quilt backing
 

Hi all. Another question from a relative newbie. Is there any reason not to use a new sheet for the backing of a quilt. A new percale 300 thread count sheet is prices at $23 at walmart, far less than purchasing 7 yards of fabric at my local quilt store.

thanks.

There is absolutely no reason at all. Purists will disagree with me but then maybe they also have more $$ in their pockets than I do. It would be a good idea to wash the sheet before using. (and you can also check out Goodwill or local thrift shops for gently used sheets. I just snagged 6 single bed top sheets in excellent condition for $8 each. They will be used on donation quilts for my guild, but I would have no problem using them on my own quilts too.)

I mostly use sheets, love the older cotton ones with floral prints. Be careful they are not mostly poly or too dense. A client bought a black one for me to quilt her masterpiece, with many issues. It was a little stiff, machine skipped stitches, thread shredded and batting poked thru everywhere. I had to unpick it all (client paid me) and purchased a new sheet.

My machine absolutely refuses to quilt microfiber sheets. Major major issues, but I haven't had a problem with 50/50 . I still look for 100% cotton but sometimes that 50/50 is the perfect colour or design. Anything that comes into the house from thrifting, goes directly into the laundry. Biggest issue for me, is previous use of dryer sheets. The 'stench' (and to me it is a stench, not a pleasant odour) gives me a severe headache.

My favourite quilt to snuggle under was backed with a cotton sheet, and the quilt police haven’t arrested me yet.

That said, my preference is for 100% cotton sheets, and they are harder to find than you might think. Double check it’s really cotton if that’s important to you.

I’d also recommend making a practice sandwich with the batting and backing you want to use just to make sure your machine doesn’t give you any worries.

As long as the needle goes through easily if you plan to hand bind.

I use sheets as backing and they work great! I only use 100% cotton because I don't like the feel of poly-cotton. I wash them in hot water then put them in the dryer to prevent shrinking and to remove the sizing.

I'm picky-ish about the colour, I like it to look nice against the top when it's folded back.

Just keep in mind that the higher the thread count, the more difficult it can be to quilt through.

The quilt police can go kick rocks barefoot. This is a damn expensive hobby already - I'm not about to drop tons of money on backing! I'm not a show quilter nor am I making heirloom quilts so I'm happy with my sheets. Those who INSIST that sheets are going to ruin a quilt obviously have a ton of financial privilege.

I have used sheets, both new and from the thrift stores. I have used full width fancy backing. I have pieced backing in various ways.

Just be warned that very few things show every flaw as well as a white sheet. Still that motivated me to make my sandwich (backing, batting, top) as perfect as I could.

I do recommend prints!

Not sure how long this sale is going on, but eQuilter, my usual go-to store, has the wide backs on sale now at 25% off. Be aware that dealing with eQuilter you get exactly what you order, so not an inch extra. Other than that, I've been dealing with them pretty much since they started 20 years ago and I keep going back.
https://www.equilter.com/category/265/quilt-backing

I have found reasonable priced backings at Quilted Twins, Marshalls Fabrics, both online and I think their backings are great. My machine loves them and you can't beat the prices especially if you catch them at a sell but even if you don't you can't beat their prices. My machine also doesn't seem to be too picky either as i've used sheets, wrinkle free muslin too.

Another thrifty option if you have an IKEA nearby. They have a lot if cotton duvet covers that i cut apart. The ones in the children's department have made some wonderfully cozy quilts that wear well. I don't prewash