Trying to learn which fabric brands are best quality
08-10-2011, 02:44 PM
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 935
I can compare shopping for fabric to shopping for wine...I've have had some delightful vintages that cost no more than $2 or $3 a bottle, just as I've had some pretty awful stuff that sells for $100 a bottle or more. Patrice is right...it's not how much you pay or where you buy it.
08-10-2011, 03:01 PM
#52
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Vacaville, CA
Posts: 221
Like most of the others, I prefer to "fondle" my fabric. When I buy online, I generally stick to the well-known names. My opinion is that the "better" (more expensive) brands are usually of a higher thread count. Sort of like shopping for sheets -- would you pick a 200 thread count over a 400-500 thread count?
Some of the quilts I made 20-30 years ago are simply rotting away because I used really cheap fabric from Ben Franklin or Sprouse Ritz stores. Now when I shop for fabric, I first decide if I want the quilt to last 100 years or more. If so, I buy the best fabric I can afford. When making a picnic blanket or a toss-around quilt for a child, I don't hesitate to use inexpensive fabric.
Some of the quilts I made 20-30 years ago are simply rotting away because I used really cheap fabric from Ben Franklin or Sprouse Ritz stores. Now when I shop for fabric, I first decide if I want the quilt to last 100 years or more. If so, I buy the best fabric I can afford. When making a picnic blanket or a toss-around quilt for a child, I don't hesitate to use inexpensive fabric.
08-10-2011, 07:03 PM
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Hermon ME
Posts: 681
I like Hoffman, Kaufman, Maywood Studio always gets an A+++, RJR, Timeless Treasures, Henry Glass to mention a few. After you've handled fabric awhile you'll discover that some fabrics just "feel" better to you, they have a nice "hand". Lesser quality usually have a lower thread count and are harsh to the hand. The print may not follow the grain.
08-11-2011, 04:06 AM
#58
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,571
Originally Posted by QuiltnLady1
Originally Posted by cmw0829
I have found selected bolts of many of the "best" brands to be less than what I expected. Which explains why I'm reluctant to buy on-line unless I've been able to experience the fabric in person.
I had my heart set on a line and was planning to use it for a gift - until I finally saw it in person this past weekend. It was so thin and flimsy. Back to square 1.
Cathy
I had my heart set on a line and was planning to use it for a gift - until I finally saw it in person this past weekend. It was so thin and flimsy. Back to square 1.
Cathy
08-11-2011, 05:48 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Jackson, Georgia
Posts: 611
I really like Northcott for the feel and quality. I like Wilmington too. And Moda of course. It just depends on what you are going to use it for, are the colors and theme what you want? And of course you don't want it to be too flimsy or thin.
08-11-2011, 08:26 AM
#60
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 17,636
Originally Posted by mic-pa
Fabric by P&B, Timeless Treasures, Moda, Kauffman, and Northcott feels like silk. love all of them. Quilt shop quality fabric.
It's all personal preference. It does help to shop in person, but I have got some really nice stuff online.
I just have to curb my impulsiveness online and be real choosy.
I remind myself when I'm tempted to throw caution aside and just 'go for it', that with caution, you can afford more, and will like it all more ;-)
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