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!

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.

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.

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

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...