Why I Love Quilting With Linen - From Men's Dress Shirts

[@kellydiver]

I was taught to pull a thread where I want to cut in order to keep the grain aligned.

[@nannettepiasini9824]

From the northern coast of the lower 48. Wisconsin. Thank you for calling out the elephant in the room. Grainline. Love linen. Linen, like cheese and wine... improves with age. Thank you for the topic.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I love that: linen, cheese and wine! All of my favorites! 😘❤️🤩 Sometimes I can’t be bothered to worry about grainline, but with linen, it MATTERS and it shows! Thanks for your comment and for watching!😊❤️

[@patrickfrericks8867]

Linen is my favorite to sew with. I make quilts, clothing and collect antique homespun linen sheets. I use some of the sheets as batting in my quilts. The best way to press linen is a dry iron, remove the linen before dry. Don't use steam.

[@danaandcompany9636]

You don’t have to baptize your fabric. LOL! You are such a pleasure! Thank you for your sweet channel.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww thank you! 🥰❤️ Glad you got a laugh and enjoyed the video!

[@tinkerbell9399]

Hi Cathy, love the Diane Keaton look! I am totally a coastal Grannie with 5 grandchildren! I wear lot of linen, and some I have had a long time. It just wears to a soft buttery fabric, and is so lovely. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from UK

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Tinker Bell, it does!! That's why I love linen so much! ❤️

[@jenedelwilcox6647]

I have a tote full of linen clothing harvested (love that term) from resale shops. I read somewhere it's good to use a larger seam allowance because of the ravelling. Thanks for your videos. I have also harvested men's cotton shirts. I made a quilt from denim, shirting, and silk ties, in the bow tie pattern. I called it "Casual Friday." Keep up your good work.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Love that! (Casual Friday) 🤩 So glad you’re enjoying the videos…and lucky you, having lots of linen to work with!! ❤️

[@teresacesario6247]

Excellent video thank you so much! And that quilt for Wells is gorgeous!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much!

[@NatureGirl58]

I've just recently come across your videos and didn't want to watch them at first as thought Id never make a quilt out of old clothing. But I am so glad I decided to watch at least one. You share lots of great information and are the most delightful person to listen to. I am a novice at quilting and love linen fabric. It is soooo expensive to buy here in Australia. $25 to $30 a meter so I'm off to the Opp Shops tomorrow to see what I can find. Have you ever made a quilt out of linen? i would love to see it if you have.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hooray! I’m glad you found me! 🥰❤️ And good luck at your Op Shop! I hope you find some linen shirts! I have not made a totally linen quilt (yet)…probably because I won’t hold onto the fabric I have long enough to get enough to make a whole quilt! I use it right away! 😂❤️

[@ladyflimflam]

IKEA carries linen dish towels that I’ve been buying. Love them. I have some dead stock Irish linen sheets I discovered in my grandmother’s basement that I’m hoarding.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ooh I’ll have to look for them the next time I’m at IKEA! 🤩 And I get those Irish linen sheets are AMAZING! 😍❤️

[@MsAmberSunshine]

I’m going to watch video again. I missed weather using 100% linen or a linen blend. Love, love, love the baby quilt or lap quilt. Just precious ❤

[@sgtpepper.6511]

Thank you for this video. I love linen and plan on making pillow cases, shirts and a jacket with the table cloths, napkins and placemats I have.. yep, dozens of them. This information was so helpful. What spray starch do you recommend..? I’ve been sewing for 60 years and only used water or spray sizing. Will sizing work..?? ❤❤❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Sizing works, but I've found that the stiffer the starch I used, the better it works for cutting (and piecing) at least for quilting. I can't remark on starch for garment-sewing since I've never attempted that!

[@LoriTianSailiata]

What a beautiful linen postage stamp quilt. I would be tempted to English Paper Piece that. 💕💕💕

[@AnitaSouthall]

Great discussion. I mix all types of fabric and sometimes I have linen in the mixture.

