Let's Talk Quilt Fabric

I personally find all the variety overwhelming. The selections of fabric just in the fabric stores, specialty quilt shops, craft stores and the fabric department in local department stores are phenomenal. Not to mention being able to order fabric online as well.
 
I shop the sales - I admit it, but I am still picky and don’t buy just anything - I still want the good stuff. Let’s be realistic though, just because the fabric is on sale-doesn’t mean it is a good deal. Remember to look for fiber content -100% cotton is the best choice for quilting. Also look at the pattern or print and make sure there is no obvious print errors-like the color is missing or smeared - making the pattern off. Don’t forget to check for pulled threads - this can ruin a piece of fabric, too. If the color comes off on your hand while fingering the fabric - this is a sign the fabric will bleed, so consider wisely. If the fabric is too thin, then it will not make a good choice for a quilt either.
 
I have personally found some really nice, 100% cotton fabric - 45” wide or even wider at a local department store on their clearance table for $2.00 a yard. My advice is to check the clearance tables whenever you pop in for this or that and see if any of the seasonal, really good fabric, has landed on the sale table. It usually has.
 
If faced with a table full of really good fabric at unbelievable prices but have limited funds, what to do? Walk away crying? No! When faced with this situation do what I do - whip out the handy dandy note book in your purse with your list of fabric wants and future project needs - and buy fabric specifically for that project. Label the fabric when you get home for the project it was purchased for - then line that fabric off the list. No notebook? No problem - a good rule of thumb is to buy fabric in the colors you like to work with or colors complimentary to your home.
 
Even though these are good rules to follow, I have been known to buy a couple of yards of this and that  -just in case I might need it. You never know when that one particular piece of yardage might come in handy - who can resist adding to their fabric “stash” anyway? Only a strong woman, stronger than I, can walk away from a 50% off sale table of fantastic fabric without adding to her stash.

-Lynn H. Castille

 Lynn H. Castille is a freelance writer with a passion for quilts –but not a lot of extra time. She has been sewing for thirty years and hosts a monthly group for other quilting enthused ladies like herself. Lynn hopes to share their fun and ideas with her readers and help make quilting fun and simple for anyone with a passion for quilts.