What Makes Good Quilting Fabric? – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

When you walk into quilting store and are greeted by walls full of quilting fabric, so bright and so colorful, you might just find yourself overwhelmed by the possibilities. For some people, choosing the fabric for their quilting masterpiece is the most exciting part of the process. Your creative juices are flowing, you’re surrounded by beautiful patterns and prints, and anything is possible.

But not all quilting fabrics are equal. Some really are better than others, and when you walk into that store, you can’t let the bright colors and intricate patterns fool you. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface.

First of all, what is the fabric made out of? Most quilters look for 100% cotton since natural fibers tend to be easier to work with – easier to sew, press, and quilt. Thread count is also important here. Lower thread counts fray and wear out much easier than a higher quality fabric. The best count is somewhere between 68 and 78. This will give you a thicker and more durable quilting fabric that will stand up to wear and tear and resist shrinking.

Next, consider the fabric grain. Fabrics are woven in two directions – lengthwise and crosswise. A quality quilting fabric will be straight along both directions, forming perfect right angles where they cross. The print that lies on top of the grain needs to be properly aligned with the grain as well. If it doesn’t, you may find yourself cutting to match the print instead of the grain, which will only result in a weaker, easily distorted pattern.

Good quality quilting fabric might also require a little testing to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Some manufacturers attempt to “enhance” lower quality material by adding chemicals. Does the fabric have a strong smell? You might be smelling the bleach or sizing that some manufacturers add in order to make the material seem stronger and thicker than it really is. Unfortunately these chemicals wash out immediately, and all you’re left with is an inferior product. These do not make a quality fabric and should be avoided.

Does the color come off on your fingers? If it did, it’s probably not colorfast, which is also not a good sign. Good quilting fabric will always seal the colors into the material. After all, what good are all those wonderful colors and patterns on the material if they’re just going to fade and go dull after the first wash?

Another way to make sure you’re getting good quilting fabric is to unroll the bolt enough to get a good look at the print and the colors. Consistency is an important indicator of quality material. Does the color fade in parts? Does the design overlap in some places? These could easily ruin an otherwise beautiful quilt.

So why go through the trouble of finding the good quilting fabric – especially if you can find the same print for cheaper at a discount store? Isn’t that good enough?

The short answer is: no. When you are creating something as intricate and beautiful as your masterpiece quilt, it’s not the time to skimp. And when it comes to fabric, you really do get what you pay for. The discount may carry the same print, but chances are it was printed on an inferior fabric. Take the time to look for the quality indicators of good quilting fabric, and then those wonderful prints and patterns that were calling out to you when you first entered the store will last a lifetime.