Quilt backing - cotton/poly flat sheet or pieced cotton
#1
Quilt backing - cotton/poly flat sheet or pieced cotton
After getting a sticker shock for wide/backing fabric at Joanns I went to Walmart and bought flat sheets for $5. They are 60% cotton and 40% polyester. Can I use it for backing? I have a receipt, I can always take them back. At Walmart I also found fabric clearance bin and bought total of 7 yds of different cotton fabric for $1/yard or $2/yard which would have to be pieced to make the backing. Cotton/poly sheet or pieced backing?
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
try it & see how you like it- there will be people who will tell you NEVER use a sheet for backing- then there will be some who will tell you they do it all the time-
some people will NEVER use a polyester- or a poly blend- again- others will tell you they do it all the time
i can tell you- (sometimes) using a sheet makes it a bit more difficult to quilt- the weave is tighter than the quilting cottons we often use-
polyester wears well- it also does not soften up like cottons do- a 100% cotton will soften with each wash --- polyester will pretty much stay exactly like it is- so it's not as *snuggly*
but really- if you like the fabric- the color is right- and you want to give it a try- do so- it is your project & everyone has the right to use what they like/can afford/works for them
some people will NEVER use a polyester- or a poly blend- again- others will tell you they do it all the time
i can tell you- (sometimes) using a sheet makes it a bit more difficult to quilt- the weave is tighter than the quilting cottons we often use-
polyester wears well- it also does not soften up like cottons do- a 100% cotton will soften with each wash --- polyester will pretty much stay exactly like it is- so it's not as *snuggly*
but really- if you like the fabric- the color is right- and you want to give it a try- do so- it is your project & everyone has the right to use what they like/can afford/works for them
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
I only use cotton poly sheets on my beds since they don't wrinkle, are easier to make the bed with and always look neat. I have never regretted sleeping under them. I can't imagine that they won't make a good backing for a quilt that goes on top of them on my bed.
#6
I have used those same Walmart sheets many times..actually whenever I can to help wiht the budget..I have never had a bit if trouble with them. THe quilts went to young grandchildren, and are washed frequently and are holding up very well! Actually my DIL bought the same sheets for the boys beds so it matches
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 1,991
I use sheets all the time on the backs of my quilts. They machine quilt easily, wash and dry well and do not slide off the bed! Most of the quilts I make are for kids or are college bound and are washed frequently. A sheet would probably not be my back of choice for an embroidered hand quilted heirloom but it is great for a scrappy disappearing nine patch. Backings need to be chosen with the recipient and use in mind. Sheets are economical and may be perfect for you.
#10
The Walmart ones she mentioned worked great for me and were not hard to hand needle (probably lower thread count) I would think the more expensive ones with higher thread count might be more difficult..
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