What are you people using to back your quilts? Sheets? What thread count do you all recommend? A flat sheet for a double bed is too narrow for a full size quilt so are you buying Queens size sheets to back full size quilts?
I buy Full size flat sheet to back a twin quilt. A Q to back a Full size quilt. A K to back a Q quilt. I haven't made a K quilt, but I probably will this Spring or Summer. I'm still thinking about it. Barbara in FL
I've always either used Moda wide muslin, or in the case of one "special" quilt, I used regular fabric, though I didn't like seaming it. I've seen sheets used, and I thought it looked fine and intent to try one on my next one. I've been looking, and a fullsize flat sheet is 81x96, which will work for the top I'm nearly finished with.
Sheets, muslin, extra wide 'for backing' fabrics or yardages pieced together or FQs or scraps or extra blocks pieced together or a combination of *all* of them pieced together are completely acceptable. I usually sew two or three lengths of yardage that matches or compliments the front of the quilt, but I used muslin exclusively in the past. If two lengths of fabric aren't quite wide enough I'll stick a row of blocks between them or a totally different contrasting fabric- maybe even with a third fabric as borders for the row of blocks!- the sky is the limit. Whatever you can find, afford, like or 'whatever' will make a great backing for your quilt. One warning with a sheet for backing... if you get a high thread count it can be difficult to hand quilt. Machine quilting prolly wouldn't be effected by it. I've had some troubles even with high quality, expensive sheets getting little nubbies on them. Maybe that wouldn't happen for a quilt backing since I wouldn't be tossing and turning on it like I do with my sheets. Insomnia, ya know. (Arthritis induced insomnia...)
I've never used sheets. Depending on the size and use I back with flannel, cotton, muslin. Sometimes the back is a solid piece and sometimes pieces again depending on size of quilt and backing. Sometimes Joann's has color muslin 108 inches wide.
Gah. I can't believe I am so unimaginative. It honestly never occurred to me that I could fancy-up the back of a quilt like that; I'm thinking how cool it would have been on the one I used 45" fabric, seamed, to have put a row of blocks down the middle. Thanks! Sherry
I really dislike muslin and don't like seams. I didn't see any "made for backing" fabrics today. I may have just missed them. I would assume they're more expensive than a decent quality sheet.
I've always either used Moda wide muslin, or in the case of one "special" quilt, I used regular fabric, though I didn't like seaming it. I've seen sheets used, and I thought it looked fine and intent to try one on my next one. I've been looking, and a fullsize flat sheet is 81x96, which will work for the top I'm nearly finished with.
I found the full size flat sheet too narrow for a double or full size bed. If two people are sleeping in the bed, the quilt is skimpy. If the couple are a little overweight the problem is intensified. I had to give my cousin and his wife a comforter when they last visited. The quilt was too skimpy. I plan to buy a Queen size sheet for the quilt I have planned for our guest room and made the new quilt wider.
Yes, I had heard not to buy a sheet with more than a 300 thread count for hand quilting. I can't remember what TC I bought in the past. Your suggestions are interesting and a good way to get rid of fabric not wanted for tops.
I just put the new foot with 1/4" guide on my NewHome and adjusted the tension. I can't wait to start sewing but first I have to plan the quilt. It'll be boats and lighthouses. I found some great fabric for the sky, water and sails. :^)
I do all hand quilting and do not like the feel of sheets. I use muslin, usually unbleached. However, I have found that there are various qualities of muslin, and recommend a higher quality than the usual.
I've never used a sheet. I never will use a sheet. Some sheets can pill. Yuck. I always use regular fabric for the back of bed size quilts and muslin for the back of wall hangings.
My backings may not match the top but will at least go with the top. I like a surprise when the quilt is turned over so they're sale fabric from the LQS or HL. When it hits 2 bucks a yard at the LQS it's perfect for backings no matter what it looks like.
I don't mind the seams in the backing. I put two seams in my backing so there isn't one down the center. They wear better and look better that way.
I don't use sheets for backing because I want my quilts to be made entirely from similar quality and weight unwashed quilting cotton fabric. Then when I wash it once it's finished, it all shrinks at a uniform rate. I love the "antique" effect this gives. I worry that a sheet would shrink differently and ruin the quilt. (Don't worry - whenever I contribute a Hug block, I prewash the fabric I'm going to use especially).
Whatever I can find, especially if I don't have to piece it. Sheets if necessary, although most of what's available to me is either a little boring or way too colorful. Not usually a hand quilter, so I don't worry about thread count. My favorite backing is actually a Bassetti cotton throw, super quality Italian cotton with a lovely soft hand. These are easy to find, come in several sizes, used as tablecloths or to cover up sofas (which makes less sense to me since they are not heavy cotton!) Roberta in D
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