Can I use a sheet for the back of my quilt? And More!

[@glendalewis3806]

Good morning from northwest Pennsylvania. We may get some snow today, guess I'll quilt, lol.

[@lynnehrmantraut9167]

Best news all day right?

[@stephaniesmith2575]

Appreciate the Honorable Justice Sloan balancing the scales!

[@tlolovestats]

I always dream that ome day I'll walk into my local thrift shop and fine a mountain of vintage sheets

[@sunflowerbaby1853]

Good morning from sunny Miami, Florida where Spring Break is in full gear.

[@joycehernandez4513]

Good morning Pat sorry I missed your live hope you are staying warm

[@martyfragale2741]

Good morning from Port Charlotte Florida. Its 75° already. I enjoyed you being the "Supreme Court of Quilting." I think it boils down to "You do You" as Kimberly from FQS always says. She's usually referring to the type of cloth you use to cross stitch but it still applies. Have a wonderful day Pat. You brighten my day 💛 and I'm certain many others. Hugs

[@Kate98755]

it's still so cold here, and i have a 19 week puppy who has to pee...or uses it to go outside...,she loves outside....enjoy that beautiful weather !

[@martyfragale2741]

Thanks Kate!! I definitely will. Enjoy your fur baby!! Hugs

[@Kate98755]

the crumb quilt is also beautiful...i keep commenting as i watch...guess i should wait until the end 😂

[@Jesusfreakmama74]

Texas going to be sunny and 70🥰

[@quiltingcarole6411]

Hahahahaha!!! The Supreme Court of Quilting! I love it. Sometimes I wish there were one, but mostly I’m grateful there isn’t. Too funny, Pat!

[@jackieheaney8246]

Good Night from a warm Adelaide 🇦🇺

[@jacquehabermel4827]

Thanks for linking us up to make a donation in support of Ukraine. The process was very easy. Peace for Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@nancyandersen615]

My youngest grandson, 2-1/2, is all about Super Mario!!

[@pamelahill7164]

All hail the Queen of Quilts!

[@sandybamford3393]

I read many of the comments on Cheryl’s post about using sheets as backing. One lady mentioned that she often buys quilt sets because they are usually cute patterns. She then cuts the elastic off the fitted sheet to use for another project. I was thinking, then you would have two pillowcases to store the two quilts in!

[@gwynwellliver4489]

When my mom began quilting in rural northwestern PA in the '80's I remember her using sheets or muslin for backs, because that is what we had access to and because it was economical.

[@phyllisdippert2216]

I am basting a quilt right now using a sheet that i found at a garage sale. It is the softest cotton sheet that i have ever felt. Live in a small town and all we have is walmart. I mail order and once in a while i get a friend to drive me to an amish fabric store about 45 min.away.

[@judywindle9660]

Love your shamrock wall hanging to be.

[@315740dm]

Love watching and learning from you but your happy personality makes my day. Hi from Morristown TN.

[@ninapeters1919]

Thank you, Pat! You nailed it. People always want someone else to decide, and there is no freedom to do things differently anymore. Everything has to be the same, and you have to follow all these rules. There are so many ways to make or do the same thing, but if you don’t use this material and these exact colors and this thread or this stitch length on this machine, your quilt isn't truly a quilt. That's not true. No one else should judge your work but yourself. Try it; does it work for what you're using it for. Will it make or break the quilt? In other words, if you can finish the quilt using a sheet but would have to wait days or weeks to complete it with quilting fabric, done is better than waiting. We should look at quilts as pieces of art. Artists use all kinds of different materials and methods to make their art. Is it less of a quilt if it's made with a sheet for the back? No. If it's to be used to keep you warm, does it do its job still with a sheet back? Yes. I say use what you want, use what you have or can find, or maybe it's all you can afford, and it is needed right now. Just do it!

[@jennithompson3798]

Hello from Suffolk UK

[@leeannroberts9019]

Great video. Thank you for not being judgmental of what others do with their quilts. I love the idea of trying a sheet. Sounds like a fun experiment. So many ways to make things. Love the history of you first quilt. We all have one. Lol. Have a beautiful day!

[@pamelabirch7081]

Those colors!! in the string bean quilt. Fabulous!!

[@janejarvis6725]

My first “quilt” was with all sheets. It was a bedspread. I put two sheets together and did a flip and sew. Didn’t know any other way then. Then just did stitching in lines I think to hold it all together. The pillowcases I took apart lined and they were the curtains. Wow how I’ve learned a lot since then. That was almost 53 years ago.

