Is it cotton or polyester or a blend?

To test for fiber content, cut a strip of fabric. Over an ashtray or a piece of aluminum foil, burn one end of the strip. Put out the flame before it reaches your fingertips.

If the fabric is pure cotton, there will be nothing left from the burnt fabric but a gray ash. This ash will disintegrate if you touch or shake it (like a cigarette ash).

If the fabric contains any polyester or synthetic fibers, the burnt edges will be like plastic as the fabric will not have burnt but have melted.

If the fabric is silk, it will burn but not ignite into flames. There will be a distinctive smell to it.

If it is wool, it will burn and smell like burning hair (some people liken it to the smell of wet animal hair).

If you are doing an appliqué piece, you will know if you are using 100% cotton - the fabric will turn easily and you should have no problem with sharp inside corners. If you are using a polyester or a cotton/polyester blend, the fabric will resist turning and the thread fibers will shred. You will have much difficulty on inside corners. Fabric that is not 100% cotton frays easily.

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