The most important thing to understand is that quilting cotton is stiffer than clothing cotton. It's not very soft and has a rigid drape. It is most effective when put into structured clothing. The fabric is strong and will last through many washing. Clothing cotton is more flexible and can be used for larger projects such as bed covers, quilts, or clothing itself. Clothing cotton is used in general household items like sheets, towels, and napkins. Quilting cotton is used in clothing designed specifically for quilters such as jackets, pants, and shirts. Cotton is an inexpensive material that can be washed and reused for many years if taken care of properly. It may need to be replaced after several years though because it does get old faster than other materials. Household items should never be washed with commercial detergents as they contain chemicals that destroy color and texture over time. Apparel cotton is much softer and tends to stretch more. It's not as effective at holding structure since there's no directionality in which it can go, but it does have more freedom of movement which makes it good for larger projects like bed covers or quilts. Clothing cotton is best for small items such as aprons, smocks, or mittens because they don't need to be as durable.