Fabric is the foundation of all quilts, and the type of fabric you use will have the biggest impact on how the finished quilt looks. When selecting fabric for a quilt, the three factors you should take into account are its:
- Construction (woven or knit)
- Fiber content
- Color
Fabric stores often display fabrics designed for quilting separately from those meant for upholstery or clothing.
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Fabric Construction
Though it’s possible to quilt using knit fabric, The vast majority of quilts are made using woven fabric because it’s easier to work with. If you’re making a quilt top from a variety of fabrics (as most people do), one rule of thumb is to choose fabrics with similar weights, or thicknesses. Using fabrics of different weights can cause puckering in the finished quilt.
Fabric Fiber Content
Most quilts are made with 100% cotton broadcloth or cotton/polyester blends. The fabrics are easy to sew, iron, cut, and quilt, and aren’t damaged when pierced by pins. They’re also relatively opaque, so seam allowances won’t show.
Fiber Blend Options
Blends including silk, wool, and linen, can also be used for quilting. Be sure to acquaint yourself with a fabric’s qualities, such as its washability, flexibility, texture, and durability, before using it in a quilt. Also avoid very delicate, thick, or stretchy fabrics.
Fabric Color
Quilting fabric comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns; the fun part of fabric selection is choosing colors and patterns that you like. Though the colors you choose are up to you, one good rule of thumb is to use complementary colors, or two colors that lie directly opposite each other on the color wheel. For instance, you might want to use orange and blue, since those colors are complementary.
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