If I want to use a sheet for the backing, I usually go to a thrift store. There, I can feel the cotton, check out the real size, and pretend I am hand quilting it. I don't think it would matter as much if you are MQ, but for HQ, I really like to feel the fabric first. If you are worried about thrift store items, ours gets plenty of new items from local stores, displays, returns, etc.