Good Fabric
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1,095
If by "fabric backs" you mean the wrong side of the fabric, it's because the fabric has been printed on - the printing process is what gives the fabric right side it's color/design/motif. Batiks, on the other hand, do not have a "wrong side" because the process they go thru is a dyed process - the color goes right thru from the right to the wrong side.
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 8,139
This is an excellent question, and there is no 100 % right answer. For instance, I bought a 100% cotton fabric that met all the criteria for a good fabric = weight, hand, color through and through, etc. - except that when I started sewing it, my 1/4" seam frayed away. That really upset me, especially since I paid full price and the fabric was absolutely perfect for the quilt I was using it in.
In my earlier quilting days, I bought some beautiful, thin cottons for quilting because I didn't know what to look for in a fabric. The fabrics were good, but I believe they would qualify as summer shirting fabric, very light weight and easier to see through. Nonetheless, I made quilts from them and the fabrics in the quilts have stood up to 7 years of abuse by my grandsons. The binding is fraying, and there are a few rough spots in them, but the boys don't notice them at all.
connecting threads fabrics are generally good quality and also generally at a lower price. I've purchased from Marshalls dry goods, 1001 bolts and only one nut, fabric.com, etc. and been happy with what I bought.
I shop in the Walmart near me, too. If you are careful you can get some wonderful fabrics at a good price. However, I wouldn't buy from them on line because their fabric quality varies greatly and I can't check it!
Good luck in your search!
In my earlier quilting days, I bought some beautiful, thin cottons for quilting because I didn't know what to look for in a fabric. The fabrics were good, but I believe they would qualify as summer shirting fabric, very light weight and easier to see through. Nonetheless, I made quilts from them and the fabrics in the quilts have stood up to 7 years of abuse by my grandsons. The binding is fraying, and there are a few rough spots in them, but the boys don't notice them at all.
connecting threads fabrics are generally good quality and also generally at a lower price. I've purchased from Marshalls dry goods, 1001 bolts and only one nut, fabric.com, etc. and been happy with what I bought.
I shop in the Walmart near me, too. If you are careful you can get some wonderful fabrics at a good price. However, I wouldn't buy from them on line because their fabric quality varies greatly and I can't check it!
Good luck in your search!
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jozefow, Poland
Posts: 4,474
First of all, break the bank and buy something like Moda or Thimbleberries fabric. Make a whole quilt out of it.
Then you'll know.
In the future compare the fabrics you see or touch to those you used in that quilt. I guarantee it--you will understand and know the difference.
Then you'll know.
In the future compare the fabrics you see or touch to those you used in that quilt. I guarantee it--you will understand and know the difference.
#27
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: The other Milwaukie, Oregon
Posts: 1,913
If it feels stiff I pass it up. That means it has too much sizing and after being washed it will be limp and maybe even faded. I also look at the weave to make sure it is straight. I also pay attention to the "up and down" of the print. Fabric where all the print is going in one direction is sometimes very challenging to put in a quilt.
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