SusieQOH

I never have because I used to hand quilt exclusively but now that I'm starting to machine quilt I may try one. I would use all cotton for the back.

Jane Quilter

This is what I found (I am a hand quilter). And it is because they are so superior to quilting fabric (have a higher thread count) that I could not get my needle through. So go cheap, or go used, and (especially if you machine quilt) you should be fine. I think it is a great alternative.

SillySusan

I use sheets almost all the time. You can get just the top sheets, any size, at thrift shops, usually cost between $2 to $4. 100% cotton or blends work fine. I don't like the soft, thin, or silky ones.

quilttiger

This past week, I ordered a flat flannel sheet through Amazon to replace the old flannel cover on my folding design wall.

madamekelly

I have even bought white flannel flat sheets and dyed them to match the quilt top. I do wash them in hot water after dying to prevent “bleeders”. I baste them really well with glue, and never had a problem quilting them on my DSM.

Barb in Louisiana

I use Cotton Sheeting for my backings on almost all my quilts. My long arm doesn't care and they wash well. I have had no problem with wear. Most quilts don't get washed that often. I am going to have to check out the prices of flat sheets as I can no longer get the Sheeting with a 50% off coupon. Hancock's closed down. Boo Hiss!

najudy

I buy them from an Ebay store, named Georgia Towels. They have lots of flat sheets sold separately. You can get all cotton or poly cotton blend. You can buy them singly or in packets of four or six and the prices are really good. And they are made in the USA. Customer service is excellent.

klswift

I do it all the time. Buying 'cheaper' sheets works better because of the lower thread count. Not super thin, but you can have trouble quilting with the high count quality sheets. When Anna's Linen was still around, I would buy several of the basic colors whenever they ran their sales and use them for backing on charity quilts or throw quilts that I sold at a local shop. It really kept the cost down so I could sell them and make a profit. I would often quilt with a variegated or contrast color so the pattern showed up nicely on the backing.

Mdegenhart

Poly/cotton bed sheets pill over time. At least any I've ever had and slept on did.

crafty pat

My DM used them all the time, she hand quilted. I have only done one or two I machine quilt and always liked the results. I am getting ready to do one now for my DD she wants it backed with a sheet to match a sheet set she wants to use it with.