends because sometimes the get those little pill thingys. The poly fibers are shorter than cotton and pill up. Just my thought on it.

dang darn it....didn`t think i could use cotton blends for backing when hand quilting....and to think when thy had the yearly rumage sale for the hospital thy had a huge table full of sheets...i bought all their ties, a lot of doilies....what else should i look for next time???

this is really good news for me!!! I am a new quilter and have been told to NEVER, EVER use a sheet for backing because a long arm can't quilt it correctly. If I can, indeed use sheets, it will cut down the cost of quilting by a TON and make DH so very happy!

depends on how they needle

Those are cute little bags. Have you found a way to re-purpose them?

I have used the cotton blend sheets from Walmart & love them! They feel so soft after washed & never had any to ball. Hate that feeling!
Just a hint: I always buy the next size bigger than what I am going to quilt. The left over makes up for a nice pillow case & I use some of the fabric from the quilt to make the edging on the case! :P

IKEA has some fabulous cotton sheets!

I haven't tried a sheet for machine quilting, but I wouldn't recommend them if you're a hand quilter !
I used some years ago and had a terrible time quilting with them. I even took one off & started over with fabric backing. The thread counts are too high for good hand quilting, and poly blends will feel different than the quilt top. I know some LAQ who won't accept them to quilt, so check first ! :)

This is a mainstay sheet from Walmarts hand quilted. The first quilt I ever made, my avatar It is full size and I had no trouble I and quilted it and no little pills on it I love using those sheets.

Would flannel sheets work for rag quilts?