I've read cautions against using sheets as quilt backings, but after washing and abusing these quilts for the past couple of years, I haven't had any trouble that can be blamed on the sheets. I've quilted them on my Janome and on my mother's longarm. I don't hand quilt, not yet at least, so I can't offer any opinions there.
(Yes, that is Duct Tape on the top quilt. No, I don't know why it's there -- ask my sons. If you know how to get the residue off, please let me know!)
If you're buying old sheets at the thrift store, make sure to unfold them and check them for damage -- fading...rips...cigarette burns (ugh!) The centers of some sheets can be worn thin, so watch for that, too.
Figure out how much it would cost to back you quilt with the cheapest yardage you're likely to buy. Then compare that amount to the price of the sheet you're considering. What at first seemed like way too much can actually be a decent deal if you consider what you'd be spending otherwise. Especially if it's the perfect color or pattern.
I'm not suggesting that you back a top pieced from expensive quilt shop fabric with an old sheet. But for scrappy quilts, they can be the perfect option. Often, I've got more invested in the sheet I use for the backing than the top of the quilt! It can be a great solution for tops that started out as an experiment, that I don't want to sink much more money into.
Want to win a set of vintage sheets? Go to my last post to enter. For more Works for me Wednesday posts, visit We are THAT family.
I came to you via the Vintage Sheet blog - I also use vintage sheets for quilt backs. My interpretation is good quality sheets in good shape from the Goodwill. I have found great flannel Harry Potter or Lion King sheets, Tommy Hilfiger surfboard sheets and lovely florals for quilt backs. I only ever buy top sheets, as they do not seem to have as much wear and tear as the bottom sheets. Sometimes I find duvet covers on mark-down, which is an amazing lot of fabric. 99% of my quilts are donations for various charity causes, so I'm not doing fancy quilting for competition or anything. Just sturdy quilts for kiddies to love.
ReplyDeleteGoo BeGone will get the tape residue off. They sell it in hardware stores and places like Home Depot. Good luck...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thanks for visiting me :)
ReplyDeletehave a fantastic day!!!
Loved visiting your blog and thank you for visiting mine! I'm not a quilter, but have great admiration for those who are. When I was a librarian, I enjoyed bringing quilters and quilt displays in, so that everybody could see their beautiful work! Annie
ReplyDeleteI am always looking for "vintage" top sheets, I do quilting for great fun of doing, so the backing is quite often fun sheets.
ReplyDeletea great blog.
I love the idea of using sheets for quilt backings. I haven't been able to find any that were suitable yet, but I'm definitely looking and will use them when I find the right ones! I also read somewhere in blogland that sheets weren't a good idea because they are often woven so tight, but I'm thinking a lower thread-count sheet would be ok.
ReplyDelete