Quilting is a popular form of needlecraft, and it’s easy to see why: Quilts are beautiful, warm and can be used in all sorts of ways.
Since quilting involves sewing together multiple layers of cloth, there are many different types of fabric you can use for your project.
Below we’ve compiled a list of the most popular quilting fabrics so that you can make an informed decision when selecting your next project’s materials!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Quilting is a popular hobby and can be an excellent way to spend your time. |
| 2. Cotton is the most popular fabric choice for quilting due to its durability and breathability. |
| 3. When selecting a fabric for your project, consider factors such as fiber content, thread count, weight, and design. |
| 4. A fat quarter refers to a quarter yard of fabric that is cut into a rectangle and is often used when you only need a small amount of fabric. |
| 5. To care for your quilt, avoid machine washing or drying, spot clean if necessary, and store it folded in a well-ventilated area. |
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber, which means it will breathe and stretch like you would expect. Cotton is also easy to work with, which makes it a great choice for beginners or anyone who doesn’t have much experience with quilting.
Cotton is durable, but over time it may wear out if used frequently and washed in hot water or dryer.
Quilting can be a wonderfully creative and rewarding hobby, and it’s a great way to spend your time. However, if you’re new to the craft, it can be overwhelming to get started. Our Ultimate Guide To Quilting will give you all the information and advice you need to get started and create your own beautiful quilts.
Blend Fabrics
One of the most popular types of fabric is a blend, which has both cotton and polyester. This gives you the best of both worlds: machine-washable durability and lightness with a nice drape.
Blends are a good choice for beginners because they’re easy to press, sew, and quilt with. They also take dye differently than 100% cotton fabrics do so you can create beautiful shading effects when doing piecing or applique work with them!
| Fabric Brand | Fiber Content | Durability | Weight | Drape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moda Fabrics | 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester | High | Light | Soft |
| Riley Blake | 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester | Medium-High | Medium | Smooth |
| Robert Kaufman | 50% Cotton, 50% Polyester | Medium | Medium-Heavy | Structured |
Note: Cotton-polyester blends are popular for their durability and lightness combined with a soft drape. The above-listed fabrics are recommended based on fiber content, durability, weight, and drape for your sewing and quilting projects.
Flannel
Flannel is a soft fabric with a subtle napped surface. It’s made of woven cotton, and it’s often used in clothing—especially shirts and pajamas.
If you’re looking for a fabric that’s warm, cozy, and soft to the touch, flannel might be the right choice for your quilt! Some quilters also love using flannel because it has an attractive texture when pieced together with other fabrics.
That said: while flannel can add warmth to your project (especially when paired with other fabrics), it may not be ideal for warmer climates or seasons. If you want something lightweight or breathable during summertime heat waves or humid nights; consider another option from this list instead!
Are you interested in learning how to sew but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Our Sewing for Beginners guide provides you with everything you need to know to get started with your first sewing project, from choosing fabric to using a sewing machine.
Batiks
Batiks are a type of print fabric that are made from cotton and hand-dyed. They can be used for quilting, applique, piecing (to make a block or top) as well as other projects such as table runners or wall hangings.
Batiks are very popular in quilting because they come in vibrant colors, have intricate designs and offer a wide selection of patterns to choose from.
The most common use for batik fabric is applique, where the dyed design is cut away from the rest of the cloth by hand or machine with pinking shears so that it will not fray when cut out.
After being cut out individually and sewn onto another piece of material (such as satin), your finished project will look amazing!
If you’re looking for some creative DIY sewing projects to transform your home, look no further than our guide. Our Transform Your Home With These DIY Sewing Projects provides you with step-by-step instructions to create everything from curtains and throw pillows to table runners and placemats.
Voiles and Sheers
A voile is a lightweight woven fabric with an open weave. It can be used to make tops and dresses, curtains, pillows and more.
A sheer is another type of lightweight woven fabric but it has a tighter weave than voiles. It can be used for decorating windows or making garments such as scarves, curtains and table linens.
When choosing which voile or sheer you want to use in your project consider the following:
Durability – how often will this item be used? If it’s something that will only get occasional use then it doesn’t need to be very durable however if it’s going to get a lot of wear then choose something with more durability like polyester instead of cotton
Weight – How heavy do you want your finished product to feel? Some fabrics contain more fiber than others so they’re lighter while others are heavier such as silk which has higher density because they have less space between each fiber allowing them to trap air better (which makes them warmer).
Voile Fabric Usage Table
| Project Type | Best Voile Fabric |
|---|---|
| Tops | Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co. Wonderland |
| Dresses | Ruby Star Society Speckled Voile Rail Grey |
| Curtains | Art Gallery Fabrics Iridescent Sorbet Ink |
| Pillows | Art Gallery Fabrics PE-444/TIERRA |
Note: Voile is a lightweight woven fabric with an open weave that is versatile and can be used for various projects, including tops, dresses, curtains, pillows, and more. The above-listed fabrics are recommended for each project type, based on quality, durability, and design.
