justflyingin

The pilling is the polyester in the fabric, not the thread count. Buy all cotton sheets and it won't pill--even if a lower thread count.

I am now looking ALWAYS at the thrift stores for all cotton sheets. Often make in Turkey or Egypt, and they are usually soft--no pilling at all, and ...CHEAP for a lot of fabric.

rivka

I've never thought to use sheets -- does it actually end up being cheaper?

justflyingin

I'm sure that depends on you and price you pay. if you are paying 8-11/yard for backing and need 6 yards, then I'd think almost any sheet you bought would be cheaper. If you are paying $1-2/yard... off some clearance table or yard sale, then maybe not.

Xylie55

It can break needles,but at the price they charge,they can buy more.It is "TOO" hard to quilt through.Well,they just have to earn their $$ this time won't they.Bottom line.It don't glide through the fabric like butter,therefore they don't "LIKE" it.I always use a king size sheet.It looks nice and is soft.I can quilt it on my home domestic sewing machine,and they can quilt them on their machines.That's what those machines were made for.

plainpat

I like using flat sheets that have been used & no longer needed. They're soft,look good & way cheaper than buying fabric for backings.
Have also used fitted sheets I no longer need.Cut elastic off,iron, then cut to size needed.