[@melanienicholson2834]

Its a good blog post. I use what I can afford. I try to be a frugal person and using sheets works for me.

[@patriciashoemaker3288]

Good morning from Clarksville Indiana 🤗

[@tinatippin5705]

Great answer on the sheet backings, Judge Pat! Great day to you.

[@beckyjohnson3161]

Love your crumb quilt!!❤️❤️❤️

[@deloresangus7117]

I went to the article about sheets. I’m sorry I didn’t know about this 6 years ago. It would have bolstered my classes and longarm business. Maybe I could have helped some of my clients save some money. I’m just thankful you directed us to it. I’ve shared it with mu Guild President to pass along to Members. Probably will cause a great deal of discussion there😂. I have used sheets with no problem. only if someone brings me a very high thread count, do I explain why it doesn’t work well for free-motion quilting. . . straight line is no problem. Again-my thanks.

[@junehanson7865]

GMoring Pat enjoying your answer for the sheets was so fun

[@barleyandmohandmade]

You are my Supreme Court of quilting! Love your work! Pat you make me smile every day!

[@debbiehays9794]

I love your purple quilt! Great use of crumb blocks. Very creative use of scraps. Love your ideas!!!!!!!!

[@beckypetersen2680]

Yes, that crumb quilt turned out fantastic! Seriously good!

[@joyscranfield5527]

Good morning Pat Sloan!

[@cindymatthews8757]

I like to thrift sheets when I can find nice, soft cotton. For a period of time, most sheets were a blend of poly and cotton and they just didn't have the soft, drap I like. Now, it seems, we are back to having 100 % cotton and I love using them when I find them. 💚

[@marcellarodriguez7955]

A few years ago when my mom was going blind and couldn’t finish her sewing she gave me some finished and unfinished quilt tops. She gave me a set of sheets and told me to use it for the back and for the others if I wanted I could use blankets with or without batting depending on the thickness of the blanket to be used. I read somewhere that old blankets were used in the center of quilts when there wasn’t batting available.

[@sonjadalglish6544]

Heading to a quilting retreat today!

[@GiGi-si9mo]

Thank you Pat. Freeing us up to explore the different possibilities and not to worry about the quilt police. You're terrific.

[@carollatham926]

I like the scrappy purple quilt top as it is.

[@lizsampson2595]

The Shamrock panel quilt is adorable and I love the purple quilt.

[@tracyvirginiabeach8069]

Good Morning from VB 🌞☕️🌞. I love your story on your first quilt with a sheet on the back. You should dig it out and show us all. That would be fun.

[@colleenyork8588]

I think I'll try using sheets on the baby quilts I am making. Thank you Supreme One! :)

[@jeanettewithrow8555]

your crumb quilt is so pretty

[@bevneuenschwander1635]

Love the purple fabric in your quilt.

[@dianneahickey7055]

Me too! I am thinking about a date with Jack and doing something similar.

[@marilyngandhi8571]

👋🙂🇦🇺 thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts ❤️

[@GrammyQ46]

I really, really like your crumb quilt! ❤

[@marlenemcculligh8176]

Thank you for all your videos and sharing your knowledge on quilting. I just want to say how much I LOVE your scrappy quilt. My heart ❤️ loves everything scrappy. Happy sewing!

[@lynnrobitaille7214]

Love your philosophy of quilting!

[@jeanfuller199]

Good Morning from Wisconsin

[@cindyfollmar4515]

Thank you for this video. I love your St Patricks Day quilt, the panel and fabrics are so pretty. I appreciate your info on using sheets as backings as I am one of those quilters who fell for the belief that I should never use sheets. The reference you gave (can't remember her name) is a great article and very helpful. I'm glad you had her web site in your remarks. I have many UFOs and will be trying out the sheets.

[@pamelahill7164]

Love your videos from Pam in Seymour, Indiana

[@virginiahughes3502]

I agree, use what you need to or want to. I love using sheets, especially flannel. 🤪😍🤗 never had any problems with them.

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

I luv using 100% cotton sheets..I don't mind the tighter weave. no issues quilting by machine or by hand but I love the durability

[@marthafisher6862]

The purple crumb quilt is perfect! I love the skinny purple inner border, the 2 inch squares middle border and the wider purple border. Your borders are wonderful for this quilt❤️

[@leannsegner6777]

Good morning!