[@Amritadivya]

In past centuries linen was used for the sails on vessels because linen is stronger when wet and last longer than cotton. As a spinner, I know that linen can be spun wet or dry. If it is spun dry then the resulting fabric will have a more coarse appearance and be lumpy/bumpy. The linen that has a darker appearance if left "natural" was laid out in a field to "ret" or rot off the outer fibers. While water retting leaves a lighter color. traditionally, flax was spun using saliva rather than water in some areas as it held the fibers together better and gave a smoother yarn. If I remember correctly, there is something like 15-20 steps in processing flax into linen fabric. That is one big reason for the high price tag--linen is labor intensive to produce. If you live in a dry climate it would be important to refold linen items and wash them even if not used because they can eventually "break" on a fold line from dryness(since it weakens the fibers). Thanks for the quilting ideas! I am thinking of using soft old linen towels sewn together as-is for a quilt back.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I love all this info!! SO interesting! 😍🤓 Thank you for sharing!!

[@arabellalunkes4532]

Thank you for all the great info!!!

[@renatekauker4242]

Dear Kathy, thank you so much for this video. I actually have a nice amount of linnen but always was scared of using it. And I am keen on going to the benefit store to get some more, but have to wait 3 weeks to get there, because I had broken my leg the other day. So I hope there will be left enough for me 😅 Warm greetings from Germany, Renate

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So sorry to hear about your leg! 😱😩 Hope you mend quickly! So glad this video meets a need…hopefully you’ll be back shopping for and using your linen soon! ❤️

[@coreygilles847]

I love when quilts get all crinkly and soft

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It’s the BEST! ❤️

[@lisascenic]

Meeeeeee tooooooo!

[@sueharber2496]

Oh wow! I actually got a linen shirt to "harvest" ( my daughter hates it when I say that 😂😂) and now I can't wait to use it, I have a baby quilt to make, so its obviously going to be washed a lot, and I'm going to use that linen shirt - thank you!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! Sue, that’s awesome!! 🤩 (and Wells quilt has been well-used and washed many times already so you can see it holds up well!!) 😍

[@ag6787]

Thanks Kathy! Wow this was wonderful lessons on linen which convinced me it’s not for me! I do remember wearing linen, ironing the heck out out of it and after I put it on it was wrinkled again, 😂. I did go to the thrift store yesterday and found 2 linen shirts which were striped and yes, I left them there because I didn’t think anything would match the colors. After watching your informative video I’m glad I didn’t buy them. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences and providing another excellent video.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

AG, my wonderful quilt mentor and dearest friend has made a convert out of me for linen! I wasn't sure I liked all the texture and I wasn't sure I was willing to starch my fabric but I've always loved wearing linen...now I LOVE the crinkle, and starch is just another minor step in the whole quilt process and it has such an interesting and beautiful look to me now! So...just be prepared, I might change your mind! 😘❤️

[@lorihamby60]

The baby quilt is gorgeous!

[@patrickfrericks8867]

Linen that is woven for the "fast clothing" market it not woven very tight, which is why it wrinkles so easily. I personally do not make quilts from linen clothing. I buy linen by the yard and use at least 7.5oz weave. Or I use antique/vintage linen because it is a tighter weave which will not wrinkle hardly at all. BTW I truly enjoy your videos.

[@AnitaSouthall]

Does linen have a thread count like percale cotton sheets?

[@patrickfrericks8867]

@@AnitaSouthall I replied to you, I don't see my reply but hopefully it posted.

[@szelop]

Where do you buy your linen yardage?

[@Denise11Schultz]

@patrickfreicks8867 I’m trying to remember that all linen manufacturer in Los Angeles area, is that where you buy or order your linen? Very interested. Thank you.

[@patrickfrericks8867]

@@AnitaSouthall linen is ususlly sold by weight.

[@kimwarren2214]

Love linen for quilts …. Can use pinking blade in your rotary cutter or pinking shears for cutting. Thank you for the informational video! 🌸

[@christinahall3318]

Great idea on the pinking shears!

