I am surprised that the quality of fabric at your LQS. I stopped shopping at JAF (except for their premium) because some of the fabric almost has a gauze feel to it. I never cared for the density of sheets.

I think this is such a great idea, use what you have. I find that I almost always have to run to LQS for back yardage. Maybe I'll remember to run to Wally World next time.

I got a white fitted sheet in a box of fabric scraps at Goodwill. After washing it, I noticed that it had many thin spots possibly from some kind of bleach? At any rate it would be more trouble cutting around them than it would be worth so it went into my cleaning rag box. Buyer beware I guess.

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*** I use sheets also the time and I hand quilt. They work well for me.
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I've been using sheets for years as backing. No problems

Love this conversation. I had heard years ago that sheets should not be used in piecing or backing and thought that was a "rule." However knowing that so many other experienced quilters are using them with no problems makes me excited to re-think that position. I can't wait to try this for myself.

Rules, shmools! I've used all cotton sheets many, many times in my quilts and it all worked out fine. In fact, I considering using one on a current project for the back and borders. I find most of them at the thrift stores. Fair worning, if you use one for cut pieces, you will have those scraps for ever and ever...that sheet never seems to get used up. :D

~ Cindy

I would just be leery of really used sheets. I went to a farm sale and bought lots of old white nice and soft sheets and some were so thin they shredded when I was using them. Sheets haven't been a problem for me either when quilting.

I often use sheets for backing charity quilts. I have never cut them up for piecing, but don't know why it shouldn't be done.

I use sheet (high thread count) for backing all the time. I don't have a problem using sheets.
I make king size quilts. My quilts hold up to washing, and use.