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Member since 4/14/13
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Posted on: 4/25/18 2:10 PM ET
A couple of random questions and thoughts.

Does anyone know, besides the burn test, any ways of telling fiber content in an unknown fabric?

I am particularly interested in knowing if there is a way to tell if something is actually 100% linen, or linen/rayon blend, or linen/cotton blend.
Also, is there a way to know if something is 100% cotton or a cotton blend?


And,
One of my best ways of finding some nicely cared for basic wardrobe staples made with with nice fabric items has been in the two piece section. For some reason, a thrift store separate those out from the others. Lots of potential for simple refashions with the potential for extra matching fabric if needed/desired.
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The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. Bertrand Russell
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 4/25/18 2:27 PM ET
In reply to goingslowly
Microscopy is about the only way without getting into some really expensive equipment. A burn test won't tell you one cellulosic fiber from another, and linen, cotton and rayon are all cellulose. http://www.microlabgallery.com/ClothingFiberFile.aspx


You can sometimes pick out blends with a burn test, but not always.
-- Edited on 4/25/18 at 2:28 PM --
  
Member since 1/23/06
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Posted on: 4/25/18 8:19 PM ET
I think studying linens and linen blends will just show you visually the difference. There is one but it is hard to describe. I still often buy blends and am satisfied, but a quality 100% linen just has a glow and feel the blends don't. It is also the way linen rumples on a the body on a humid day, kind of like moguls on a ski slope and blends don't do that either. So, I would suggest some serious perusing in your favorite fabric store to study the differences. You can also send to on line vendors for samples if you are willing to go the price.
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Posted on: 4/26/18 9:24 AM ET
In reply to solosmocker
Yes, there is something about it, this question was meant to go in the thrift store thread. But it is interesting anyway. I have an interest in making small useful household items out of 100% linen. (Wow, I finally got figured out a satisfying way to wash the windows, (linen rags!) etc plus hair-drying wraps, bath mats, etc.) This is also part of a FOMO situation (Fear of MOLD Overtaking). I feel an urge to rescue vintage linens as well.
There is also some bouncyness the feel linen has. That is my best adjective so far. I sure there is a technical term for it.
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The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. Bertrand Russell
  
Member since 2/9/04
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Posted on: 4/26/18 9:31 AM ET
In reply to goingslowly
Quote:
I am particularly interested in knowing if there is a way to tell if something is actually 100% linen, or linen/rayon blend,


My experience with linen/rayon blend women's is that they are very stretchy (for a woven!) on the cross-grain.
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Member since 8/8/17
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Posted on: 4/28/18 4:46 PM ET
In reply to goingslowly
If you're doing thrift store finds outside of the yardage section, drag out your magnifying glass and start looking for labels.
  
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