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  • re-purpose bed sheets for FMQ

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    Old 08-17-2013, 07:19 AM
      #11  
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    My Mother and Grandmother used sheets for backing on their quilts for many years. They qilted up nicely and looked great.
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    Old 08-17-2013, 07:29 AM
      #12  
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    You might also have to use a different needle. Since the sheet is woven more tightly it might need a sharper needle to penetrate the fabric
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    Old 08-17-2013, 08:36 AM
      #13  
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    I use sheets for the backing on most of my quilts. I try match the sheet to the quilt (color, pattern). Use them any way you want, I'm all for saving money and using what you have. I think the patterned sheets beg me to use them for my quilt backing.
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    Old 08-17-2013, 11:07 AM
      #14  
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    Thank you all for your advice. As I said, these sheets are old, some with small holes. They are not good enough to be used as a quilt back. I was concerned if it would quilt up differently than muslin for practice FMG. Holice's suggestion of a different needle was something I had not thought of. I suppose I may have to try out different types of thread too if I run into proplems. Maybe I will only cut-up one sheet today and see how it goes.
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    Old 08-17-2013, 11:31 AM
      #15  
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    you can also rip them into 2 1/2 in strips and make rugs

    dp
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    Old 08-19-2013, 05:07 AM
      #16  
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    I just cleaned out a chest that was filled w/all kinds of sheets, blankets, etc. Those that matched I kept, some went for paint throws, the white ones I will cut up and use for the backing when I quilt the front of the pillow shams. That way, I have the same look as the quilt, but without using any of my stash.
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    Old 08-19-2013, 06:02 AM
      #17  
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    I use sheets just about always. Many years ago, I was given some "insulated" draperies-the ones that were rubber backed. My daughters and I wanted to create a nice picnic blanket and we used the draperies for the filler. It sewed beautifully and was a very good barrier from moisture from the ground and washed great. We created another for the bed that was in the coldest room without heat and it was the warmest bed in the house! One of my daughters still has the bed quilt but the picnic somewhere along the lines grew legs and walked away.
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    Old 08-19-2013, 06:13 AM
      #18  
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    I have no problem using them for quilts, but I don't think I'd recommend them to a beginner wanting to practice. Sheets are definitely harder to quilt than cotton quilting fabric. They require more care to adjust the tension just right, and to really watch what you are doing that stitches don't skip. IMO- it would be a frustrating experience as a beginner.
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    Old 08-19-2013, 06:56 AM
      #19  
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    I suggest starching the sheets before using as backing. Makes them not so slippery.
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    Old 08-19-2013, 07:00 AM
      #20  
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    Do use them for practice! No quilt police here!
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