I've heard of many quilters who use sheets for their backing fabric. Some use new ones; others buy them at thrift stores, used. I would be a little concerned to use second-hand sheets. I have had sheets that looked perfectly good shred when too much pressure was put on them. I think body oils deteriorate the integrity of the sheets. I'd have no problem using a new one, although I've never done it myself.

I have used new sheets for backings. Not all the time, but when I make a large quilt (which I have said I'll never make another and then do so), it works for me. Sometimes, if making a lap quilt size, I'll use fleece. Dance to your own music, bk. If you're hand quilting, I've heard it isn't easy but then again, others say it doesn't bother them.

It's probably not done more often because the fabric sellers tell us we "can't" use sheets for a quilt backing. (Is that too cynical? LOL)

I've also used sheets. The only problem is that if you need to take out the hems to get a large enough piece of fabric, you usually can't ever get those creases out.

I even used sheets for clothing back when I sewed all my clothes.

Donna

The fabric used for sheets is a heavier weight than quilters' cotton and it will make the quilt heavier. That is the most often reason used that I have heard.

There's nothing wrong with them except perhaps it's harder to hand quilt.

At this point, I can't imagine hand quilting anything very big. Then, there's the old saw about, "don't knock if you haven't tried it". I haven't tried quilting anything yet, so, who knows?

Thanks, I wondered.

bk

I've used sheets for backing a many times. I like this really soft sheets from Target. Can't remember the name. I've used them for sashing in the quilt top as well.

I saw this on a longarm quilter website:

• Please, no bed sheets or upholstery fabric for backing. Bed sheets have a high thread count, which forces the quilting needle to break the sheet's threads as it pierces the fabric. This leaves holes in your backing and decreases the stability of your quilt. Quilting fabric has a looser weave, which allows your needle to easily slide between the threads.

I have used sheets many times. If they have a high thread count, the needle does split threads when quilting. This does break threads and dulls needles. Also, most high thread count sheets are "stiff" and the quilt will not get that soft drape some people like. But there is no reason not to use them if they fit your design.

Only once did I use a sheet for the back of my quilt and I will never do it again. I hand quilt and the thread count must have been too high so it was a struggle to quilt it. I think that if I was ever to do it again, I would look for a less expensive sheet so that my needle would glide better. If you are machine quilting I would guess that this isn't an issue.