Sheets
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: La Quinta, CA
Posts: 3,918
I use (almost always) sheets for backing. I longarm quilt on a Tin Lizzie and have never had a problem, even with high thread count sheets. I put a new needle in my machine often. I use a sheet that is big enought to tear off all sides to square the sheet before I start. I have also heard that professional longarm quilters don't like sheets for backing, I don't know why.
#24
From what I have read the tight weave of the sheets causes the needle to pierce the fabric whereas the looser weave of quilting fabric allows the needle to separate the threads and not make a hole. It is harder to hand quilt using a sheet as a backing tho.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
Originally Posted by MaryStoaks
I use (almost always) sheets for backing. I longarm quilt on a Tin Lizzie and have never had a problem, even with high thread count sheets. I put a new needle in my machine often. I use a sheet that is big enought to tear off all sides to square the sheet before I start. I have also heard that professional longarm quilters don't like sheets for backing, I don't know why.
#28
I use sheets for backing and piecing and have machine and hand quilted them. I found quilting with my machine I had to use a denim needle- I think it was a 90/14. I was getting missed stitches, but after I switched needles I had no problems.
I use mostly vintage (thrift store) sheets, and try to use like fabric with like, such as 100% cotton with 100% cotton, etc. I also don't use the really high thread counts- the needle makes little "puck" noises when it goes through, so I think it is probably tearing threads.
In my mind, fabric is fabric. I cut up old clothes, too!
I use mostly vintage (thrift store) sheets, and try to use like fabric with like, such as 100% cotton with 100% cotton, etc. I also don't use the really high thread counts- the needle makes little "puck" noises when it goes through, so I think it is probably tearing threads.
In my mind, fabric is fabric. I cut up old clothes, too!
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