I agree, when I first started making quilts, I was told it wasn't a good idea. So, I don't use them.

i am glad you brought that subject up i was always told no to using them but after reading the comments and now knowing about buying one in the right thread count area i think i might try one!!!
i always leave this site a little bit smarter or with a new idea love it :-)

I used a flat sheet on a few quilts that I tied. I kept one for our bed, I used double batting (too Hot) and it wants to slide off the bed, gave the other away, don't know how it acts. Ours sliding off may be because it is stiffer with the double batting. I only use backing fabric or regular fabrics now. If it works use them, if not don't.

I agree, penski... I always learn new things after visiting these topics. I don't have access to a lot of wide width fabric choices so I always have to cut mine and sew them together creating a seam across the middle of the back. Plus, trying to get that seam in the middle of the top is a pain. I'm definitely going to try a sheet. There are so many more color choices and I'll watch for the 200 thread count. Thank you so much for dicussing this topic! I can see $savings$ written all over my next quilt! :o)

just a side note... that quilt hanging over the door in my photo is the one my grandma made for me in 1970 using a tredle sewing machine and her dresses/aprons! After years of use for dogs, packing, camping, I rescued it and hung it up so I can see my inspiration every day! It's a 9 patch and I can still remember some of the fabric of her dresses. Very special.

last night at guild meeting I heard several ladies talking about using 100% cotton IKEA sheets for backing. They had heard about some other quilters who had used these sheets and liked them. I would think you would have to check the thread count for durability.

I have also heard of using IKEA sheets. Here are links to a couple of blogs that mention this:

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2...e-sashing.html

http://www.filminthefridge.com/2010/...arfalle-quilt/

I too use the 200 thread count sheets from Wal-mart and they are fantastic. Plus save big bucks on backing purchases. They wear like iron and do not "pill" when washed.

I did buy some 100% Organic cotton sheets a couple of years ago and they were horrid, they "pilled" after the very first washing.

I longarm for others and own a shop, but still tell the quilters about the sheet options for backings, so far all are happy that they saved the $$'s for more fabric to make tops, and loved the quilt when it was done. Dollars add up quickly when you need 6-7 yards at $9.99/yard!

There is no seam to weaken in the backing either by using a whole cloth such as a sheet. I love them.

They are hard to hand quilt, ask me how I know that? I would never use a sheet for hand quilting again!

I too watch for when Wal-mart puts the sheets on sale and stock up. Thank goodness our Wal-mart still offers us the top and bottom sheets seperate and not only in sets.

I use the Target sheets all of the time and when you catch them on sale its like "Bam!!"

What I like about their sheets is the fact you can buy just the flat sheet and a few weeks ago when they had a sale I bought up several king sized sheets in different colors. To me the quality is like a Kona Cotton which to me is great and I love it.

Now since I have been thrift shopping and hitting yard sales I buy sheets there also. But I use them for material for the tops just as much as the backs.

And I have never had an issue sewing them with any of my machines and they are all treadle operated.

Billy

The only negative thing I have ever heard is that hand quilting is difficult if you use them. Every other reason I've heard is positive.