How do you tell if fabric is cotton?

[sadiedaisy1]

I have a bunch of fabric that I bought on line about a year or so. When I bought it I thought it was cotton, but just discounted heavily. When I got it, I remembered thinking it seemed like cheap fabric to me and I was disappointed with it. I pulled it out recently to make borders for an I Spy quilt and cannot cut a straight line with it. It's very frustrating. Then I started wondering if it is in fact cotton. How would I know? Maybe it's just really cheap and doesn't cut straight? Thanks for any help you can provide.

[rosebud3]

Don't know. I'd like to find out as well. There have been times I purchased fabric that I thought was cotton, but it didn't work up like cotton does.

Mary

[dforseth]

I burn a small aomunt. If it is all cotton it will burn, if it has any polyester or other fiber it will melt. I do this in the kitchen over the sink with a kitchen match.

Debbie

[Kittyquilt9292]

DH used to be in the garment business. He's helped me with determining what fabrics are all cotton. Of course, he can "feel" the other fibers, he's had so much experience. But the "burn test" is how he was taught and how his bosses did it. Even if you cut just a single thread, you can set a match or lighter to that. Cotton will just be all gone, there will be residue if there are other fibers in with the cotton, and as Debbie said, an all non cotton fiber will melt. Just be careful with the matches, the fibers burn very quickly. carol/kittyquilt

[institcheswithrosie]

The burning is the way several long-time quilters have said to check the fabric.

[sadiedaisy1]

Thanks Debbie, Carol, & Rosie. Burning it is. I'll try that tomorrow. It sounds like fun. I wonder what my DH will think if he catches me. LOL Thanks again!

[quilterbee]

If you set your hot iron on it and it stinks, it's not cotton, Amie )

[sadiedaisy1]

Thanks, Amie. I didn't know that.