Bedsheets for backing
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AZ and CT
Posts: 4,898
Wow - this thread has been an eye-opener! I guess I've just believed what I've read in the quilting books. I did have a lot of trouble hand quilting a quilt with a sheet for backing once, so I never tried it again. However, I had not washed it several times. Maybe that was why. Now I only machine quilt, so maybe I'll try a sheet again. I LOVE this board!
#23
SOME sheets work just fine. Others cause major problems. I have one on the machine right now, and I'm at a loss what to do.
It's an old (previously) hand quilted quilt. Some of the threads have worn away, and she just wanted me to put machine quilting in the missing areas. This quilt has been wash numerous times. It's been well used - some of the embroidery has been worn away, too. It has a very thin cheap batting.
It was one of her first quilts, and she's been doing this a long time now.
I've used every white thread in the place, top and bottom. I've adjusted tension, speed. I've even said bad words (then promptly apologized - my studio is in a former church). I use a practice piece on the side and get beautiful stitches, with every combination of threads. Move to the quilt and get cr@p!! Huge skips.
If it weren't for previous bad results with sheets, I wouldn't know the problem. For the charity quilts, all of us who use the longarm to quilt them have said no more sheets, unless they are flannel. It's not worth the hassle.
It's an old (previously) hand quilted quilt. Some of the threads have worn away, and she just wanted me to put machine quilting in the missing areas. This quilt has been wash numerous times. It's been well used - some of the embroidery has been worn away, too. It has a very thin cheap batting.
It was one of her first quilts, and she's been doing this a long time now.
I've used every white thread in the place, top and bottom. I've adjusted tension, speed. I've even said bad words (then promptly apologized - my studio is in a former church). I use a practice piece on the side and get beautiful stitches, with every combination of threads. Move to the quilt and get cr@p!! Huge skips.
If it weren't for previous bad results with sheets, I wouldn't know the problem. For the charity quilts, all of us who use the longarm to quilt them have said no more sheets, unless they are flannel. It's not worth the hassle.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
i've used sheets . no problem with whites, but the dark ones lose their new look after washing. that crisp color is gone. as for thread count, bring it on. i don't mind changing a needle in exchange for a backing that lasts forever.
i've even wrapped the edges and they do not wear out at all. i've been very satisfied. i only use cotton and i pre-wash, especially darks. i buy or make matching pillowcases. one twin sheet will give you four pillowcases, if you don't mind ones with seams all the way around.
i've even wrapped the edges and they do not wear out at all. i've been very satisfied. i only use cotton and i pre-wash, especially darks. i buy or make matching pillowcases. one twin sheet will give you four pillowcases, if you don't mind ones with seams all the way around.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: La Quinta, CA
Posts: 3,918
I usually use sheets for backing. I find them at discount stores, thrift stores, garage sales etc. I always have my eyes open for a bargain sheet or fabric. I like to find all cotton but If it's poly/cotton it works too. I like the higher thread count but you can't always have everything. I quilt with my Tin Lizzie, no problems, I do change needles often. I have used 108" wide cotton quilt backing fabric, it's very nice for "special" quilts, but give me a sheet for the price ( used sheet >$3 vs. $30 for the wide quilt fabric).
Mary
Mary
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Originally Posted by Shelley
I've used every white thread in the place, top and bottom. I've adjusted tension, speed. I've even said bad words (then promptly apologized - my studio is in a former church). I use a practice piece on the side and get beautiful stitches, with every combination of threads. Move to the quilt and get cr@p!! Huge skips.
#27
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 17,636
Originally Posted by Suz
I recently received a packet from American Patchwork encouraging me to purchase their book. In it was several inserts of interest and quoting from one insert regarding using bedsheets for backing:
"Using bedsheets to back your quilts? DON'T DO IT!
Sheets have a high thread count, which forces your quilting needle to break the sheet's threads as it pierces through. This leaves holes in your backing and diminishes the stability of your sheet.
Quilting fabric has a looser weave, which allows your needle to easily slide between the threads and keeps your backing fabric in tact."
Just thought you'd like to hear their opinion. Suzanne
"Using bedsheets to back your quilts? DON'T DO IT!
Sheets have a high thread count, which forces your quilting needle to break the sheet's threads as it pierces through. This leaves holes in your backing and diminishes the stability of your sheet.
Quilting fabric has a looser weave, which allows your needle to easily slide between the threads and keeps your backing fabric in tact."
Just thought you'd like to hear their opinion. Suzanne
#28
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 17,636
Originally Posted by BlueChicken
I guess it goes back to what the quilt will be used for.... if you're creating a family heirloom to be passed from generation to generation, then maybe a bed sheet is not appropriate for the backing. But for an everyday quilt that the kids will use, maybe it's ok.
#29
Originally Posted by Shelley
SOME sheets work just fine. Others cause major problems. I have one on the machine right now, and I'm at a loss what to do.
It's an old (previously) hand quilted quilt. Some of the threads have worn away, and she just wanted me to put machine quilting in the missing areas. This quilt has been wash numerous times. It's been well used - some of the embroidery has been worn away, too. It has a very thin cheap batting.
It was one of her first quilts, and she's been doing this a long time now.
I've used every white thread in the place, top and bottom. I've adjusted tension, speed. I've even said bad words (then promptly apologized - my studio is in a former church). I use a practice piece on the side and get beautiful stitches, with every combination of threads. Move to the quilt and get cr@p!! Huge skips.
If it weren't for previous bad results with sheets, I wouldn't know the problem. For the charity quilts, all of us who use the longarm to quilt them have said no more sheets, unless they are flannel. It's not worth the hassle.
It's an old (previously) hand quilted quilt. Some of the threads have worn away, and she just wanted me to put machine quilting in the missing areas. This quilt has been wash numerous times. It's been well used - some of the embroidery has been worn away, too. It has a very thin cheap batting.
It was one of her first quilts, and she's been doing this a long time now.
I've used every white thread in the place, top and bottom. I've adjusted tension, speed. I've even said bad words (then promptly apologized - my studio is in a former church). I use a practice piece on the side and get beautiful stitches, with every combination of threads. Move to the quilt and get cr@p!! Huge skips.
If it weren't for previous bad results with sheets, I wouldn't know the problem. For the charity quilts, all of us who use the longarm to quilt them have said no more sheets, unless they are flannel. It's not worth the hassle.
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