Are mercerised cotton fabrics okay?
 

I have been given a bag of fabric off cuts from an acquaintance who sews sheets and pillow cases at home for a company. She tells me the fabric is very good quality pure cotton but it feels a bit "smoother" than the fabric I buy at the LQS. Could this be because it may be mercerised and if so...is this a bad thing to be quilting with? I have done a burn test on the fabric and it burns like cotton but does not burn completely once away from the flame and it leaves a black ash that doesn't "powder" when touched once cool. Advice? Opinions?

It could be smoother because it has a higher thread count than the cottons you are used to. It is fine to use. I purchase cotton sateen for whole cloth quilts because of its luster and smoothness. It makes beautiful quilts. If a tighter weave it won’t shrink as much as your quilt shop cottons so I would prewash those if planning to mix them .

Thankyou ckcowl, I appreciate your advice. Have a nice day.

Mercerised fabric is part of the manufacturing process, it usually results in a smooth polished feel and appearance. Perfectly fine for quilting. Lovely for dying.

https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2...d-cotton-mean/

Thankyou Iceblossom, and thanks also for the link.

I might have two yards of that also. I've not prewashed it yet. The bolt said 100% cotton but is very smooth doesn't feel like usual cotton. I will use in quilts.