[@sherrysanford1600]

Kathy, Getting back into my sewing after many years away. Went to you tube for inspiration. Have greatly enjoyed your videos. Never thought of using linen. Soooo just today ran into my church thrift store. What did I find but a man's size 44 white linen pants. Major score. Thanks for the inspiration. Now to figure out how to incorporate this find. Thank You

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well this is just wonderful!! 🥰❤️ so glad you’ve found some inspiration watching my videos!!! 😍 and congrats on your great find at your thrift store….so exciting!! 🤩

[@argyle2061]

Every time I brush my grey hair, I will think it’s just like linen, special and beautiful

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Best comment today. ❤️ Thank you for sharing, Amy. 🥰

[@andreafong9952]

I think grey hair is caused by a copper deficiency according to Dr. Berg but like all hair color yours is unique. Personally I am not a fan of mine but yours may be beautiful.

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

Hi cathy, making my first all linen quilt. Came back to watch this! I'm not sure linen is in my future after this. So much starch! I'm amazed even MORE by your linen orange peel blocks you are working on!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Caitlin, I'm so excited for your all-linen quilt!! 🤩 I bet it will be beautiful---and you do great work so I'm not worried for you at all!! I always swear off linen WHILE I'm sewing with it, and then I get the quilt done and wash and dry it and fall in love with it all over again and forget what a PAIN it IS! 😂🤓❤️

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I will send you a photo when it’s done! Thanks for the compliment and support!!!

[@nancymathisen9707]

Very informative and interesting as usual. Thanks.

[@Imjetta7]

Excellent primer, thank you.

[@Ka-ly8oi]

Love that postage stamp quilt! I also love texture, for me this is the best part of a quilt...Love from Germany

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

My husband can't enough of the bumpy, crinkly texture after it has been quilted and washed and dried! Thank you so much for watching and commenting! ❤️ And from the US back to Germany--all the love and happiness!🥰

[@janiewilliams5803]

So informative. I knew very little about linen. But, I remembered your mentioning it in a previous video, ....so one of my recent thrift finds was a men' linen shirt. Part of the shirt is white and red fine stripe. I am using this for the center of some Christmas placemats which will also have cotton patchwork in border. So all your tips are very helpful. Thank you!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I bet your Christmas placemats will be beautiful! 🤩 definitely don’t be afraid to use a fair amount of starch and just let it soak in and dry overnight so you can keep those fine red lines straight and on grain!! Thanks for you kind words…glad the video was helpful!

[@RobinHarris61]

I love that linen quilt! It is gorgeous! I keep looking for linen, but don't find much in our thrift store. And I haven't learned yet, how to tell when it IS linen.

[@christinahall3318]

Often times the garment tag will tell you (if it is still in the garment) whether it 100% linen or a blend of linen & cotton. Also, another idea is to go to the fabric store and ask for a fabric swatch of linen - carry it with you and then you will become more in tune to it.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

After you start stumbling on linen in the thrift store, you’ll get used to the feel and start to “know it when you feel it” (and see it!) ❤️

[@jwestfalldavis3574]

Thanks! I snagged a whole wardrobe of extra large men's linen shirts at an estate sale last spring and was not sure how to proceed.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh how wonderful! ❤️

[@debrat777]

Great info Cathy! Thanks for the video.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you Debra!

[@nancymathisen9707]

The term towhead, referring to a blonde haired person, derives from a word used in the linen making process, because of the resemblance to blonde hair of the fibers before spinning.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Nancy, I just read this comment aloud to Paul, and he said, "you knew this! We heard this in Williamsburg"---and of course I have no memory of this! lol! 😂So cool tho! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@patogden856]

Hi Cathy Pat again . I have now listened to your post about three times . So grateful for the information about linen . Think I may do an all over quilt instead of cutting up the goodies . It will give me the experience of just handling the linen to familiarise me with its qualities . I was planning one anyway so now may be the time . Cheers Pat nz xx

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Cheers, Pat!

