I, like Lisa , use the vintage sheets :O) when I can find them. I find them at gr sales too.
The ones I got at W-M were 200 thread count. only $4.00 for a twin flat size. That is a lot of material for the $$$. I hand quilt and don't find them hard to work with.
I am always thinking to thin of material wouldn't hold up.

PS I have been here a short time and have learned so much.
Been quilting for 15 years, but nothing real fancy.
Started with jeans quilts. So maybe that is why the 200 count cotton sheets didn't seem difficult.

So, if you are using a used sheet or a lower thread count do you starch it before putting your quilt sandwich together? I've never tried using sheets, I guess I thought the cheap ones wouldn't be good enough and the good sheets are more expensive than the best quilting fabric. May have to give it a try....you quilters are great for getting great advise.

whether i'm using a lower thread count or a used sheet, i starch. i starch, starch, starch. i support the entire starch industry. starch is my middle name. i treat it the same as i do any fabric for quilting. starching helps it cut straighter and lay flatter when pressing.

oh, to answer your question: yes. on that last pressing, i starch.

The problem with the higher counts is the thread is thinner and tears easier. It is (for me) harder to quilt. A 200 is better and cheaper.

Being retired and managing on a fairly low fixed income I regularly visit the charity shops in town and I have bought lots of perfectly good sheets to use as backing for quilts and wallhangings. Sometimes I cut them into 10 1/2" squares and use them as foundation pieces for string quilts.

I use recycled sheets in a lot of my quilts. I buy them from our local thrift store. I use them for backing, sometimes summer weight batting, and the tops. It is my frugal way to be able to enjoy my quilting on a very tight budget.

so far I haven't had a problem hand quilting on with a sheet as a back.. But I can't say what the thread count was.

i've done the same and if i don't plan to use white, then i don't care what color the sheet is, either.

And I thought I was the only one who buys starch by the case. I can't quilt without it.

maybe we were separated at birth?