i usually get a black with very small prints in it...i use it a lot and never had any problem

I made an absolutely wild (and definitely not award winning) quilt with all the techniques I wanted to try and leftover fabric. I used black for the backing and bring it out for soccer games and picnics to toss on the ground. It never looks dirty and it has washed well.

Rinse the black fabric in clear water with vinegar added. The vinegar sets the dye.

I had to prepare for a tee shirt quilting class this past Saturday. We were told to rinse all of our FQ's til water was clear. Mine were fine, no fading 'til I got to the 2 1/2 yards that I plan to use for border; a light black. It kept fading and fading into the water.

Then I remembered from way back in the '60's when madras plaids were big. Instructions were to soak it in vinegar water before washing! Now why didn't I think of that sooner?? So I added about 1/3 cup of white vinegar to a pail full of rinse water and swished my black fabric in it over and over just waiting for the dye to make its de'but but hey, it came out clear!!

I have used the Kona cottons black with good results. Also, I believe it;s Keepsake Quilting that has the Amish black, which is a very good, true black. I use a lot of brights and autumn colors, so I love to use black to make those colors "pop" in my quilts.

Tudey the quilt in your avatar is beautifal.
I live to use black. I"ve not had any problems with.
And I have black dogs so I don't worry about that. It ads warmth and character to the quilt. :thumbup:

Gee, thanks! I have mentioned it before, but that was a HUGE project. 63 different blocks and when I quilted it, I didn't do an all over pattern, I chose to go block by block to try to detail each block on its own merit. Between the piecing and the quilting, it took the better part of 6 months! But my niece loves it. I think it's the best one I ever made.

Good to know that the Michael Miller black does not fade.

It does, however, shrink a LOT - up to three inches in width - although it seemed to maintain the length.

I really do love some black in the right quilt but I find black so hard to see when sewing. I will probably continue to use some black, at times and for the right quilts. I use Kona Solid and hoping it will not fade easily, over time.

I love black in quilts,,,,,,,,,, as you can see LOL

I use black quite a bit, love, love, love Michael Miller.