Why do you use 100% cotton fabric?
 

I wondered why it seems that quilters think we must use 100% cotton. My Amish neighbors tell me they think the poly/cotton fabric wears better than cotton. I know the poly/cotton fabric washes better and is probably available in more designs. I know it is too lightweight for embroidery, so I use cotton.

I think most folks use cotton to keep a consistant fabric in the quilt. I use whatever I get! I had someone gift me with 10 yards of a heavy knit, I used it a lot of it as the foundation for several crazy quilts! The Crazy's themselves were made of any fabric I could get my hands on. Use it up, Make Do, Do with out! Go with what you've got!!

Yes I use all cotton to stay consistent.

I use all cotton because it breathes and I love the feel of it.

Im a newbie so this is what I was taught!

I use, also buy and wear, only natural plant or animal fibers...cotton, wool, linen, silk. Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from coal, air, water, and petroleum. It's the tree-hugging hippie in me. http://www.pic4ever.com/images/hippie4.gif

Cotton fabric
 

I personally like the look of cotton better. I like the weight and the way it sews.

Poly/cotton has a tendency to pill over time and then you have to "shave" them or they feel bumpy. I love the colors and feel of 100% cotton making sure that it is good quality. Also, if you mix cotton and cotton/poly or just poly, the cotton may shrink while the poly doesn't and then your quilt gets wonky.

I machine embroider poly cotton when I make children's clothes. It does just fine. I use the appropriate stablizers.

I don't like the feel of poly/cotton. The scrim in cotton sheets is bad enough (and at least I don't have to iron them). I do use poly/cotton when I want to use a licensed fabric - its often difficult to find an all cotton in the latest Saturday morning hero. But, then, I use cotton or flannel on the back.

Secondly, quilting stitches do not generally show up as well on a poly cotton. That same resistance to wrinkles also results in less stitch definition. Probably not a big deal unless you use a really flat batting.

I am not terribly biased against blends or even using other fabrics. However, if I'm going to put a lot of time into this project, I want to use very good quality fabric. Nearly all my fabric is from a quilt shop.

I prefer the feel of cotton. Poly makes me sweat even when I'm not hot.

i like the way it feels......

A lady asked me last week why I use 100% cotton and it is all about natural fiber and organic when I can find it.

there are certainly a lot of different reasons here... some i never thought about. i'm glad you asked this question

Me Too!!!!

i use natural fibers in my quilts---cotton, wool, linen, silk because i love the feel of them---and there really is nothing like the soft/coziness of a vintage well loved cotton quilt- poly blends stay (rough- different) they do not soften, become better with age. they are good for *utility quilts* ---quilts kids are going to use to drag around--make forts- play on- take in the car---love to death---but for most of my quilts i will stick to the natural fibers that only become better with age---and if they wear out faster than a polyester (plastic) quilt- it only gives me reason to make another---and i know the first one was very well loved.
natural fibers breath- are (natural- not petroleum dependant) and are wonderful to work with.

There are some advantages to poly cotton blends.. They hold color longer ( black 100 percent black cotton pants .. as a case on point, are only dark black for several washings) Blends are warmer . Poly is a stronger fiber.
Disadvantages of blends: They don't press as easily, some blends will pill, fabrics with polyester can have stains permanetly etched into the fiber. Pressing blocks with a mix of blends and 100 percent cotton can be problematic as poly blends will melt , before the cotton is pressed. They dull your cutting impliments faster than cotton.
I have used both blends and 100 percent cotton over the years. There was a time when the selection of 100 percent cotton prints was very limited. Poly blends were all the rage, because they did not wrinkle like 100 percent cotton, and not nearly as many people were making quilts.

My Momma was a fantastic seamstress and she used cotton for quilting, so I use cotton now!:thumbup:

I like the way it shrinks and wrinkles up the quilt.

To me, woven polyester fabric doesn't have the "give" or stretch that I sometimes need when assembling blocks. It is like sewing 2 pieces of paper together -- I can't do anything with it to make it fit.
Dayle

Just try to stay consistant in whatever you use (unless it's a crazy quilt..then the sky's the limit!). Most insist on 100% cotton because if you mix cotton with a poly or poly/cotton mix...the cotton will shrink a lot more than the poly/cotton mix...and the poly won't shrink. If you mix the types..you could be in for a disapointment once washed and dried.

I wonder also, if some felt polyester would not hold up as well as cotton (it actually can hold up better).

One other reason...it's what great gramma used and is in keeping with tradition. Use what works for you.

I don't like the feel of poly either. Also, I have found that poly blend bedsheets, for example, tend to pick up and hold odors. I see no reason to be upset with anyone who does not have my particular preferences, however. I quilt because I enjoy it. I know blankets are cheaper. If I do not enjoy the process, I am wasting my time. I like to 'pet' my high quality fabrics.

Poly blends scorch easy, stink when they're pressed and just feel creepy IMO.

I use it because I have a room full of it! Hoping to get more at the Vegas quilt show tomorrow.

Everyone it seems says to use cotton so that's why I do. Sue

I worked as a tech and had to wear a polyester lab coat and I couldn't do it. I have hot flashes and the polyester held the heat in. I roasted. I quit the job just because I couldn't stand being overheated and sweating all the time. For a quilt, maybe it will keep you really warm. I use cotton because that's what I was taught and I'm a good girl and do what I'm told (when it comes to quilting only) ha ha

I like to use cotton for my quilts. I like the feel of it and I like the crinkly look it gets after washing, and I also like the way that it gets softer and softer each time it is washed. That being said, however, I have no problem using poly blends for wall hangings, table toppers, handbags, decorative pillows, etc. The way the price of fabric is going, I don't think I can afford to dismiss using fabrics ther than cotton. I'd rather use what I have and what I can afford, than to not be able to create.

dunno really ... I guess because that's what I was taught and what the LQS sells. However, if I could only find something in a blend, I would use it.

Suzy