The point of sheeting is its extra width. Standard fabric tops out around 150cm, which means a join across a double or king bed, whereas true sheeting is woven wide enough to cover a mattress or back a large quilt in one piece. That seamless finish is why it's the go-to for bedding and quilting, and the generous width earns its keep on curtains, backdrops and tablecloths too.
The range covers a few different cloths. Egyptian cotton sheeting is the softest and most luxurious, woven up to 300cm wide. Cotton percale has a crisp, cool, closely woven finish that's classic for bed linen. Polycotton sheeting is the easy-care option, less prone to creasing and gentler on the budget, in generous widths too. Cotton cambric is denser and down-proof, which makes it ideal for pillow, cushion and duvet inners, and lighter cotton poplin covers crafts and shirting-weight makes.
What to make with sheeting fabric
Bedding is the obvious one: flat and fitted sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases, all seam-free thanks to the width. Quilt backing is where the extra width really pays off, backing a king or super-king quilt in a single piece. Sheeting also makes an economical toile or muslin for testing a pattern, a lining for larger projects, and a practical choice for craft, backdrops, tablecloths and soft furnishings.
A note on width and care
Work out the width you need before you buy: to back a quilt or make a full sheet, measure the finished size, add a hem and tuck allowance, then pick a width that covers it in one piece. Cotton sheeting can shrink a little on its first wash, so prewash before you cut if the finished size matters. Always follow the care guidance on the individual product page, as this varies by fibre.