The Best Quilting Fabric

Buying fabric to use in making a quilt (or purchasing quilting fabric for other craft projects) can be quite enjoyable, but also requires considering several important factors in order to make the most appropriate selection. Determining exactly what you want and need as well as having a clear understanding of available options will help you choose the perfect collection of material for every project.

How much material do you need? Before choosing the fabric and checking out, it is essential to know the size of the quilt you plan to create as well as how large you want each block to be. Knowing the completed size of your project will help you pick out the right amount of fabric.

You should also decide whether you prefer to work with fabric strips or fabric squares. Quilting fabric typically comes in one of several bundle options. A “Fat Quarter” is a one-fourth yard cut that usually measures 18×22 inches. “Fat Eighths” are half of a Fat Quarter, typically measuring 9×22 inches. “Charm Packs” contain a bundle (usually 42 pieces) of 5×5-inch fabric squares. “Layer Cakes” are super-sized Charm Packs, with 10×10-inch squares. A “Jelly Roll” contains 40 2.5×44-inch strips of fabric. Other shapes, such as hexagons, are also available.

Thread count is another aspect to think about. The higher a thread count is, the softer the fabric will be. While a super-high thread count might be ideal for silky soft sheets, a thread count of about 70 is ideal for quilting fabric. This is because it is thick and soft enough to feel good and last for many years, but thin enough to easily push a sewing needle through. Trying to stitch through cotton with a high thread count is especially challenging if you are making a quilt by hand.

Think about how you want your quilt to look before shopping, as well. Consider the color scheme you have in mind. Do you want a quilt comprised of blocks in similar colors and patterns, something with complementary shades that pop or random blocks throughout the entire piece?

Having a clear concept about the desired outcome will help you pick the perfect fabric bundle.

• When calculating how much fabric you will need, be sure to account for seam allowance. Essentially, the seam allowance is the amount of extra fabric you allow yourself to sew the blocks together while keeping your blocks the desired size. For instance, you might want to include a half-inch seam allowance for each 6-inch block of fabric.
• While batting is optional, using it will provide more structure when making a quilt and more warmth when using it. If you are using a thick backing, you can probably skip batting. If you opt to purchase batting, make sure you have a large enough piece to line up with or be slightly larger than the completed quilt top.
• Consider washing fabric before using it, especially if you are using cotton that is not pre-cut. This will help prevent the material from shrinking when the completed quilt is washed. Check to see if the fabric has been prewashed before purchasing. If so, you can skip this step. Wash dark or bright colors separately.
• While you can select as many or as few different fabric colors and patterns as you would like, a good rule is to select at least four to eight different fabrics per quilt.
• Cotton is the most commonly used fabric for quilting, but don’t be afraid to play with other types of material as well. For instance, minky or terry cloth might be a soft and comfy addition to a quilt for a baby, while faux suede could add a fashionable touch to a decorative quilt.
• If you are unsure about a color palette choice, consider shopping for a designer collection. Numerous fabric designers create sets that take the guesswork out and look amazing together.
• Buying pre-cut blocks of quilting fabric ensures that all of the blocks are consistently the same size and shape.
• Make sure you have enough thread in the desired color on hand before starting your quilt.