Ramona Byrd

Never heard of that myself. Never had any problem with everyday quilts that get a lot of washing and use. When in periods of no money, most people use what they have or can get cheaply, that usually means backing made of sheets because of the sheer volume of yardage. Haven't seen many old quilts with the backing ruined, but some fronts were looking pretty seedy.

Sadiemae

I heard this many years ago when I first began quilting. I have never used one, so I don't have the experience.

CarrieAnne

I have used lots of sheets with no problems!

Dingle

Ditto :thumbup:

Lori S

Yes I have heard of the reasons you listed. Yep I have used Batik wide backings and the needle size of the longarm made the "waste" fabric unusable. (Sometimes they run the pattern over the edges of the actual quilt onto just the batting and backing) These had holes so large the waste backing could never be used for anything else. This is because of the higher thread count and tight weave of the batik. So ... to make a long story short it did wash and 'wear" fine but.... I would be very cautious of using the very high thread count sheets. Particullary of you make an error the holes made from the original stitching will be noticable. Most recomendations for needles for machine quilting are to use a top stitch needle ... this is quite a large needle and would make sizable holes in a high thread count sheet. I look for a thread count of no more than 250 per inch and no less than 200 if using a sheet and it is fine. It depends also the needle size you use. Sometimes on a batik or other fabrics I lower my needle size .. yes even when I am quilting all the layers. As a general note it is a good idea to use the smallest size needle possible for finely woven goods even when piecing, and a new needle .. so as not to "pull"a thread.
I have been using sheets since the 70's when the only wide choice there was ... was muslin. Not all my quilts have sheets for backs but a great many do. All have held up well.

cheryl222

This is the most logical thought! I also use sheets with no problems

Ladybugnana

All of my quilts full size and larger are backed with sheets. I usually use the walmart brand but sometimes different ones. I have never had problems with any of them, they wash and wear wonderfully, no holes even after years of use. I wouldn't trade them for anything at this point as I machine quilt with a regular Babylock quilting machine that I sew the blocks together with.

amandasgramma

Bed sheets come in different thread counts -- some are 200 threads per square inch, some are 800 (I think some are in the 1000s)....I see NO reason to not use them! I made a quilt for my daughter out of 2 sheets. It went to every campout, every sleepover and probably places I don't want to know about. She's still using it. I made it when she was 4. She's not 37!!!!!!! And I saw it in her house the last time I was there!!!!

Shelbie

I use sheets all the time, cotton and flannel. Some of the sheets are poly/cotton and they work too. I look for sheets on sale and my small local department store (Giant Tiger in Canada) often has flat sheets that are seconds for less than $10 and even some of the main brands made in the U.S.A. which make great long wearing backs. I try to buy King sized sheets and use any extra fabric to make matching pillowcases which can be used to store the quilt when it isn't on the bed. One look at the pillowcased quilt sitting on the shelf, tells me what quilt is folded inside without pulling my linen closet apart.

Quiltforme

I have never had a problem with sheets for the backing on my quilts. I just make sure that they are washed to avoid shrinkage. I love how they look!