What fabric for a Hawaiian quilt?
#1
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I watched a Youtube video, Just Get It Done, interview with a Hawaiian quilter and now I've got the bug to do one. I love hand sewing and applique but I'm wondering what fabric would be best for this. Most of the quilts I've seen look like they use plain colored fabric (Kona???).
Anyone made one or have any suggestions? I had thought about batik but I'm not sure. Thanks.
Anyone made one or have any suggestions? I had thought about batik but I'm not sure. Thanks.
#3
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,521
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While batiks are great for raw edge appliqué because they don’t fray as much as regular cotton, I wonder how easily they would turn under with needle turn appliqué, I think they would be okay if you kept the design simple. Maybe some one who has done needle turn with batiks can answer.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: NW MN lake country
Posts: 3,575
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Pacific Rim Quilts (https://www.pacificrimquilt.com/patterns/) has many patterns using batiks for you to look at and see if you like them better than a plain solid. The older traditional Hawaiian quilts that I have seen were all bicolor solids and really show off the shadow quilting, so ultimately, the decision will depend on the look you prefer. I would assume any quality solid would work.
#7
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
While batiks are great for raw edge appliqué because they don’t fray as much as regular cotton, I wonder how easily they would turn under with needle turn appliqué, I think they would be okay if you kept the design simple. Maybe some one who has done needle turn with batiks can answer.
#8
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Pacific Rim Quilts (https://www.pacificrimquilt.com/patterns/) has many patterns using batiks for you to look at and see if you like them better than a plain solid. The older traditional Hawaiian quilts that I have seen were all bicolor solids and really show off the shadow quilting, so ultimately, the decision will depend on the look you prefer. I would assume any quality solid would work.
#9
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I watched a Youtube video, Just Get It Done, interview with a Hawaiian quilter and now I've got the bug to do one. I love hand sewing and applique but I'm wondering what fabric would be best for this. Most of the quilts I've seen look like they use plain colored fabric (Kona???).
Anyone made one or have any suggestions? I had thought about batik but I'm not sure. Thanks.
Anyone made one or have any suggestions? I had thought about batik but I'm not sure. Thanks.
#10
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Virginia
Posts: 235
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I've made several Hawaiian quilts and would suggest perhaps a Kona solid. As others have mentioned, ease of needle turning is a prime consideration, especially if you have sharp points in the design. I'm finishing up a wall quilt that's beautiful but I probably should have chosen a different fabric, as this one is a good quality fabric but just sturdy enough to be difficult to needle turn. If you have a LQS it would be best to actually see the fabric in person before buying.