Lots and Lots of Fabric

Reply Subscribe

Page 2 of 2

Thread Tools

01-15-2011, 02:28 PM

#11

Texasjunebug

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Texas

Posts: 324

Of course I use 100% cotton - but, I also consider the tightness of the weave, the weight, and the finish. Some finishes wash repeatably well, others do not. If I wanted to buy some, I'd purchase a small amount and go home to wash and dry it several times. Mark a ruler on it with permanent ink to find out how much (if any) it shrinks. If it looked the way I wanted, I'd rush back to the store!

01-15-2011, 02:38 PM

#12

Linda R

Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Federalsburg, Maryland

Posts: 20

I think I'm going to go back on Monday and pick up a little fabric and try out your suggestion. Thanks a bunch! Thanks to all of you!

01-15-2011, 03:07 PM

#13

Quiltforme

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Beautiful Washington state!

Posts: 3,203

I found a place near me that will give you their scraps you just have to haul away. I ended up with so much it was amazing good quality fabric!

01-15-2011, 03:09 PM

#14

grann of 6

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Glenmoore, PA

Posts: 7,941

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda R

Today I stumbled into a shop that makes curtains, pillows, and does upholstery work etc, etc. They had oodles and oodles of fabric, (some of it was Waverly and other brand names) most of it 54 wide, and a lot of it was 100% cotton plus they had a 20% discount going on (even on the sale items)...but I didn't buy anything today because I wanted to know does anyone use this type of fabric for quilts? I'm fairly new at quilting so I wanted someone's advice before I went wild!

It would work, but it is a little heavier than quilting cotton. It works great for bags and purses. I would try a simple project before I used it on a big project like a quilt.

01-15-2011, 03:52 PM

#15

Lori S

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Illinois

Posts: 9,312

The plus side of decorator fabrics is that most do not fade in sunlight as fast as many quilting cottons. The downside is that most are not made for machine washing, even if they are cotton. The dyes used are not intended for repeat washings and do not stay true after a few washings.
When was the last time you put your couch in the wash?

01-15-2011, 07:57 PM

#16

sueisallaboutquilts

Power Poster

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Ohio

Posts: 17,068

Quote:

Originally Posted by IngeMK

Quote:

Originally Posted by frugalfabrics

I've got Waverly fabric too, but didn't know if it would be good for a quilt...it's fairly heavy.

I agree, I have drooled over fabric like that also, but it really would be too heavy!

I also agree, too heavy for quilts IMO

01-15-2011, 10:00 PM

#17

wolfkitty

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Elmira, NY

Posts: 6,113

I would think the weight would be similar to that of denim. Don't know about the fading during washings, tho'.

01-16-2011, 05:15 AM

#18

grann of 6

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Glenmoore, PA

Posts: 7,941

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfkitty

I would think the weight would be similar to that of denim. Don't know about the fading during washings, tho'.

Most or all of home dec fabric is treated for ultraviolet resistance, which may be fine in quilting. But it also has a treatment that gives it the nice crisp feel and look. The first time you wash it, that is gone and more so each time you wash it. This is true especially of Waverly fabrics. I used to do a lot of home dec sewing for people and have used the scraps for pillows etc. Just doesn't hold up to a lot of washing. If you do decide to sew with it, use a heavy needle, 90/14, or even a denim needle.

01-16-2011, 06:15 AM

#19

Linda R

Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Federalsburg, Maryland

Posts: 20

Thanks for the info Gran of 6! I will remember that. I think I will wash what I buy first just to see how it does hold up. They sure had some beautiful fabric and I liked the idea it was wide. I'm thinking it would be great for backings if nothing else.