I received some free fabric! Several yards were labeled broadcloth. What exactly is broadcloth and can it be used in a quilt? Thanks!

Sure if it isn't too heavy. Might not be 100% cotton, a poly/cotton blend but that will work too. Usually is a solid and a good bright color. Great for star points or anything else you desire. :D

Thanks Bluebird. It's not heavy at all and yep, they are all solids.

If it's not heavy it's likely got more poly in it than cotton, which depending on what you want to use it in can be good and bad. If you're going to do a lot of piecing with it, it will fray more, but stitch in the ditch keeps it pretty secure. I use it a lot for toddler and pre teen quilts. They need to be washed more, ya know?

Good to get free anything anymore...so have fun with it.

Great info mimisharon, thank you!

if you wonder if your fabric is a blend or 100% cotton there is a simple test to determine so. Cut a small 2 inch by 2 inch snippet of the fabric, take it to a safe area outside and light it on fire. Blends will end up with a plastic looking ball, cottons will be all ashes.

What a great hint, babeegirl !!!

Renee,
I have an old quilt (not sure how old) but it is very well loved and has been through at least 2 teenage boys. It has a fair amount of med. blue broadcloth in it and that portion is in the best condition by far. I was told that it was very difficult to hand quilt due to the thickness of the broadcloth and is currently in desperate need of repair but still treasured.

I often use Kona cotton solids (100% cotton broadcloth) in quilts, sometimes entirely, and have no problems at all. I do not hand quilt, but even with very close seams on a recent project (i.e., quarter inch apart) my longarmer had no trouble at all. With seams that close on a pieced top, or with thick intersections, you may want to use a walking foot so as not to 'lag' when crossing them. I notice no difference at all in hand stitching the bindings.

This is all such great info, thanks everyone!