why not double the matterial up or if quilting put the backing in the back of the fabric. good luck cathy

You could fuse an iron-on interfacing to give it some body. There are no mistakes if you like the fabric.

Hi Suzette, I am from South Africa and I use polycotton for linen sets and it works fine.Any fabric in South Africa is a problem because all the mills have closed down here so everthing is imported and costs a fortune. Have you tried the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg,Jhb?

It must be very thin if it is too thin for applique! I've used all sorts of fabric successfully. The advice about iron on interfacing sounds good if you really need to add some body. There are, in fact, some advantages to using polycotton - for instance, it does not fade. I've spent hours making pure cotton patchwork cushions only to see them fade away in my conservatory!

If it's a matter of the background colour showing through I would use an iron-on interfacing or double it with a white one. I've done that with pieces from men's shirts - my son-in-law wears all sorts of striped and checked shirts that come my way when there is the slightest sign of wear on cuff or collar and I love working with them - and they are all poly-cotton blends.

Hi Suzette, Can't you use them to make "napkins" serviettes or even with lace work on them.
Sorry can't help you with shopping in JHB or PTA - hugs Yvonne

Hi Suzette, I see you've got some good answers I would go for the iron on backing. Please let us know how thing are coming out. Lots of succes.

Hope all works out.

I would try either 2 layers of fabric or iron on stabilizer perhaps.

Suzette, what is it you are wanting to make? Fat Quarters are great for making napkins, or other crafts. They are fab for quilt blocks etc... As far as the advice given about iron on stabilizer, this is the best way to get your body for the fabric. Show pictures of your projects when you are finished...Terre

Baby quilts do fine with poly cotton. And applique can still be done if you iron on (vilene) interfacing to the back of your appli fabric first.
Poly cotton can also be used for the backing of your bed quilts.
I know of some quilters who do this too. Also lining for bags.
Ask also at your local sewing machine shops for Retailers, some have quilting classes and they could advise you further.
Happy Stitching
From Bev

Suzette - don't give up on the polycotton. Back it with an iron-on webbing or light interfacing before you cut the piece to put onto the fabric in your hoop so that you're dealing with a thicker, firmer fabric but one which won't make the applique hard or stiff. The extra backing will help to stop the tearing away from the stitching, too.
Polycotton can often give a shiny appearance to applique, enhancing the design even further.
Also polycotton is fine for making quilted ITH makeup purses and such - I've done it and been more than happy with the results.
PM for you.
AlmaG.

*4U

you can use poly cotton for lots of projects, quilts, bags, napkins and even clothing. Don't give up there seems to be lot of suggestions for you.

Suzette ek sien jy het baie goeie antwoorde gekry. When I do appligue I just use the material double with the iron on stabilizer, which you should use anyway. All Bernina stores in SA carry quilt material. When you go down to St Francis, take a trip down to Somerset West. There is a "Fabric centre" with 100% cotton material that will make you faint. Sterkte verder.