[@patogden856]

Thanks Cathy , I had no idea that linen was so different from cotton , never having used it before . Very timely post as I also buy my materials from op shops and recently scored a pure linen duvet cover for $6 . Multiple yds for six dollars !!!! Pure linen cost $60 per yd here in nz . Also scored a king size sheet for similar price ($6) . Love the quilt you did . I have started doing handmade quilts too so looking forward putting my new information to use . Thanks again ❤Pat xx

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh, Pat, this comment made me so happy!! 😊 $6 dollars for a duvet cover?That's like winning the lottery!! 🎉🥳🤩 Cheers to your great success and lucky find! 😘 And I nearly died when I read $60 A YARD---what in the world?! 😱 Thanks so much for commenting and sharing your great find!❤️

[@jeanetterochnowskis142]

That was so interesting Cathy. Learned a lot about linen. I really enjoyed the scientific aspect of your video. I was wondering if one was wanting to add bits and pieces of linen to a quilt, could you prep linen first with a very lightweight interfacing to make it easier to work with?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I’ve never tried that, Jeannette, so I couldn’t say…but the theory is sound, in my opinion.

[@kimnambiar5884]

So beautiful, and thanks for the tips.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kim!

[@cynthiajones1461]

Large pieces of linen are great to use for piecing the back of a quilt because it is so soft, which makes the quilt super comfortable.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You had me at “large pieces of linen” ❤️😍😂🥰😘

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Scored 12 shirts today at our local charity shop. One purple and green plaid and one luminescent purple. What's with all the purple shirts?? Also found a 1960's type cotton barkcloth shower curtain with surfboards and "woodies" that I couldn't possibly leave behind. Got them all in the washing machine now.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So exciting! Wish I could see that shower curtain...I bet it is wonderful! 🤩 (and 12 shirts?! That's AWESOME!) Thanks for sharing with me! 😍

[@glynisreynolds446]

Lots of information in this video 👏 I’ve not considered using linen to make quilts, but I love the ‘crinkle’ look 🤩🇬🇧

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Glynis! If you love the crinkle...you need to start working some linen into your quilts!!

[@jadrankacarmichael5392]

Another very informative video. Thank you. Jadranka

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Jadranka! ❤️

[@barbaraanne2136]

My mother and I traveled in Europe in the late "90"s and stayed in Rome in the old part of the city in a refurbished old hotel with a balcony and "French doors". As I turned my bedding back I was thrilled to see beautiful linen sheets! When I climbed out of bed the next morning I said to my mother, "This is the first time I have ever thought of "stealing something from a hotel!" Remember to look for sheets and tablecloths if you are interested in linen. I'd check Nordstrum's "Rack and "Last Chance" because they have stores here in Phoenix.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh how I love this story! 🥰 And thank you for the suggestion to check the last chance rack at department stores...genius! 🤓

[@gina8330]

I have 2 questions: 1. What do you use the jars of colored pencils for? 2. What kind of batting do you use? I’ve made 2 baby quilts and I took them to two different long arm quilters. They provided the batting. My quilts were both stiff feeling. Yours look light and well loved.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

1) I use the colored pencils to visualize the colors I want on quilt patterns I choose 2) the one I had in this video HAS been well loved…used and washed and dried quite a few times. I use either 100% cotton batting or 80/20 cotton/poly (which is a little fluffier.) I think since I use a lot of thrifted fabric it starts the quilt off a little less stiff than quilting cottons.

[@christinahall3318]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! You and I have already discussed how much we love linen so this was right up my alleyway. I learned so much - don’t iron just press! Starch or steam - learn what they do to the fabric (true with so many fabrics). I have a collection of neutral colored linen already cut into 5” squares to make a somewhat scrappy linen quilt. I was thinking about using a small zigzag stitch to piece this particular quilt. What are your thoughts? BTW GREAT IDEA about going to thrift stores now and in the next couple of weeks to find linen fabric. Thank you so very much for this video!!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Christina! Not sure about stitching around the edge with a zigzag but I know that is also recommended for other fabrics that fray so I can’t imagine it would hurt! 👍🏻

[@maryjomccann5785]

Also have you seen the research by Dr Heidi Yellen on the energy in linen? Very interesting!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I have! And I find it very interesting, too! 🤓

