Using bedsheets to back your quilts?
11-03-2010, 04:18 PM
#1
Junior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 145
I was about to embarq on a new method of backing my quilts using bedsheets. I read the following which has changed my mind altogether. I know that many of the quilter here use bedsheets but were they aware of the following or is it all hooey? Sheets have a high thread count, which forces your quilting needle to break the sheet's threads as it pierces through. This leaves holes in your backing and diminishes the stability of your sheet. Quilting fabric has a looser weave, which allows your needle to easily slide between the threads and keeps your backing fabric intact. Actually, it makes a lot of sense to me! What do you think?
11-03-2010, 04:19 PM
#3
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Central PA
Posts: 5,573
It does make sense, but the thread count on sheets varies greatly. High thread count is heavy, but some of the lowest thread count sheets are almost like cheesecloth. I machine quilt, so wouldn't worry about it, but wouldn't use the real high count, too heavy and expensive to boot.
11-03-2010, 04:23 PM
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 12,166
The hems on sheets are sewn with needles and that does not break down the sheet. Does not make sence to me. I hand quilted 2 quilts with sheets for backing. It did make it harder on my hands but did well. So like it's been said before personal preference.
11-03-2010, 04:29 PM
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Originally Posted by sue38
I was about to embarq on a new method of backing my quilts using bedsheets. I read the following which has changed my mind altogether. I know that many of the quilter here use bedsheets but were they aware of the following or is it all hooey? Sheets have a high thread count, which forces your quilting needle to break the sheet's threads as it pierces through. This leaves holes in your backing and diminishes the stability of your sheet. Quilting fabric has a looser weave, which allows your needle to easily slide between the threads and keeps your backing fabric intact. Actually, it makes a lot of sense to me! What do you think?
;) That's all sheets are...fabric. Some better quality than others and since a good portion of quilters quilt by machine thread count doesn't matter like it used to. Hand quilters need to think about getting a needle through it. I've never used a sheet but certainly will. Ikea has some awesome 100 percent, wonderful quality sheets!
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