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-   -   Why not use sheets for quilt backs? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/why-not-use-sheets-quilt-backs-t72482.html)

ckcowl 10-26-2010 03:20 PM

it used to be frowned on to use sheets, mainly because of the tighter weave it is very difficult to hand stitch (quilt) them. now that it is more accepted to machine quilt more and more people are taking advantage of using sheets. the 'purist' and the quilt police will still frown, but, use what you want, it is your quilt.

carolaug 10-26-2010 03:21 PM

I was thinking the same...you can get good quality sheets at really good prices at discount stores.

Originally Posted by sherriequilts
I have been quilting since 2002 and have used coordinating fabrics for the backs of my quilts. However, years earlier I had made several comforters (with really high-loft fiberfill ) and backed them with sheets. They seemed to work out fine. Then much later when I did REAL quilts the thought to use sheets never entered my mind. Just the other day for some reason this question came to my mind. So why not use sheets for quilt backs? Love to hear your opinions.


np3 10-26-2010 03:23 PM

I prefer to buy the large quilt backing. Sometimes I will piece three strips together. I'm not a fan of sheets, but it is simply personal preference.

ShySally 10-26-2010 03:25 PM

a 200 count is what you need if hand quiltd it has less thread so easy to get the needle thur. hope this helps.

carolaug 10-26-2010 03:29 PM

with a low count do you have issue after a few washes?? You know the cotton bumps...forgot the word for it.

Originally Posted by ShySally
a 200 count is what you need if hand quiltd it has less thread so easy to get the needle thur. hope this helps.


sherriequilts 10-26-2010 03:38 PM


Originally Posted by carole7481
I have used sheets for backing. I don't like a seam on the back. I don't hand quilt and it works fine for me.

I don't like seams in the back either. In fact, I am so anal about backs that I even fussy? cut them and match the pattern so the seam is not noticed. One time I had half inch of fabric left over!!

sherriequilts 10-26-2010 03:42 PM


Originally Posted by carolaug
I was thinking the same...you can get good quality sheets at really good prices at discount stores.

Originally Posted by sherriequilts
I have been quilting since 2002 and have used coordinating fabrics for the backs of my quilts. However, years earlier I had made several comforters (with really high-loft fiberfill ) and backed them with sheets. They seemed to work out fine. Then much later when I did REAL quilts the thought to use sheets never entered my mind. Just the other day for some reason this question came to my mind. So why not use sheets for quilt backs? Love to hear your opinions.


Actually, I think what brought this to my mind was that I met someone the other day with a finished quilt and she had found the perfect color yellow sheet for the back of her quilt in a thrift shop!

sherriequilts 10-26-2010 03:46 PM


Originally Posted by np3
I prefer to buy the large quilt backing. Sometimes I will piece three strips together. I'm not a fan of sheets, but it is simply personal preference.

I have an extra-wide piece in my stash waiting for me to do it's top! It just happened that when I found some really neat fabric for my stash and a future quilt I found the wide backing to match!! Now if I'd just stay off this site, I might get some quilting done. No, I still have an excuse! I am recovering from having both knees replaced and am not quite ready to sit down at a machine for any length of time, or stand up to cut out the pieces!

ShySally 10-26-2010 04:10 PM

if you are using cotton batting you have to quilt closer.i never had any trouble as i dont use cotton batting.

Prism99 10-26-2010 04:12 PM


Originally Posted by carolaug
with a low count do you have issue after a few washes?? You know the cotton bumps...forgot the word for it.

Originally Posted by ShySally
a 200 count is what you need if hand quiltd it has less thread so easy to get the needle thur. hope this helps.


Pilling? I'm not sure, but I think that is a problem with polyester sheets -- not so much of a problem with all-cotton sheets. I don't think the thread count affects pilling, but fiber content does.


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