Farmland Quilter Posted April 20, 2012 Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 I know Dawn told us why bed sheets do not make good quilt backs, but for the life of me I can't remember why. Could someone please tell me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted April 20, 2012 Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 I believe because the thread count is too high. I've never used one so don't know what kind of problems you could run into. Possibly breaking threads in the sheet, and tension problems? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sspingler Posted April 20, 2012 Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 I've used a lot of sheets as backings on my grandkids quilts and never had a problem. I do wash them several times to get all the sizing out of them tho. I found 2 really pretty floral sheets that I made both the girls matching comforters with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBQuilts Posted April 20, 2012 Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 I'm not sure what Dawn said but I have quilted with sheets as backing without any problems. I actually quilted two sheets, same pattern, medium poly batting, so that it was a reversible comforter, and they were 300 count, very soft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnCavanaugh Posted April 20, 2012 Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 hi Cheryl, You can use bed sheets for quilt backing, so long as you are aware of the potential pitfalls and are prepared for them. First, the high thread count can affect your tension by creating a bit more flatlining on the back since the thread can't nestle in as well. Second, if the thread count of the sheet is 200 threads or greater, some of the needle holes may not recover as well as you would like if you have to unsew. That is because the larger needle can sometimes sheer the fabric rather than split the fabric fibers, leaving a hole that will not close up. One can use a smaller needle, but you havevto also consider the thread size you are using, in combination with how fast you like to move so you don't get lots of railroad tracks on the back. Also, a sheet will shrink differently than traditional cotton fabric, and may not be as soft or supple as you like with heavy quilting. It isn't that you can't use the sheets, you just want to choose wisely and be aware of the results you may get, given the sheet's variables. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted April 20, 2012 Report Share Posted April 20, 2012 Don't use bamboo sheets, after washing they become like a satin or t-shirt very soft and pliable. I am sure they stretched every time I rolled over! Can't imagine them on a quilt backing, but maybe that would be the perfect place for them. I'm not putting them back on my bed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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