[@robinpeter5627]

You were really on my mind on my last thrift store trip. I found a 5XL beige linen long sleeve shirt for $2.50!!!! Have never seen such a BIG shirt. So much fabric...But wouldn't know how to get it to you

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww! I feel so loved just that you considered me! ❤️ And you're right, 5XL is HUGE!!!🤩😱

[@motherhenn8850]

I haven't used thrifted linen, but I make altar linens. I really like the feel of linen, and how it holds creases. It sews up really well.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh I bet they are beautiful!❤️

[@catherinehall8485]

I love linen. I also love your channel

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww!! Thank you! 🥰❤️

[@theresacarmen9847]

Very interesting. I know nothing about linen other than it wrinkled a lot. Thanks for the info.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

😂😂 it does do that!! And thank you!!

[@cathybabnick7326]

I just watched your linen video for the second time. I plan to look for linen shirts the next time I go thrift shopping. One question, though, and sorry if you have addressed this in a video already. Do you limit yourself to 100% linen, or do you quilt with linen/cotton blends? And, if yes to blends, do you mix different blends and/or mix cotton/linen blends with 100% linen and/or 100% cotton?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I totally mix linen, linen/cotton mix AND cotton in the same quilt!❤️

[@marylancaster2217]

I love the baby quilt and would love to know where I can get the pattern. I just love your videos and you have inspired me. I have made one baby quilt from my brothers shirts to give as a gift. Unfortunately my brother passed away while his daughter was pregnant so the memory quilt has become quit special to her.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Well I’m so sorry hear your brother passed, but what a wonderful gift for your niece! 🥹❤️ It is the Meadowlark quilt from Penelope Handmade…her pattern does not have the postage stamp version though, just fyi. I modified the pattern to make the full sized quilt just smaller. 😘

[@lucylai4910]

May I ask what that quilt behind you is? It immediately caught my eye.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

The Elena quilt by Kitchen Table Quilting. ❤️

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

I enjoy seeing your quilts behind you in the videos. What do you use for a design wall?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It is insulation board (from the hardware store) covered in a cream-colored flannel sheet. We also use a shower curtain rod with cafe clips to hold completed (or mostly completed) quilts. This partially done quilt needed pins to support it on the wall, too! 👍🏻

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

Woot, woot, thanks for sharing. not thinking of Fall with a temp of 108f today. Thanks for sharing.

[@AnitaSouthall]

Raining 🌧 ☔ ⛈ 🌧 in Geraldton Western Australia 🇦🇺 👌

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes, Lort. When it is this hot, it’s hard to think about Fall! Except maybe to wish for it!

[@lisascenic]

Another great video! I’ve been staring at the lovely quilt behind you, and am puzzled by the diagonal bottom edge. Surely, that’s not how the blocks are assembled? (It’s so hard to discern details of this sort on a phone screen.)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Lisa! Actually the whole quilt is turned 45-degrees off-angle for this video...That diagonal edge is actually the bottom edge of the quilt, and the blocks are assembled and sewn together on point to make the quilt top. 🤓👍🏻

[@lisascenic]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Ah! It all makes sense, now!

[@gisellejones1139]

Very interesting 👌

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks Giselle!

[@juanitarogowski1629]

I too love linen, so hen I make a quilt from linen, I use serger, and has work well for me

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing! 🤓👍🏻

[@amysandifer9421]

Love your videos! What pattern is that quilt?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

The quilt that I used linen in is the "Meadowlark" quilt pattern by Penelope Handmade (I adapted it to postage stamp size) and the one on my design wall is the "Elena" quilt by Kitchen Table Quilting.

