I've seen this time and time again on quilting blogs, using bed sheets for backing. I need almost 9 yards for a quilt backing, it's about a queen size so I'd probably get a king sized flat sheet. Now I have a few questions, what thread count? All the fabric in my quilt is high quality quilting fabric, not too concerned about price because whatever thread count it'll be cheaper than spending close to $100 on backing fabric. Prewash the sheet or not? None of the fabrics in the quilt top are prewashed so I'm gonna guess that's a no.
I have a bunch of joann coupons I'd love to use and gotta get the batting (buying packaged for this monster!) so I'd love to get the sheet too and get crackin on quilting this beast!
a blogging friend once told me to try IKEA. I haven't done it yet, but she says they have good sheets for backing.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that about IKEA also - but I've also used sheets from Target on several quits and they've worked great! I usually use as high a cotton thread count as I can find. I've been fortunate to find twin size sheet sets on clearance for as low as $4.99, and we can do two quilts in the size we make with that.
ReplyDeleteI've used sheets several times from 250 thread count up to 275, I think. I've never had any problems. I've also used old vintage sheets that have got to be 30-40 years old and washed and used several times before using them as backing and I've never had problems. That's my favorite thing to use as backings. If you have an IKEA around you, I use the Dvala sheets for my sashing, backing and solids in a quilt ALL THE TIME. Never had a problem. They are super cheap around $5 for a twin and they have all sizes. make sure to check the measurements of a queen flat sheet, that may be big enough b/c they are oversized to account for the drop on all sides. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have used sheets for backing but I stick to 250 + count. I agree with Jen, check those measurements. I have only had the problem once, bu the sheet had a large border and this messed me up when I needed those extra inches. I generally buy one size larger in the sheet just to be sure that I don't have that issue if the measurements are close.
ReplyDeleteAs far as sheet backings i have never tried. But I did read to not use because the weave is too tight. The needle breaks threads with each stitch when quilting vs quilt fabric has more space in the weave so needle goes between fabric threads. But then again, maybe the quilt shops and fabric makers just want you to buy more of their fabric. No one has ever said their quilt fell apart because of a sheet back. LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey! My mother-in-law was from Kentucky and she taught me to quilt. She started sewing as a little girl, making her own dolly clothes. She learned to quilt from her mother and grandmother. She used sheets all the time and never once had any problems. Then as I collected quilt books I read "Do not use bed sheets because of the thread count, they are not suitable." Well, that put a whole new spin on things. Do I use bed sheets, yes I do, and I will continue to use them if I need to. How handy to find a queen or king size piece of material that will work. I have washed those quilts from my mil and have they held up, yes they have. I do suppose the higher the thread count the better it will be. I can't afford $100 worth of backing material when I can pay one-fifth of the price for the same amount of material in a sheet. Just make sure your batting is bonded. A low loft cotton bat is better and warmer. I agree with Wonky Girl, I too think the fabric shops push their material, encouraging you to buy it and tell you sheets are not what you should use.
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