What?
Is that even possible?
Yes! It sure it!
How about finding a little bit more about using bed sheets as quilt backs and what happens when you do….. is there really anything that will happen?
Using Bed Sheets as Quilt Backs
- Check the thread count before purchasing
- Know that it may be a little difficult for hand quilting because of the higher thread count
- Explore table cloths, fleece and other fabrics for quilt backs
Emily asked: I have a quilting book that says to NEVER use a bed sheet as a backing. It says that the thread count is usually too high, and trying to quilt it results in holes and tears that don’t hold up. Has anyone ever had a problem with this, or am I ok to use a bed sheet?
Here are some great responses to this question that was asked:
Daniel: Mine is holding up just fine. Have not had any problems at all with it. I guess maybe if you used a 1000 TC sheet you might have issues but I think I used a 300 and it has held up great so far.
Susie: I use sheets, fleece and blankets and once an old curtain, never had a problem with it.
Carla: When my boys were little, I used a sheet on the back of their quilts. They are 30+ years old, and still going strong.
Melanie: I have wonderful quilts that my grandmother made by buying $1 sheets from goodwill when many years ago. Used sheets at that! She did not quilt them, she turned and tied them as they would stretch differently. Her applique is starting to wear off after 40+ years and thousands of washings, but the only fabric flaws are where the dog chewed ….grrr.
Marsha: Use it! Use a sharp needle and you’ll be fine!!
Regina: Hand quilting can be a little harder but had no problems.
Cris: Everyone used sheets years ago if they could get them. They were used quilts you know the ones you threw in the washer. You used them everyday and kids dragged them through the house and they lasted for years until they fell apart well loved. The cost of quilt fabric is turning quilting into a rich person’s hobby and it doesn’t have to be that way nor was it that way in the past.
Tricia: I used a bed sheet on my first quilt. It held up fine. It tattered the same as the front 🙂
Janet: Just like anything, know your fabric, old worn out, high thread count or low thread count? Cotton or poly?
Deborah: Every quilt my gramma made was backed by a bed sheet(high count, cotton, quality sheets, that was bigger than the quilt), she folded the excess sheet over for the binding and tied the quilts. or hand quilted ( i have her queen size wooden frame she never took out of the boxes).I still have “grammas” quilt, 40 + yrs later……thats what was used,,,,,,,quilting has “turned” into a “business” and everyone has forgotton the origin and has decided what “rules” they thnk should be in place,,,,,,
Lorene: I do bed sheets a lot. Never have had a problem. I get 200 count bed sheet, wash 2-3 times. Perfect
Sandi: I’ve used a top sheet, and one of my mother’s old tablecloths. It’s a heavy damask, and makes a great quilt back! It’s your creation, so make it your own ❤
The overall thoughts were positive and to use what you have on hand and what you like.
It’s great to ask around and find the answer for yourself from information as well as trying it out.
In the end, it’s your quilt and art and you can do what you’d like. No need to ask permission, but it’s great to ask for opinions and experience.
You can continue the conversation here.
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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I would not use a new sheet because they are hard to hand quilt and you need a three inch extra border to compensate for the “take up” with quilting and you would have to unpick or trim off the hems. I would not use any “old” or worn fabric because by the time I have invested all that energy creating the top I want the item to last. Backing fabrics are sold wide enough for even a king size and the selection of colours and patterns are better than any sheets. Watch out for sales!
I think I put my input on this before, yes use a top sheet I do it all the time and my sons and grandkids are in there 40’s and grandkids are in there late teen years and they all have quilts I made many years ago I’m talking in the 80’s and 2000. And behold they are still holding up good. Fabric for back is expensive, do as you like but sheets are the way to go.
I have used sheets with no problems as long as they are not the very high thread count. They are a much cheaper alternative to expensive backing. My local quilt shop has a very limited range of backing, I could use quilt fabric but as I do not like seams in the middle of my backs it is sheets for me
I’ve used plenty of flat sheets and have had no issues. I’ve been quilting for over 33 years. I love to support quilt shops, but it’s not always realistic for me so I save where I can. I usually use a larger needle to machine quilt because it’s a higher thread count.
I’ve used bed sheet many times. They’re wide and wash great without shrinkage. They’re fabulous. Plus, my daughter hates a top sheet, so I have fabric every time she buys new sheets!
In 35 years of quilting I’ve often used sheets and occasionally curtains as backing for quilts.
My advice is to use second hand sheets rather than new.
Having been washed often they are usually soft and easy to hand quilt, which I do.
However it’s a good idea to only use sheets that are not worn thin and faded.
It seems some people off load sheets when they change a colour scheme in a bedroom so
there is usually a lot of wear left in them.
Thank you all for this very informative article. I was wondering if I could use bed sheets or tablecloths for backing, glad to know I can. I saw some really nice colour tablecloths and drapes at the thrift shops.
oh- that would be fun! just check the content of the fabric if you don’t want to mix in other than cotton. Also, feel the thickness and decide if you can quilt through it – it may give you issues if it’s too thick.
I used to use bed sheets all of the time. The bottom sheet wears out but the top sheet keeps going. What a better way to make use of them. I have had no problem with them wearing out and I wash them regularly. It was a whole lot cheaper and easier than buying yards and yards of fabric and sewing them together for a backing. Now if I can find a 108 inch material that I like, I use them but not because a sheet can’t be used.
where can i find a tutorial on how to use a bed sheet for the back of a T shirt quilt?
Very informational, I look forward to using the files you have offered.
Are Those quilters that use bed sheets for quilt backing using polyester fabric for the quilt top? I use only 100% cotton for my quilt top & I would never use polyester for the back fabric. I am afraid they are will shrink differently when washed.
I have used sheets for years for the grandkids quilt,
I also have use sheets for quilt backings and never a problem. I like doing a lot of the old world quilting in which is so cool. Everybody loves the quilts
Yes. I have used 100 % cotton hand block printed bed sheets. The only need is they should be soaked in water overnight with handful of sea salt and drip dry without wringing.