New quilter question on backing fabric

If I could find cotton sheets, I'd do so like a shot! In fact, I have used a cotton blend of sheet material (there is a store here that sells lots of bedding and the yardage also).

Will you be hand quilting or machine quilting? I only ask, because sheets might be a little 'sturdy' to hand quilt through.

A last point: if you get *plain* colours, your stitching will be very visible. That's probably OK, but is a thing to consider (at least it is for me >gHello, I just got done spending too much money on fabric for the back

Machine quilting only for me due to arthritis in hands. Thank you for the relpies. I'm on the hunt for some cotton sheets on sale for a new stash! Donna

Here I go spending even more of your money. It is just lovely to buy a matching set of sheets if you use a sheet for the quilt backing. When the bed is turned back, it's quite inviting. Too great a temptation for those of us who are nap-challenged. Also, you might look over at

"dealer83" Machine quilting only for me due to arthritis in hands. Thank you for the relpies. I'm on the hunt for some cotton sheets on sale for a new stash! Donna

This may be what Polly is referring to - I'm still learning... DW put me on to this when we took a friend on a shop hop. Some quilt shops have extra wide cotton fabrics they call "backing" that comes anywhere from 80+ to 100+ in. wide. It's also far less expensive/ running yard than top material, so the savings is huge and you don't have to splice(?)

Doc

goods.comand see what they have that calls to you. =A0I just

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i have used sheets, cotton and percale. but only when machine quilting. they make the quilt a little heavier.

your right, Polly (as usual) not all 108" fabric is the same. buyer beware!

amy in CNY

goods.comand see what they have that calls to you. =A0I just

Thank you so much for the link, Polly. I will keep it bookmarked for sure. $5.99 a yard for that width is a steal compared to what we have around here. I hadn't thought about matching the sheets to the quilt back either. That sounds really lovely and when I get better at this, wouldn't that make a beautiful gift? Thank you, thank you....Donna

I've been told it's not okay - but I still consider myself a novice. What I do, whenever I see a good sale is to buy up several pieces to have on hand for backing. I have a nice little supply going at the moment, cause you can almost always find a sale somewhere.

Pauline Northern California