Are mercerised cotton fabrics okay?
#1
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?
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
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 .
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,183
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/
https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2...d-cotton-mean/
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