Quilting fabric is made in all shapes,sizes,colors, and patterns, but not all fabrics are created the same. They might look the same. They may even feel the same. But if you take a closer look, youll discover that theyre not the same at all.
The old adage that you get what you pay for is definitely true when speaking about quilting fabric. The inclination to save that additional amount of money and choose the less expensive choice will be fierce, however if you are able to afford it, you really must to fight this evil thought and put out the little extra. Youll be glad you did after time.
In order to sell quilting fabrics at lower prices many manufacturers usea great deal of starch or sizing to have it look thicker and more durable than it really is. Prewashing these less expensive materials can be a gamble as well, and a lot of it will come out of the washing cycle a tangled mess, frayed all over the edges. These chemicals will immediatelywash out and all youll have is a second rate material that probably wont stand up to the test of time one wishes from a great quilt.
Before you buy any quilting fabric, take it for a test run. Do the colors come off on your fingers? Does it show marks of inconsistent coloring ” light in some areas, dark in others? Does the design overlay itself in some parts? How does the grain look? Do the crosswise and lengthwise grains line up at the correct angles?
Whenever youre purchasing fabric to make the quilt youve been wishing for, dont skimp. Check the thread counts, unroll the bolt to inspect the accuracy, and check the label for all the relevant information. When you purchase good fabric, the quilt you create will reflect that.
