Peckish

This thread reminded me.... I never much cared for linen, couldn't see what all the fuss was about when people talked about linen blouses. Too scratchy. Then I bought some linen napkins that were on clearance at Williams Sonoma. Holy cow. They're the nicest napkins I've ever touched! They wash up so soft, with such a lovely drape, not scratchy at all! NOW I get it. I must have only had experience with icky, poor quality linen and linen blends before.

So I went back to Williams Sonoma and bought the largest, linen tablecloth they had - also on clearance, woo hoo! It's the loveliest shade of blue. I plan on making a summer blouse out of it. It's spring, time to pull it out and start sewing it!

cashs_mom

I would definitely use it because of the texture it can lend to a quilt. You may have to handle it differently. I used to sew on it a lot for clothing and it does stand up well to laundering, but you may need to deal with the fact that it does fray somewhat especially some of the weaves.

pennycandy

I would suggest prewashing it to reduce any surprise shrinkage. Finish the cut edges to prevent fraying before washing.
I haven't quilted with linen but I have made clothing. I serged the seam allowances to stop fraying. I'd try sewing a second row of stitching about an 1/8" from the seam allowance to help stop the fraying in quilts.

JENNR8R

Here is a link to a post I made about using linen. It contains some good information... especially reply #7:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...n-t283969.html

duckydo

I find that you can use any type of fabric you want.. the only reason I would shy away is because of the fraying.. But back in the day they used what they got their hands on...