[@carefulbodycare7053]

Would you recommend using a fusible web for quilting blocks to maintain on grain piecing? Love your channel ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I haven’t used any fusible web or interfacing, so I couldn’t say, but I do know that if you use a heavy hand with the starch and let it dry overnight it will keep your pieces and piecing the way you put them. 👍🏻 If you starch your linen before you start, it will be far easier to keep them on grain. 🤓👍🏻

[@patogden856]

Hi Cathy , wondering about putting a woollen blanket as wadding in my linen quilt ? Bearing in mind the linen is cool and the wool warm ? Any comments would be gratefully received . Maybe I should lash out and get some bamboo wadding . ??? Cheers from Pat nz

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Pat, I've read that linen and wool shouldn't be used together---I can't give you the reason, though! I've only used 100% cotton wadding with linen quilt tops. I think cotton and linen make sense together because they both "breathe" and are cozy and heavy without being too warm!

[@patogden856]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts Thanks Cathy . I appreciate the effort you make . Godbless . Pat nz

[@carolynholt9325]

Hi, Thanks for your really great videos, l love them. Would you comment on mixing linen with cottons when piecing. Do you think it creates problems and how do you solve them.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I do mix linen and cotton in my piecing…so far I haven’t had any issues except the ones of my own making (which I talk about in the video.) As long as you don’t stretch your linen pieces while piecing or get them way off grain, I wouldn’t expect you’d have any problems! 👍🏻

[@jmc-xp6ml]

When you wash your quilts, do you put in the dryer?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yep!

[@firetopman]

Did you go donton in Pittsburgh and buy you some Shot it Ott? (downtown, Shout, Out)

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

😂😂😂 nah, yinz go on without me, I’m gonna stay home and have some eggs n at. It’s too cold and slippy out there!

[@firetopman]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts HAHAHA! "Yinz" I forgot about that one.

[@kathleenswan4184]

I love the baby quilt for Will! Did you come up with the pattern? Could you please direct me to where I could purchase it?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kathleen! It is the Meadowlark quilt pattern by Penelope Handmade. Just FYI, though, I altered the original pattern to make the full size quilt in miniature (using the postage stamp sized pieces.)

[@quiltingcarole6411]

I would love to know the pattern of the sweet quilt you showed. I’ve also steered clear of white shirts, but I see I need to mend my ways. You use white, whether cotton or linen, very effectively.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh thank you!! I don’t always *love* working with the white shirts (unless they are very soft of VERY large 😂) but I ALWAYS love linen. The name of the quilt pattern is Meadowlark by Penelope Handmade. The pattern isn’t intended to be postage stamp size-I altered the pattern to make the full size quilt just smaller. Just FYI.👍🏻🤓

[@maryjomccann5785]

I found an XLmans shirt at goodwill for $13. I thought that was expensive. But it was a pretty pink. What range do you pay for shirts? Thanks!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I usually try to keep my shirt purchases under $8 ($4 to $7 is pretty typical in my area, especially if I can catch a sale!) but I will pay more if I really like the fabric and/or it's an XL shirt or larger. A good way to decide is compare how much you would pay for a yard of quality cotton...a men's XL shirt is easily a yard and a third of fabric, for comparison!

[@gina8330]

What type of linen shirts do you use? The linen shirts I’ve found have not been 100% linen. Is that a thing?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I do like 100% linen, and I do buy them any chance I can get! But I’ve quilted and sewn with linen/cotton blends as well…they stitch up beautifully too! 😍

[@t.k3025]

And linen can last a long time. I have linen kitchen towels that are 30+ years old, that are my favorite rags now.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

T you are so right!!

[@CalicoJungle]

Fray check ?

[@alfa5243]

Starch in water used to be added in a soaking mixture and then dried and ironed. That would be better on your iron. As spray starch often burns on your iron.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@tadeyishu]

Here in the uk we only really get antique linen's, and im not going to buy them with the intention of cut them up, however i have used other materials with finer/lose weave and ive either used bonderweb, or when I've pressed the seam,(i almost always a seam alloweness thats closer to half inch) then used a thin stip over the finished seam to glue it down this is more for my piece of mind, but I'll usually just not use a fabric i don't think will hold up...