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Good Morning Pat, I am so happy that many people have found your Ukrainian Quilt Donation and donated for the children. I hope and pray more and more people contribute to this fund to help the children.. Thank you for making all the arrangements to set up this fund. 👏👏👏 It was a very thoughtful and caring act for you to do. ❤️❤️❤️ All My Very Best to You and Gregg, I will never forget this act of love for children. 🥰 Chris

[@dianecyran9418]

Thanks so much for giving us the pros and cons of using sheets as quilt backings. It is very useful information.

[@janetimberlake3302]

Thank you for the info about using sheets on a quilt.

[@cindypetersen3113]

I love your attitude 💜

[@greenquiltsgalore1326]

My Mum often used sheets for backings of quilts she handquilted. She even co-ordinated some with scraps from a sheet-making factory!

[@rebeccasewing]

Oh my gosh, Pat! I love your crumb block quilt. I would never have been brave enough to go with purple for the diamond pattern, borders, etc. but it looks awesome!

[@victoriaclifford2715]

I use sheets on the back of mine all the time. I did learn the difference in weave when I had to redo one that shredded, however I just finished my 100th quilt and at least 80 of those have sheet backings and probably 40-50 of those have been well-loved and washed many many times with no problems.

[@Breanna18.3]

If you don't mind sharing! What brand and thread count of weave do you look for in sheets for your backing?

[@victoriaclifford2715]

@@Breanna18.3 I basically judge by feel because I thrift a lot of mine. The one I had to replace was thin enough to see my hand through, so I watch that they are thicker now. Many I find do not have tags so hard to give a brand or thread count.

[@Breanna18.3]

@victoriaclifford2715 helpful nonetheless 😊thank you!

[@brendafrye5875]

My first big quilt 22 years ago had a sheet as a backing. I still use it but it is a bit ragged. Now as a bit more experienced quilter I would prefer not to use a sheet because I spend so much money on my quilt fabrics. Still I think its wonderful that you said that the world will not end if I use a sheet. Just love and USE your quilts. That's what really matters.

[@BusyMagnaBee]

We sometimes forget the humble beginnings of the quilting craft … to make a warm cover using what we had on hand. I have used sheets for backs on utilitarian quilts and they work fine. Of course, common sense tells us you would probably choose different fabric for backing a competition quilt. My quilts are made for my enjoyment of the creative process and then given away … to family, friends, charity. So, I’m concerned with cost as well as quilting ease and feel for the recipient. Thanks for the reminder, Pat & Cheryl Brickey, and whoever posited the question to get us to think.

[@barbaram6303]

A good discussion, as always good advice….I learn so much!

[@Kate98755]

the shamrock quilt turned out so cute, amazing how it comes to life when they're all put together.

[@Deeloveshergoldies]

Love the St paddy’s day quilt. I love listening to you when you explain your rationales of fabric choices. Thankyou.

[@dawnbarry2985]

When I started quilting the only wide back available were muslin. I wanted color so I used sheets. Sheets had lower thread counts then, also often they were a cotton/ poly blend. I had not trouble hand quilting them. And they lasted. Today, there are so many beautiful wide backs. If you get them on sale they can be as cheap as a sheet. Most of the time, I only use a portion of the backing. So, I use the leftovers as big chunks for a pieced backing or in a small quilt or tablerunners. You can use the scraps of wide backing on the front of a quilt. Wide backs are a great deal. But using a sheet is okay, if you want to.

[@susansalo8068]

Like you, when I was making my first quilt there was no discussion about a backing, and this was in a class at a quilt shop! I wanted to learn how to long arm it myself, so I bought a king size sheet set (wow- the cost!) and took it to the shop. "Oh no!" she said in horror. "We NEVER use sheets as backing!". She did explain the weave, but what did that mean to me? I had a seamstress background. So then I had to go buy more fabric (!) for the backing. For years after that I never considered it, but times change. I started noticing that quilters were using sheets and I wondered. I bought a few sheets from the re-sale shop and they work fine for a summer-weight quilt.

[@mareayagow7539]

If you think about it - The same person saying you couldn't use a sheet would benefit from you buying "the right" fabric for the back. If they're selling something, then they are probably selling something.

[@susansalo8068]

@@mareayagow7539 Now that I think about it, I probably did buy their fabric, since I was there with an appointment time!

