Granny Charley

How can I tell the difference between 100% cotton and blends

QuiltnNan

here is a video with a downloadable chart http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...th-a-burn-test

sewbizgirl

You can do a burn test on a small scrap. The 100% cotton will make a soft ash when it burns, and the blend with any synthetic in it will melt to a plastic bead.

sarge1

That information should be listed on the end of the bolt of fabric-for instance, https://sew4home.com/tips-resources/...ad-fabric-bolt

QuiltnNan

and here is another article https://www.thespruce.com/fabric-bur...fibers-2821302
cotton burns to alight and feathery ash, poly melts

Granny Charley

Thank you so much. I sorta remembered the burn test but was not sure. I knew you girls could help me.
It has been awhile since I have been on here. Things have changed. But I will get used to it. Thanks again

Jingle

I'm old, I can usually tell by sight or feel.

Garden Gnome

You can tell by ironing it, too. Polyester has a "burning plastic" smell.

SuziSew

Thanks for this link! I've printed out to put my sewing room!

bearisgray

I can tell if a fabric has nylon, orlon, polyester, and/or dacron in it - not necessarily which one - but that it is not 100% cotton or rayon - when I do a burn test. I get black smoke, and/or a hard bead/ash - which stays hot much longer than cotton ash. (Ask me how I know.)

I can't tell cotton from rayon because they both usually burn with white or no smoke and leave a powdery ash.