Bedsheet as Backing for Queen Size Quilt???

[dwil23]

Don't use a "Sateen" sheet. It will pile like nuts. I don't use sheets for quilting, I just know I've bought and tossed sateen quilts for this reason.

I used flannel to make a baby quilt and I liked it.

I just bought 700 thread count sateen sheets to use and then my sister points out that they were a blend, so that means pill balls. I don't know how I missed that little detail. So... back to the store they go. I have found that happens anytime a sheet is not 100 percent cotton.

[yeeehawterri]

One of my early quilts I used a 500 thread count sateen sheet for backing. I love the top, but the back doesnt have the warm, cuddly feel. Not a fan of sateen at all.

[slamb13]

I wondered about this too and heard from many on this forum who used sheets, so I gave it a try and am very happy with the result. No trouble quilting it on my machine, and it washed up fine. I got a twin sheet set from Target and used the flat sheet for the back of a twin quilt. I cut off the elastic of the fitted sheet and still have a piece plenty large enough to use as backing for a smaller throw, or a baby quilt. I'm very happy I tried this and will do it again, saves me A LOT of money on the back fabric! Target has solids, and printed sheet sets with some fun designs.

[Quiltngolfer]

I have some quilts with sheets for backing. They do fine, but they just have a different feel and look. The sheet makes a very sturdy quilt. I use mine for quilts for picnics, and for the grandkids to play on outside. My MIL made them years ago, and they have been washed a lot. They are heavier than 100% cotton quilts.

[Vonnie]

My maternal Grandmother only used sheets for backing. Of course, back then, the sheets were 100 percent cotton!

We also used old sheets cut up into squares to use as a foundation for strip/crazy quilts.

I imagine 100 percent cotton sheets would be expensive.

I did a large queen size quilt last month with purchased backing fabric and it had a heavier feel to it than regular quilting fabric. Do they do a tighter weave on backing fabric?

The only drawback I can see with using the sheets today is that they won't have the same shrinkage as the cotton top or the batting.

[spyderquilt]

Wow, thank you for ALL the wonderful replies. The queen size quilt I am making is for me <batting eyelashes wildly>. I thought the sheet would be a better "feel" against my skin since I have the sheet set as well. I was hoping for the answers that you gave me.

I have a continuation to this post, but I'll write it tomorrow. I'm pooped! **** full time job is always getting in the way of my fun!!!

Goodnight everyone. Thanks again for your replies.

Spyder
(Throws Zagnut bars into the forum)

[spyderquilt]

I was informed that most sheets are too tightly woven for using as backing, especially hand quilting. I have never tried one with machine quilting as a result. I would love to know how it turns out if you do you use a sheet.

I will be sure to let you know. Thank you!

[spyderquilt]

I hope you post a picture of it for me to see. I bet it's lovely. I really like heavy quilts - heavy in weight, not just warmth. Thank you for your reply!

Just some thoughts from my own experience:

I used a high quality queen size flannel sheet for backing that had been sitting in the closet for years unused on my first and only queen size quilt which I did a few months ago (only my second quilt). Although it worked out all right, the quilt was very, very heavy to work with especially with the quilting stage (I only did straight line stitching).

The quilt is very heavy to use and will be great when winter arrives again in my area in Australia in May, however, I will be sticking to cotton backing from now. I guess I don't really have any great love for the quilt because of the flannel backing.

I finished an all cotton king single today and it's just so much nicer to touch and look at.