[@deloresangus7117]

Beautiful crumb top finish! Really like the Shamrock panel now, too. I’m currently finishing a king size quilt for own bed from alternating solid blocks and churn dashes. Solid blocks are pretty pink/red roses one light blue ground. Churn dashes are light blue/med blue small pattern. Did not have backing, but when you were auditioning borders for your crumb block top, you showed your Harmony line fabrics and I saw a medium blue. Took a chance and ordered wide back from FQS. It finally came yesterday. It matches so closely in color and pattern to the the kit fabric, it could have been meant to be. Coincidentally, the kit was also called “Harmony”🤭. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@huisuk]

Thank you.

[@evelynfrench804]

I love your sheet quilt! Love, love, love it! And best thing, you have kept it!

[@giselaa6111]

Have to tell you Pat that my first quilt was a runner and the instructor on the internet said batting and I didn´t know there was different types of batting so mine was thick and I ended up throwing the runner away that´s how I learned about batting : ( from Gisela in Sweden

[@sunshynegirl7429]

When I worked in a quilt shop we had many people bring in sheets for their backings. The best were a softer looser weave cotton ones. Prewashed was always best for the long arms.

[@s.oldfield5982]

I love that you are going to test out the science and wisdom of using a sheet for backing! I sewed a lap quilt for my son right b4 covid shutdown. Couldn’t get to a shop or find resources I trusted online (this was before the awesome pivots many shops did to stay in biz). Found and used a flannel topsheet in the right color from the linen closet. No regrets-actually made it extra special to me that his lapquilt has bedding from our earlier lives in it.

[@QUILTINGCHAP]

Thank you for your detailed information on sheets! I probably (quietly I think) looked down on using sheets. But now that I am using men's shirts to make some quilts I need to try a sheet for the backing! Love your videos!

[@sandyd829]

Pat thank you for not saying it must be this way only. There are many reasons people choose to use different materials. I believe it is the journey of making the quilt that is what is important.

[@kathrynbruton9065]

I absolutely love your purple crumb quilt! Can't wait to see what else you do with your crumbs.

[@sarahguidry9802]

Quilt cotton fabric thread count will vary between good quality at 60 to 75 threads per inch to high quality with 200 threads per inch. Batik fabric uses 200 to 220 thread count. I think that I will look for a bed sheet with a thread count as close as I can to this range and try using it as a backing.

[@beckypetersen2680]

Thank you for your words of wisdom on the sheet thing. I had to smile at using the whole sheet for the first one including the trim. I think I did that the a time or two as well. I will say I've used a lot of sheets for my upcycled series of quilts - and it hasn't given me many issues except if the sheet is VERY tightly woven and then I've had skipped stitches. I've learned to straight line quilt those - that works fine. The ones I've had the worst time with - but felt the greatest til I learned - was I think called 'ticking' - meant for a down feathers, so those threads are extra tightly woven to keep the feathers in. I don't even attempt to FMQ those - just plan on straight line quilting that particular quilt from the time I decide to use it as a backing or if I use it in the front in my Upcycled series. I don't consider it demeaning to my quilts. I think if you can make a nice quilt from second-hand fabrics, then you are helping to keep things out of the landfills, right? I think so, anyway. It isn't disrespectful IMO - it's just fabric.

[@donnajohnston8818]

I read what Cheryl Brickly wrote about using sheets. That was very interesting. I was always told not to use sheets. So now, I think I will have to try one. I’ll look for the lower thread count. Great video today!

[@PatSloan]

Yes try one! The biggest blocks I. Our lives is 'someone told me' and we stopped and never do the research so that we know for ourselves what works for us

[@tlolovestats]

I think it also depends on the type of sheet, better quality will last longer.

[@lindafarella220]

Such great use of your scrappy blocks in the purple bordered quilt. Looks great! Also, love your Shamrock quilt and the borders.

[@mambakind]

Dear Judge Sloan (ha-ha!) I have some experience with using sheets for quilt backs. A microfiber sheet worked well when tied; I have no idea how it would quilt. Microfiber sheets are very light and silky. The rest I've used have been cotton, either flannel, muslin, or regular cotton sheets. I stay away from the sateen weaves as I have found them resistant to the needle. Since I prefer pieced backing, I have lately stayed away from sheets, but incorporated them like any other fabric. Likewise, I have made several quilts pieced from men's button down shirts. Again, I watch the content and weave. All produced fine quilts, and my pocketbook did not suffer.

