Originally Posted by GloBug
Originally Posted by mom-6
Ok, I've been sewing forever and a week and have used all sorts of fabrics for all sorts of purposes.
Why is there such a definite prejudice among quilters against polyester and poly/cotton blends?
Is it a matter of 'staying true to our roots' or something else?
Or is it related to different ironing temperature required if you are going to use fusible web for applique?
So far I haven't encountered any noticeable difficulties using fabrics of unknown fiber content in my quilts (some of which I suspect are 100% polyester), so I wondered what is going on.
If some think they are keeping to their roots, They need to look at quilts made during the depression any fabric that they could get was used,old clothing that had areas that were in good shape,new fabric if they had scraps , they were not concerned about fiber content. So I don't see what differance fabric content makes as long as the weight is the same.
Unless you were wealthy or saved up your pennies for cotton calicos, you made quilts from worn clothing and sewing scraps.
Quilters used what they had - cottons, wools and silks, all natural fibers. After WWI there were acetates and rayons (wood-pulp base)
There are no polyester fabrics in pre-1950's quilts, as polyester fabrics and blends were not made until the mid 50's and later.
I have a polyester double knit patch quilt DH's grandma made in 1970 - countless kids have used it in 40 yrs, and it's still good for a picnic quilt. It's indestructible and will outlive us all ! :roll: