Why not use sheets for quilt backs?

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10-26-2010, 04:28 PM

#21

JanTx

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Texas Gulf Coast

Posts: 1,463

I just finished a quilt top and from the beginning I planned to use a sheet. When I mentioned this to the LQS owner she was very discouraging. Said she'd rather see me use muslin than a sheet. Hmmmm. Glad this thread came up - I'm going to go with the sheet. I've heard that the sheet will not last as well, will fade, etc, but the quilt I made is for lovin' not for an heirloom and we're going to love with a sheet.

I don't think she was just trying to sell her muslin - this is a small town and I've knew the lady years before she opened this shop.

10-26-2010, 05:10 PM

#22

ktbb

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Anchorage, AK

Posts: 1,397

some long-armers in my area don't like to quilt on sheets. So check if you're going to send it out for quilting.

10-26-2010, 05:15 PM

#23

moonwolf23

Senior Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Posts: 327

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfkitty

I was told the higher density of the fabric makes if difficult to do the actual quilting, especially by hand. That said, I have used a sheet for backing. The less expensive sheets are not as dense.

I've used a flannel sheet for my sons dinosaur, quilt. It wasn't that difficult to quilt. I have a flat sheet for my other sons quilt, I think it's 200 count cotton thread or something and it wasn't difficult to sew through either.

10-26-2010, 05:32 PM

#24

MaryStoaks

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2008

Location: La Quinta, CA

Posts: 3,918

I usually use sheets, they work just fine for quilting with my Tin Lizzie. I often find them in thrift shops, I wash them before bringing them into the house (fear of bed bugs).
You can't beat the price and sheets are made with long lasting fabric. I do prefer the 100% cotton but I've used good quality cotton blends too.

10-26-2010, 05:39 PM

#25

Junior Member

Join Date: May 2010

Location: Iowa

Posts: 288

I know people use sheets for backing, but I've been told by numerous long arm quilters that they won't quilt them using sheets on the back.

10-26-2010, 05:55 PM

#26

ewesful

Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Posts: 43

I've used sheets many times and my grandmother loved them for her quilts once the printed ones came out - she would give a set of sheets to match the backing as part of the gift. I still use a couple of hers and they were gifts in the 1950's

10-26-2010, 06:03 PM

#27

wanderingcreek

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Posts: 1,495

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckcowl

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.

I thought there were no Quilt Police!!!!! I have used sheets for backings on lots of quilts and never had a problem. I guess now I might have to start looking over my shoulder for those dreaded Quilt Police.

10-26-2010, 06:08 PM

#28

bejay28

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Florida- Smokin HOT here!

Posts: 275

I really like this idea! After all, one can buy the correct size sheet as the quilt, then that a set of sheets to match the back of the quilt!

10-26-2010, 06:12 PM

#29

littlehud

Power Poster

Join Date: Nov 2007

Location: SW Iowa

Posts: 32,855

I machine quilt so I guess I could use sheets, I just never think of it while I'm making a quilt.

10-26-2010, 06:32 PM

#30

mom-6

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Texas

Posts: 6,395

I've intentionally bought 'on sale' flat sheets to use for future quilt backs and have also gotten some from thrift shops or yard sales. The 'used' ones are so nice and soft! I just make sure they don't have thin spots...but those are usually on the fitted sheet anyway, not the flat sheet.