Do any of you experienced quilters use purchased sheets for your quilt backing, and what do you think of this? I'm trying to decide what to back my quilt with the most inexpensive way.

Hi Susie, it is not a good idea to use a sheet. The thread count is much higher and the fabric content is frequently not 100% cotton. The thread count is a huge issue. It will be very difficult to quilt. The cheapest and most traditional way to back a quilt is to use muslin. It is available in wide widths so piecing is not necessary even for queen/king size quilts. Look at JoAnns and use your 40% off coupon for a very affordable quilt backing.

Deb K

Susie, the other problem with a sheet's thread count is that, because of the tighter weave, it's easier to break individual threads during the quilting process which can cause holes in the long run. If you're looking for inexpensive, I'd have to agree with Deb, go for wide muslin.

Susie, I have seen quilters try this, and they end up with alot of puckers on the back, from the sheet bunching up. *even though they baste and pin. I think it is because the sheet is so light weight.
I have seen tied quilts with a sheet as the backing, but those were utility quilts.
But I agree look for sale fabric and wide width to save money.

A lot of time on fabrics.om or other sites they have their 90-110" wide fabrics on sale really cheap. They are great for a queen or king ize quilt with no seams in the backing.

I'm very confused I must confess by all this talk of muslin! Muslin to me is a loosely woven fabric that I use to wrap my Xmas pudding in when cooking it or to strain jam through! Is what you call muslin what I would call calico??
Since moving to France where sheets are usually 100% cotton I have used them for backing occasionally with simple "stitch in the ditch" quilting on projects where the back won't be seen!

This is muslin stateside...

http://www.fabric.com/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header...88-93f3-26a376046a5e

Hope that helps!

Muslin definitely has many qualities. some is very loosly woven and does resemble a seive grade. I prefer to purchase the no press muslin. It is perma press, and requires much less effort to iron. It is more expensive, but in my opinion, much worth it.

If I were making ghost costumes, etc. I would use the more inexpensive type.

The Moda muslin is great as well.

quote:

Originally posted by L'escargot de patch:
I'm very confused I must confess by all this talk of muslin! Muslin to me is a loosely woven fabric that I use to wrap my Xmas pudding in when cooking it or to strain jam through! Is what you call muslin what I would call calico??
Since moving to France where sheets are usually 100% cotton I have used them for backing occasionally with simple "stitch in the ditch" quilting on projects where the back won't be seen!

I think what you use to wrap your pudding in is what we call cheesecloth. Is your pudding like a Lardy cake? I bet it is yummy!

There are many grades of muslin, that is true. I am speaking of what I believe you call calico. What we call calico here in the states is a fabric with a small all-over print.

Here is a link to cheesecloth:
http://www.apparelsearch.com/Wholesale_Clothing/Search_...eesecloth_fabric.htm

One for muslin:
http://www.fabricdirect.com/acatalog/muslin.html

And some examples of calico:
http://www.thefind.com/crafts/info-calico-fabric

Hope this helps.