Backing Basics: Using Sheets for Quilt Backings
A common question I encounter is whether or not bed sheets can be used for the back of quilts. The answer, just like it is to so many questions in the quilting world, is that it is up to you. However, that’s a pretty infuriating answer so I’d like to give you a few of my thoughts as well as general wisdom on the subject from the quilting world so you can confidently make that decision for yourself.
Sheets can be an excellent alternative to the traditional quilting cottons. Unused sheets in your house and vintage sheets from a resale shop are environmentally and fiscally friendly reasons. Sheets that are large enough mean you do not have to piece your backing which is a win in anyone’s book. I’ve also used sheets that match specific bedding helping the homemade quilt I’ve created integrate beautifully in a room. Lastly, sheets are made to be used in situations that are wrapped around you and washed regularly, meaning they are built to be soft, comfortable, and hold up to regular washings.
However, sheets are not necessarily meant to be used as quilt backs so it’s helpful to seek out particular qualities. Look for new or like new 100% cotton sheets with thread counts of 300 or less. These two elements will get a sheet that is similar to the quilting cottons we are used to using in quilts. Older sheets that have been washed a lot might have too much wear and tear for a long lasting backing. Other types of fabrics might have extra stretch or instabilities that make them tough to work with. They may also shrink at much higher or lower percentages than the fabrics used on your quilt tops causing unwanted distortions. Higher thread counts are tougher for needles and machines to work through potentially resulting in skipped stitches, funky tension and they might not recover well from the needle punches.
Once you’ve located a sheet that is perfect for your project, here are a few steps for prepping it for use in your quilt. One of the steps is to prewash the sheet with color catchers. It’s hard to know exactly how it will shrink or bleed color and giving it a chance to do that before it is permanently attached to your pieced quilt top may save you a lot of grief down the road. Another step is to eliminate all the seams or hems along the edges of the sheet. If you need that extra fabric to meet your measurement qualifications (don’t forget that 8” of extra in both the width and length required by TCQ and most longarmers!) then you can use a seam ripper to pick it out. If you don’t need it then you can simply trim it off. This extra bulk causes issues when loading and advancing the quilt during the longarming process. If you are picking out the seams, do that before washing to help relax those creases. If you are simply cutting off the hems wait to do so until after washing to prevent extra fraying. Last, press and square up your backing. Sheets are rarely perfectly square right out of the bag and after trimming, ripping, and washing, they are definitely not. Do what you can to straighten them out.
Quick note: regardless of all the information I presented to you above, there are some old school longarmers and quilt police types that will say the answer to whether or not you can use a sheet as a quilt backing is an unequivocal NO. Respectfully, I would argue that they are wrong, but that doesn’t mean that they will accept a sheet from you if you send it in as your backing. That is totally their prerogative and the best thing to do is simply check with your longarmer on their individual policy to avoid any issues.
SO, can you use a sheet as backing for a quilt? Sure! What sheet and on what project are things to evaluate and determine using this and other useful articles put out by knowledgeable quilty folks. I hope this helps and hope I get to work on the next one you make, whether or not you decide a sheet is the right choice for it.
