You can test fiber content by doing a burn test. Have a bowl of water readily available, I do it over my kitchen sink. I take a piece of the suspect fabric and hold a flame to it. If it melts it is a man made fiber or contains some like a poly or poly blend. If it ashes it is a natural fiber like cotton or silk.

Thank you so much. I'm off to test my fabrics with your test method.
Jo Ann

I like the grocery bag suggestion! Doesn't matter if it's tough!

that was my thought as well - original feed sacks wear like iron.. and pretty expensive too..

I use low quality fabric for foundation piecing or testing out embroidery designs etc.

Yes, this was my thought.... since it is rough, it sounds like it might be of heavier weight and great for tote/grocery bags
Can you post a pic? ;-)

I was just wondering and please don't laugh...but was wondering if soaking it in fabric softner would help in any way? Maybe it's just a far out idea but it might possibly help. ;)

That is a great idea. I'm still pondering things to make that softness would not matter......like grocery bags or tote bags. I"m loving all the ideas.
Jo Ann