I've heard people say that they use a bed sheet for backing and I've also heard that it is a bad idea. What do you think?

Thanks, Kelly

I've done it several times for utility quilts. They are inexpensive (translate that as cheap), wear well, and wash well. I mostly tied those quilts, so don't know about hand quilting them.

BAD idea,with the exception of flannel sheets. The percale sheets have a weave that is so tight that when the needle pierces the fabric, it breaks the threads instead of going between them. You end up with holes in your fabric, which weakens it. You also have holds left if you have to re-do any stitches.

I'm of the belief that if you use good fabric (buy it on sale!) on the back, you can turn the quilt over and have two quilts.

I do that all the time! I also use old blankets for the middle if I cannot buy batting/matting (?) Yep, I am on disability cannot afford buying good stuff.

I had heard it was a bad idea, that you for the explation for why. I too like to get my backings on sale.

I have used it many times. I buy a set at Walmart and use the flat. If you remove the elastic you can also use the fitted. I don't buy very high count. I am using one right now that is a little looser weave than regular cotton. It feels more like a tight linen and it washed great. Is very soft and flexible. Before I had gotten a set that came in a fabric bag and those were so soft we kept the fitted for the bed. It looked great to have the bed covered with the same fabric as the back of the quilt, fold the quilt back a little to show the back, and have the same fabric on the pillow cases. It looked as the whole thing was purchased.

I've heard that regular bed sheets are really difficult to hand quilt; I think that's where they got at least some of their bad rep.

I just got a couple of the 200 thread count ones to use for backing. As soon as I finish piecing the top I'll let you know how it works for me.

It may be awhile as I am also hand piecing and still have a few left to add...over 1200 of the 2-1/2" squares in place and only about 300 more remaining. Got a bunch done this weekend, so maybe this last bit will go pretty fast.

My grandmother hand quilted for me once and told me if I used a sheet again she would never quilt for me again! She said it was very difficult to hand quilt. I've followed her advice ever since.

Machine quilting would be a totally different story I'm sure! Never had any complaints from the machine quilting lady I use.

I use sheets all of the time for backing. I buy the 200 thread count at Walmart and have not had any problems. If I need a matching color I use dye(not Rit). and even do tie dyeing to make it more fun. Be sure to wash the sheet after dyeing tho so it doesn't bleed. I would rather spend 4.00 on the backing and have more money to buy the top fabrics. I remember my grandmother using anything she could find for quilts and I think we have somehow lost some of the old fashioned ideas that went into quilt making.

I got a couple of sets of sheets at Penney's on sale - $2.97 for twin top, bottom and pillowcase. They seem just right for backing - not percale. I'll let you know.

I have known people who do. I do not because the weave is tighter than the other fabric and I believe it makes it harder to hand quilt.

I can tell you from experience that sheets are hard to quilt!!

I hand quilt and use the 200 count main stay sheets from Walmart. These are not hard to hand quilt through and I have not seen any holes. I have sheets from over 30 years ago that are still in decent shape so I think fabric is fabric If it works use it. I like solid backs and love using them as they are all one piece and you can get them big enough for king size quilts.

Remember when you didn't have to buy them in sets? I liked that a lot better. I have used them to make curtains and shower curtains, Now you have to buy the fitted sheet even if you don't need one.

I too use sheets all the time for quilt backs. They are absolutely not problem for machine quilting and wash and wear very well. I especially like them on quilts that will see a lot of hard use (think Youth Shelter and industrial washing machines) or quilts for kids that will be really used and dragged around. I frequently buy 200 threat count sheets ($5.00 on special in Canada) for Community Quilts and even higher thread count sheets on family quilts. I try to buy the darker colours or patterned ones in King Size and use the leftovers to make a matching pillow case to store the quilt in or as the gift bag to present the quilt. Using sheets really cuts down on the overall cost of a quilt and I can't think of any reason not to.

I use sheets from the thrift store. Most of the time I can find 100% cotton but in a pinch poly/cotton will do. They are always available here as we live in a snowbird area. I have never had a problem quilting them with my Tin Lizzie. I do change the machine needle whenever I think of it. If the needle is dull and the sheet is a high thread count I can hear a pop with each stitch that tells me to change out the needle.

I machine quilted my top quilt then I finished with hand sewing the sheet on the back worked out great.

I just hit a sale of clearance flat sheets at Wal-Mart. They were $2.00 for the twin and $4.50 for King. I bought several.

I use wide backing fabric for gifts and raffles. I use the sheets for utility or low cost (i.e. scrap) quilts.

I'm making a quilt right now for hubby and me. I'm using a sheet for the back. It's not for "good" but to use. When I make the quilt of my dreams, I will use wide backing and have it professionally quilted.

So, I'm both ends of the spectrum. (And I used sheets before I found out about wide fabric- never had a problem machine quilting.)

Concerning bed sheets. 42 years ago I made my wedding dress from a new sheet, turned out great, very hard to sew on; then 10 years ago cut it up for fabric. Problem is I bought the best sheet I could find, shrunk it first, but the sheet was like sewing through a very heavy batik, if that makes since. I still use flat sheets, but make sure they are 100% cotton, much easier to use.
Hope this helps. http://cluttergutter.com.
Kelly

I buy sheets at the thrift stores. You can usually find different colors and sizes and they are cheap! They are also very soft. You should unfold them and check for quality before you take them to the register. I have a large dresser just for storing all the sheets that I have accumulated. Penni

I have used sheets and the last one I got was at Walmart in Oregon to make my granddaughter's quilt. It was 120 thread count and we tied it.

I think if you get 100% cotton and not a high thread count, they're fine to use. My grandmother always used sheets, never knew her to use anything else, and all her quilts were tied or hand quilted.

I too hand quilted on "sheet" backed quilts. I found it to be no worse than any other material. I think you should try it, and if you like it, continue. I have used several types of material, and if I want an all one piece back, I generally use a sheet.

I always use sheets would do it no other way and have had no problem with them at all. I also go to Thrift stores and buy them
and store them in Big Plastic Bins, I'm one for saving every penny I can , I figure the pioneer's had it right and there's are still around today and doing great, so if it worked for them why rock the boat now, when this is why we are carrying on the fine art of Quilting to pass it on as they did for use. :D

I never do, always try to buy the extra width backing

I also use sheets and haven't had a problem. I haven't used those with a high thread count (higher than 250) however, so I'm sure the advice to not use them would pertain to anything higher than that. I've hand-stitched and machine quilted them with no issues.
They're great to use because they're a standard size for whatever size quilt you're working on!

I too am on disability an can't spend big money on my quilts.
You might know soon as i started quilting Wall Mart stopped sailing anything I need. My grandmother made all her quilts out of all old close. Her quilts or still going after being used for yrs.

i always use 200 thread count ones and never had a problem i did some hand quilting and i had no problems

What kind of dye do you use and where do you find it?

I started using the 100% cotton sheets from Target last year for the backing and some for the fronts (I use alot of white or cream color).
I machine quilt on my Juki and have had no probems.
I love the way they feel after being washed. Like Grandma's old quilts. Very soft! :D
Works great with my Warm & Natural batting. Soooooo soft.
We all love them. ;)
Target has all colors of the 100% cotton. I wait for the sales and stock up.

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.