quilt backing?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 422
Yes here also. I use a prewashed king size sheet (250 thread count) for the backing on a queen size quilt.
It feels stiffer...not like the soft muslin backing I usually use and is harder to keep on the bed. The muslin backing seems to cling to the bed better. Also, when I hold that particular quilt up you can see light thru the needle holes...it was machine quilted on a long arm machine. If I plan to tie a quilt instead of quilting it I usually back it with a new sheet. Good results also depends on the quality of the sheet and the mix of fibers it contains.
It feels stiffer...not like the soft muslin backing I usually use and is harder to keep on the bed. The muslin backing seems to cling to the bed better. Also, when I hold that particular quilt up you can see light thru the needle holes...it was machine quilted on a long arm machine. If I plan to tie a quilt instead of quilting it I usually back it with a new sheet. Good results also depends on the quality of the sheet and the mix of fibers it contains.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 2,842
not a good idea :( :(
Using a bed sheet for the backing for a quilt is only good for utility blanket quilts. The weave of the sheet is different than the weave of yardage. Why waste all the time piecing a quilt top and then use the wrong type fabric for the backing that is too thick and too tightly woven.
Read info on this site
http://www.reddawn.net/quilt/backings.htm
Using a bed sheet for the backing for a quilt is only good for utility blanket quilts. The weave of the sheet is different than the weave of yardage. Why waste all the time piecing a quilt top and then use the wrong type fabric for the backing that is too thick and too tightly woven.
Read info on this site
http://www.reddawn.net/quilt/backings.htm
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
i have been successful with new sheets but only after 2x washing. i bought 200-count cotton on sale at jcpenny - not their best quality to start with - and after washing it was like butter. i lucked out.
but at joann's they have very wide backing in a limited number of prints and colors. usually $9.99 but if you use the 40 off coupon, well..... that actually feels like printed muslin to me but others think not. i like something tighter than muslin for a quilt that gets used.
please remember that the thread count only means the number of threads per square inch. NOT THE DIAMETER OF THE THREADS. so you can pay for a high thread count and still get mediocre goods.
but at joann's they have very wide backing in a limited number of prints and colors. usually $9.99 but if you use the 40 off coupon, well..... that actually feels like printed muslin to me but others think not. i like something tighter than muslin for a quilt that gets used.
please remember that the thread count only means the number of threads per square inch. NOT THE DIAMETER OF THE THREADS. so you can pay for a high thread count and still get mediocre goods.
#7
Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: In the middle of a mess...
Posts: 20,027
I think it's preference. I have used sheets for backings and they are still holding up after about 5 years. We use what we can afford at times. Sometimes we cannot afford fabric for the backing, but using a sheet, fits our budget.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,847
I think it's a matter of choice. I've used sheets twice. One was hand quilted the other by machine. I had no problems with either. But then, I'm not a quilting perfectionist.
I agree with Arizona Sunrises.
Machine quilt it or tie it and go on with your day. . . . . If it's something nice, I'd go with regular fabric.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
0
08-22-2011 02:39 PM
grann of 6
Pictures
55
07-19-2011 04:17 AM