Question on how to use cotton

[Suzanne D.]

Cotton isn't really "edible," but the folks here are so knowledgeable that I figured I'd post the question here anyway.

I have a single cotton plant that is starting to produce fluffy white cotton. I planted it as an experiment (it was the only one of ten seeds that made it), and I'd like to use the cotton if possible. The plant currently has about 30-40 unopened bolls on it, and many new flowers (and may I just interject that I don't think any plant flower is quite as attractive as the cotton flower?). I have looked online for ways for a non-farmer to harvest, clean, and make cotton ready for use, but I can't seem to find anything. It's as if hobbyists are just expected to grow it and then do nothing else.

Does anyone know, or have links to websites that could tell me what to do with the cotton once it is picked? All I can think of is to use it to stuff toys, but surely there are some craft uses out there that I am not finding. Is there an easy way to make it into fibers or threads? Thanks.

--S.

[Ron Reagun]

like a lot of work

[Ron Reagun]

[Ron Reagun]

[George Shirley]

You will probably have a problem removing the seeds from the cotton fiber. You would, at the least, require a set of cotton "combs". After that you would have to spin the thread, which can be done by hand but is laborious, then to weave the thread into fabric, which is also difficult if you're not an experienced weaver. All of that being said, I would just grow them as an ornamental plant and get rid of the bolls or find someone who is experienced that could use them. YMMV

[George Shirley]

I forgot to add something. Do you have an official US gubmint cotton allotment, you might be able to get some subsidy payments if you do.

[gunner]

Aside from the laborious thread/weaving, you can use the fibers in making papers, There are many sources for making handmade papers on the net. If there are not too many, you can smash the seeds rather than pick them out, adds interesting texture to the paper. Try making handmade covers from your garden for your garden notebook . Use appropriate sized picture frames from the Dollar Two Ninety Eight Store. Next year you might try some of the colored varieties and /or make dyes from your plants. If you are a recycle fanatic like my SIL, use your dryer lint in the mix.

[Suzanne D.]

Wow, that's actually a really interesting idea, and would be a good use of the relatively small amount of cotton I will be getting. It seems that removing the seeds is a pain in the butt, so I could either cut them out with scissors, or just crush them like you said. Do other plant fibers work in paper? If I had, say, old corn leaves, assorted flowers, onion skins, etc., could they be incorporated into the paper slush? Would I have to dry them first? I think I could probably find some natural dyes around here as well. Thanks for the idea.

--S.

[Suzanne D.]

Yeah, it does. I'm thinking textiles are not the way to go here. Maybe some sort of craft projects instead. Or just send them to my little cousins because they are cool!

--S.

[Billy]

Left over hemp seems to be a good choice as well.

[Billy]

When entertainment is violence, violence becomes entertainment. Possibly good information, but, personally, I would rather see stuffed dolls.

[Suzanne D.]

If I had left over hemp, I wouldn't care about what to do with the cotton. I'd probably just end up eating it.

--S.

[gunner]

The short answer is yes, all those work and you can still incorporate flowers in the design. These links may help your research. Videos are always good for me to get some imagination, this one is no exception.

Luck Suzanne

[Billy]

ROLF

[Billy]

Sorry, I meant ROFL, just not myself lately. Stil it gave me a good laugh, which I needed. Thanks.