running1

My dear FIL recently passed away... he was 90 years old and considered himself very blessed, as we did! He had a TON of shirts, some 100% cotton, and some cotton/poly blends. I want to make as many quilts as possible for family members (no worries...very small family and I'm thinking simple blocks and small quilts!)... I THINK I know what you will advise, but want to hear from those of you who know or have experience with this... I can mix the cotton/poly fabrics in with the 100% cotton for this type of quilt, can't I? I'm open to ANY and ALL suggestions and/or ideas for this project!!! Thank you!!!

Tartan

I have mixed fabrics before. If the fabric has a high polyester content be careful with the iron as it might shrink or melt. The reason that most people say all cotton is so the fabrics all launder and wear the same. Polyester/cotton will not fade but regular cotton will.

Jeanne S

I have mixed blends with cotton with no problem. I did preWash all the cottons as the poly blends don't shrink as much and I wanted to avoid distortions.

tessagin

I usually keep a pressing cloth nearby to use on any blends.

ManiacQuilter2

I have never made a quilt from shirts. I would be very careful trying to pick the shirts with the less wear in them.

quilts4charity

I've done these before and yes, you can mix them, you may have some that need a light weight interfacing added to the back, I use the iron on kind. I've never had a problem with them. Most people love and appreciate them.

ShelleyCS

Yes, you can do this with no problem. The only worry is shrinkage from the cotton shirts, but presumably, they've been washed and dried many times. As Tartan says, watch the heat of your iron on the poly blends.

DresiArnaz

I am using black polyester bedsheets that feel like cotton with different shades of pink cotton for a pixelated heart quilt.

My iron isn't tooooo hot-so far so good...

lynnie

when quilting in the 70's I did, because of lack of quilting fabrics. they do pill though (polyester)

mom-6

My first quilt in HS home ec in the 60s was 30s embroidered and crayoned muslin blocks with then new poly/cotton blend sashing. It survived using regularly and washing/drying (sometimes in commercial machines, sometimes at home) for another 25-30 years before the muslin just plain wore out.