I want to make several lap quilts as x-mas presents for my co-qorkers, this will help me use up some stash and not so much money. well after reading the latest edition of the newsletter I see that it said cotton blends are better to use for this project, well what is a cotton blend? I used the search but it didn't exactly come up. and also for those who have made lap quilts have you had any problems with 100% cotton?? I want to give these as gifts not have them fall apart :shock: :lol:

I've never had a problem using 100% cotton with lap quilts. A cotton blend is usually a blend with cotton and polyester. I've also used it for quilts, but not together. You can't use the cotton setting on your iron with the blend.

I would say that a blend was recommended because it doesn't wrinkle as badly as 100% cotton. Remember when you used to iron sheets. Permanet press means little or no ironing. Lap quilts can also be made of cotton knits, or other fabrics that have nice texture. Just be careful with the ironing temp if you use something other than cotton.

Lap quilt, couch quilts and wheelchair quilts are maybe 90% of what I make and I use 100% cotton in all of them with no problems at all...wrinkles included. I feel poly is too much of a burn risk (it melts and sticks to the skin) to even consider using in any quilt.

I find you can't get stains out of a blend with 100% cotton it being a natural fiber the stains can be removed easier.

Thanx for all the input :-) I will continue on with my project using my 100% cotton.

I'm glad to hear that you've decided to continue with 100% cotton.. I have a special quilt made for me by my grandmother for my high school graduation. I have used it, but washed gently and cared for it. It is one of the few quilts she made of blended fabric and it is falling to pieces!! the poly cotton blends are just shattering! Makes me sad and I have quit using it. I have other quilts that she and my great grandmother made of 100% cotton, that are in great shape!! You can't beat pure cotton!

oh Tippy!! I am sorry to hear that your precious gift is falling apart :cry: I am glad that you have some others to hold on to though!! Thanx for the info

Ok so 2 of the lap quilts I am making are for men, one is big in fishing the other in hunting. well in talking to my DH he had the idea of using flannel for the backing to make it warmer if they were to use them while outside. has anyone mixed like this?? the top would be 100% cotton with a flannel back. any input would be helpful
Thanx

Flannel would need to be pre-washed. I would wash it a couple of times because it does continue to shrink after the first wash.

Debbie KS

All my quilts (lap, bed, cat) have been made with 100% cotton. My favorite lap quilt has been washed within the last threads of its life over the last 18 years and I LOVE the feel of it. It is so silky-soft now. I'd go with the stash - as is!

Thanx for the info! I think i will prewash the flannel a couple of times first. the other ones I make I think I will stick to the cotton for front and back :wink: