Calico/cotton - love and blessings Chris

What ever I have that is close to the same thickness of the fabric. I also have some flannel that I use for that, too.

Sometimes I cheat big time and stitch out on stablizer only. While it does work I feel guilty about it as I use my test stitch blocks in charity quilts. Trying to find a use for everything.

What ever is available, I sometimes buy cheap cotton or curtain lining. I have a box full of bits stitched out

Additional question here....I used to test stitch my Janome 8000 designs using serger thread. I haven't tried it yet with my Ellageo. Does anyone do that?

If my garment is a knit, I do a test on knit. Otherwise I use leftovers from other projects, or squares of cotton that I can put into a quilt or placemats some later time.

I have cut up old curtains and other things. Old sheets work great...as long as the fabric is in good shape! I use my husband's old tees for knitted goods too!

It depends on what I'm doing. I do some test stitching on dollar store felt. If the pieces stitch out beautifully, I'll put it in a frame and give as a gift to whomever. If I'm going to be stitching quilt blocks, I'll sacrifice a square of the fabric that I'm going to be using. Good question... and I enjoyed reading the responses.

I bought a role of calico, when the sales were on and use to test stitch when I get time. lol.. This is all stitched into quilt covers, when I have enough. hugs Helen

I sew them on muslin. I have it in unbleached, white and black. I then use them as quilt blocks. I like the idea of using felt. I had never thought of using felt and depending on the size could be used as coasters. What a great idea.

Monica, I bought an off cut piece of a roll of cotton,which is only 10"/25cm wide now. Which was very cheap. Also have t-shirting off cuts. I also have a stock of tea towels,guest towels and face cloths.So this I have on hand if I'm going to do a test stitch. Don't always do a test stitch. Hugs Yvonne

I am not very good at test stitching. Only test stitch when I am embroidering for someone else. I usually use calico, which I buy and then cut in squares all ready to stitch.

I use denim from old jeans. Then, I save all of my tests and put them in quilts to give away. If you are going to stitch on something expensive or irreplaceable, then you will probably want to find something of similar weight and fabric type. But jeans works most of the time for me.

I use muslin. I cut mine into blocks. Watch for a sale and you can get a lot to keep just for test stitching at a very lost price. The designs that turn out well can then be used for quilts. I give some to my neighbor to sew on like applique or patches for her little girl.

I tried some of the starched muslin rolls for test stitching but did not like it at all. Not high enough thread count and it was very stiff and scratchy. That's why I switched to muslin.

Marcelle