I am going to show my "beginnerishness" and ask why do some say to only use cotton fabric and others say use what you like? I wouldn't know what I like and want to know why you would do one or the other. Some are saying they use the good parts of old clothes; are they always cotton? I have an inquiring mind that needs to know!

Also thread...I haven't found hand quilting thread. How does it differ from other thread? Is my quilt going to fall apart if I use something else? I don't want to do all this work (doesn't feel like work) and have it come apart!

Thanks for the help!

When you use only cotton, it will behave relatively predictably. You don't want one part to shrink differently than another or one touchy fabric discombouber in the dryer. Mixed fabrics are less predictable. I have used some cotton blend pieces in the past but I try to use all cotton. Love the way it handles over time.

Sometimes the discussion about fabrics is more about the quality and price of cotton (LQS versus WalMart) and some people prefer the better brands while others say to use what you want/have.

As for the thread, I have seen hand-quilting threads, but since I don't hand quilt - I never paid much attention. I assume that the thread can withstand more tugging than some of the others.

Hand quilting thread is a heavier thread.

Handquilting thread also has a wax like additive, to make it go smoothly through the fabric and keeps it from knotting up also :wink:

If you choose to mix your fabrics, be they new, old clothing, polycotton blends etc... just be sure that you prewash them. That is one of the biggest issues with mixing fabrics...they all will shrink differently.

Polycotton blends also don't crease well when pressing seams in your blocks. Not saying this is bad, but just something to remember while piecing and measuring for accuracy.

It all boils down to this...it is YOUR quilt and you can use whatever you like :D:D:D

I have made many quilts with mixed fabrics with great results. I first wash them all in HOT water, then dry in the drier on it's hottest setting. Any shrinkage or other problems will have worked themselves out after that. I have used cotton, wool, and fleece all in the same quilt top and it has held up through multiple washings for over 10 years.
You will find if you are going to hand quilt, that the thicker, slightly waxy thread is much easier to work with than regular sewing thread.

Thanks all for the info. I watched a movie during Christmas where the girl was trying to learn how to bake a turkey...no two sets of instructions were the same and some totally contradicted others! I felt much like that girl. CONFUSED.

I do think I should look for the hand quilting thread. I know I don't like what I have. Usually shopping is great, but I've been off work fighting this cancer thing and don't really shop well. (You know you're sick when you can shop!!!) I will get back with the program, but meanwhile, I will PRACTICE!!!!!

Marilyn

Good luck and hope you feel better real soon. Only use hand quilting thread if you hand quilt, won't work well in machine and will gum up the needle. Just use good thread.

I have found that using a poly-cotton blend is more difficult because they fray more and are slippery. I made this quilt from old Peanuts panels I had saved from the 1970s. This entire quilt was made from a poly-cotton blend and I had to deal with snags, with puckering, and had to use a lower iron setting. I tried various needles and threads, but I still was not completely happy with the outcome. I ended up using an all cotton backing. I, personally, like using 100% cotton and doubt I will tackle a mixed blend again (unless I make a crazy quilt someday.)

Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting. I have been at it for more than 40 years. The very first quilt I made had about 10 different kinds of fabric in it. I made it from the scraps left over from all of the garments I had sewn for myself. The last time I saw it my husband was lying on it to change the oil in his truck. It survived my stepson's bedroom and having various liquids spilled on it over the years.
Work with what you like and what you can afford. Sometimes you just fall in love with a fabric that is totally not quilt material. Use it if it makes you happy. Especially if it is going to hang on the wall etc. There is a whole school of art quilters out there who use anything and everything.
If you don't find thread that says it is for handquilting use whatever but try to work with shorter pieces and run it over a piece of bee's wax. Every stitch you take the thread gets dragged through the fabric it's whole length. Handquilting thread holds up the best for that reason.