[@karinaeichmann1595]

Love what you did to the panel

[@margep7362]

panel is great!

[@jasmineshuman]

I made a quilt with a batik top and sheet for backing. I did stitch in the ditch using my walking foot and I use it as my summer bedspread and has been washed multiple times. No problems no worries. I try to avoid the quilt police and do my own thing.

[@patzimmerman2600]

I’m voting for the black background❤

[@evecarr7440]

Good morning from Etters, Pa

[@susanbraun698]

I read the article and found it so helpful. Thank you for for your response to this question.

[@mamakaka73]

I am a rebel. I do my own thing. One of my quilts was backed with a microfiber sheet I got in clearance. It worked fine except it was very slippery to work with so I had to baste carefully. Once washed it was normal. I did not see weird shrinkage or distortion since the top was made with prewashed fabric. Lots of pluckers though. But my friend still loves her quilt and uses it every day.

[@beckypetersen2680]

You were incredibly brave to try to use a slippery backing! I love it that people are willing to try different things. American quilters are so spoiled that they can be picky. I saw a quilter from India and she was making a quilt out of saris.

[@marlahanks7278]

Hi Pat! Love both the Shamrock & purple quilts! As far as using the sheets, "back in the day" when my mom made her quilts, we didn't have the money to get fabric & since most of them were made from clothing, she used sheets on several. And I even made a "bedspread" out of sheets for both the top & backing & tied that one. I also made I guess a "summer" bedspread-just a top & backing with no batting out of sheets. I think I know of the giant star pattern you might be referring to. The one I saw was made out of older, vintage sheets. I want to make one myself & have been on the hunt at Goodwill, estate sales, etc. to find ones I like. I want soft colors, flowers-that type of prints-to give it more of an aged look from the beginning 😊

[@joshuaharper372]

I really like to use mismatched or "orphaned" sheets from the thrift store for backs (they are often very cheap if they're not a matching set), and I've never had any problems with them on my domestic machine.

[@hollyknobler9309]

Pat, you summed it up perfectly "Do what works for you". We are all at different skill levels, economic situations, supply situations, etc. No one should feel pressured or shamed about their quilting methods. Are some methods better than others? Probably, but that doesn't mean that other methods are wrong. On a separate note, I love how your crumb quilt turned out. The crumb blocks look like they are floating over the purple background. Thanks for all you do. I look forward to the videos each day 😁

[@PatSloan]

Thank you 💕

[@user-xs4nn5vc9w]

Great subject, some backings that I buy are too thin, and hope my quilt back last as long as quilt top.

[@jeannie82024]

It’s beautiful!

[@maureenabramson4224]

I love your shamrock quilt! It turned out so nice. I really love those watercolor shamrocks too. Great video today. I enjoyed your "sheet" talk too.

[@karleenpage5979]

Sheets! Once and for all! I love that you had to sit down to adjudicate the issue! LOL What's with people and rules? I liked your answer and quite frankly I wondered why so many quilters say "Absolutely NOT! Do not use sheets to back quilts!" But give no reason for this rule. Give me a reason and I'll pay attention! I'll still probably do my own thing, but at least I'll consider your point of view. I haven't tried sheets yet, but ... 🤔🤔🤔Hugs from Virginia!

[@PatSloan]

The judge!

[@karleenpage5979]

@@PatSloan Judge Judy ain't got nuthin' on the Sloan Zone! But wait! I HAVE used sheets to back quilting - it was many times washed and a bit faded. But I've used it to back quilting used in tote bags. Since I then put a lining in the tote, so that's why I forgot I had used them! No issues so far!

[@janbehm4423]

Very interesting article about using sheets as backings. I will definitely try this on my next panel quilt or small wall hanging. I'm from the "old school" whereas I was told "NEVER" use a sheet for the backing of any quilt. Cheryl seems to have a very different opinion.

[@barbaravickroy7563]

l wonder if a sheet backing for a picnic quilt might work. The smoother sheet would shake off easier. Well, as you say, do a test quilt to see. l appreciate your even-handed advice.

[@darlenepalmer9837]

Love your wall quilt for St. Patty Day. I got that panel and made a wall quilt. Mine is just a little different. So cute.

[@mindytaylor26]

As always great advice. Thank you. The purple crumb quilt..❤️❤️❤️

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

I made the Ukrainian block yesterday. And I’ll have to sandwich it and quilt it with the wave