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

You guys aren’t linen wearers? 🤔 Totally not wanting to cut up antique linens! 😱

[@tadeyishu]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts no cotton was so cheep because of all the mills going back to the victotian industrial revolution, not to mention the colonial wars in India, linen or flax was used more in its coarse's from for rope or sacks, despite that we still use the word linens to describe tables clothes and lacey type things, even though 90% of the time it will be cotton

[@louisea3478]

​@@TheCatBirdQuilts I live in the UK and only wear linen in summer. It's such a comfy, beautiful fabric. I get linen shirts in the sale at Marks & Spencer. I'm just sewing a linen and cotton quilt and doing all the wrong things so will now correct my ironing method!

[@wandamckinney5883]

I worry about the quilt shrinking using Linen fabric could you comment on that?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It does shrink, in my experience, but not in the bad way! It shrinks the same way that linen shirts or pants shrink---just a drawing up and crinkling of the fabric, which to me, is lovely and enhances the quilting and the wonderful textural aspects of quilting! ❤️ But it can be smoothed out again by ironing, as long as you consider what batting you've used and don't get the iron too hot!

[@wandamckinney5883]

What town do you live in Alabama. My daughter lives near Prattvile

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I'm in Birmingham. ❤️

[@jennjennedington279]

I would say Auburn is the reason you have available orange linen shirts

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So smart. Never even occurred to me. 🤓

[@lindamasson3094]

I imagine that linen clothing is more popular in the south than other areas of the country...because it is known for its comfort in warm weather...maybe I'm mistaken about that. Therefore may be found less in thrift stores?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It is very popular here for that exact reason! But honestly, I find a ton of linen in thrift stores---I'm just always collecting because I'm making a linen quilt now and I want to make another when I'm done! 🤓😍

[@barbaraanne2136]

I love linen but have never thought of making a quilt out of it. I have wondered why there is linen in the quilt store. Duh!!! Now I'm on a mission but I'm starting in my own closet because I have a couple of long linen summer shift dresses that are prints.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

LOL! Right? It's one of those, "Why would I do that?....wait just a minute, that's a great idea!" ❤️

[@sallyward9218]

Hello again, from Canada❣️ Thank you for all the great tips on sewing with linen- so much to consider- and you have analyzed it in such a detailed manner, you have "extracted" the challenges for us. Linen is my favourite fabric- it is RARE to find it in a thrift store this far North 😢 I love the pattern used in the featured baby quilt- does the pattern have a name? Also, I am wondering what backing you used in this beautiful quilt? Regarding linen clothing, a lady I worked with always said "you don't wear linen- linen wears you!" ☺️ Once again, thank you for sharing these valuable tips❣️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sally! ❤️ I LOVE the quote…and you can bet I’ll be using that one! The pattern is Meadowlark by Penelope Handmade. It is not meant to be a postage stamp quilt; I altered the pattern to make the full size quilt but a baby size! ❤️🤓 Oh and I used tan mini-gingham for the backing! 🤩 I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you don’t have a lot of linen in thrift stores in Canada…but I am disappointed for you nonetheless! 🙃

[@sallyward9218]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts thank you❣️☺️

[@sarahpengelly8439]

Linen is much more sustainable than cotton which requires a heap of water to grow. Cotton production is also energy intensive so using recycled shirts is so much better all round.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So much better. All. Around. ❤️ Also, what's not to love about linen?!

[@raymondgabica4696]

Oldest fabric ever!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Right?! I LURV IT! ❤️

[@nannettepiasini9824]

Yes, it's late... There are pickles that need a change of brine.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

😂 You are committed! ❤️ I’m a pickle-lover but sleep beats pickles every day for me!

[@stefflcus]

I will pickle any vegetable that sits still long enough, but I'm such a pickle fiend that quick-fridge pickling is the only kind that's worth it. They'll disappear soon enough! Have definitely made pickles (and many other things) at midnight, though, and I gotta love your comment.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@stefflcus 😂 Ps if you OR Nannette decide you want to send some pickles to a certain address in Alabama, I wouldn’t fight you on it. 😘😘😘

[@AvivaHadas]

There are some quilters who absolutely soak their fabrics in starch.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I’ve seen and heard that…but it just isn’t the preferred method for me! 👍🏻

[@AvivaHadas]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts I only squirt the stubbornest of wrinkles.