Organic Cotton
If you’re looking for a natural fiber, organic cotton is the way to go. It’s a 100% natural fiber that has a more luxurious feel than other fabrics.
Organic cotton is soft and comfortable, but it also has some specific qualities that make it useful for quilting projects:
- Organic cotton is breathable and allows moisture to evaporate from your body
- It’s also hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate your skin as much as other fabrics can
Organic cotton fabric is easy to find online or at specialty stores specializing in organic clothing like The Natural Market or Whole Foods Market (in store).
Do you love to sew but find some tasks to be too time-consuming or difficult? Our 10 Sewing Hacks That Will Change Your Life will save you time and make sewing much easier and more enjoyable. From using binder clips to make hemming simpler to cleaning your iron with dryer sheets, these tips will help you sew like a pro.
Linen Blends
Linen blends are a natural, breathable fabric that allows air to pass through and cool the body. Linen is also absorbent, so it’s perfect for summer quilts or other garments that need to be easily cleaned. Because it’s made from a natural fiber, linen requires low-maintenance cleaning and care.
Wool
Wool fabrics are incredibly versatile and easy to use, making them a popular choice for quilters. Wool fabrics are warm, soft and breathable, making them perfect for any season. They’re also very durable, so you can count on your wool quilt lasting a long time.
Wool is also easy to sew with because it doesn’t fray like cotton or unravel like linen does when cut.
And when it comes time to press your seams open with an iron, wool fabric is gentle enough not to melt under high temperatures but firm enough that if you press too hard or the wrong way, you won’t end up with a melted-looking mess!
Silk Blends
Silk blends are an excellent choice for quilting, but they aren’t quite as durable as pure silk. If you’re looking to make a quilt that will last for decades or even centuries, opt for 100% cotton instead.
Silk blends are usually more expensive than pure silks because they’re made with less expensive materials like polyester and rayon.
They also tend to be softer than 100% silk fabrics because they contain some natural fibers like cotton and linen.
Despite their higher cost, silk blends offer many benefits that make them worth considering when choosing your next fabric:
Fabric Durability Comparison Table
| Fabric Type | Durability |
|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | High |
| Cotton Blends | Medium-High |
| Silk | Medium |
| Silk Blends | Low-Medium |
Note: Silk blends are an excellent choice for quilting due to their unique sheen and drape, but they aren’t as durable as pure silk. If you’re looking to create a quilt that will last for decades or even centuries, opt for 100% cotton instead.
Polyester Blends
Polyester blends are often used for quilting because they can be soft and warm, durable, wrinkle resistant, and easy to care for.
Polyester blends are often soft and warm. Because polyester fibers trap air in the fabric, they’re great for insulation. This makes them perfect for winter hats or coats. They also feel nice against your skin; you might find yourself wearing polyester clothing more than other fabrics during summer months because it’s so cool and breathable!
Polyester blends are often durable: They tend to resist stains from grease or water (though some will stain easier than others).
However and this is a big however they aren’t as strong as natural fabrics like cotton or wool when it comes time to tear them apart; if you ever have an accident with a pair of pants made out of a poly blend material then chances are good that your leg will get injured before those pants do (but don’t worry because I’m sure the hospital has lots of bandages just waiting around)!
If you’re looking for inspiration and ideas for handmade gifts, check out our guide on Handmade Gifts for Valentine’s Day: Ideas and Tutorials. Whether you’re interested in creating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry or a heartfelt card, our guide has many great ideas to help you get started.
Velvets And Velour Finishes
Velvets and velour finishes are a popular choice for quilting. These fabrics are soft, warm, and easy to work with. They’re also great for kids quilts because they’re so cozy and comfortable. And of course, they’re perfect for baby quilts!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you some ideas on what to look for in your next quilt project. Whether you’re looking for something simple and classic, or something more modern and edgy, we think these fabrics will add a touch of warmth and personality to any quilt.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about fabric choices for quilting, check out these helpful resources:
Dutch Label Shop: Best Fabrics For Quilt Making: This blog post discusses the various types of fabrics that are available for quilting and provides useful tips for selecting the best one for your project.
Quilter’s Review: Best Fabric for Quilting: This article reviews some of the best fabrics for quilting and provides insights on what makes each type of fabric a great choice for the craft.
Craftsy: Best Fabric for Quilting: Craftsy’s post on the best fabric for quilting covers topics such as fabric weight, feel, and durability to help you choose the best fabric for your quilting projects.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular fabric for quilting?
Cotton is the most popular fabric for quilting due to its endurance, breathability, and ability to absorb dyes.
2. How can I choose the right fabric for my quilting project?
Consider several factors to choose the right fabric for your quilting project, including thread count, fiber content, fabric weight, and fabric design.
3. What is a fat quarter, and how do I use it in my quilting project?
A fat quarter is a quarter yard of fabric that is cut into a rectangle shape, rather than for the full width of the fabric. Fat quarters are useful when you only need a limited amount of fabric for a particular pattern.
4. How much fabric do I need for a quilt?
The amount of fabric you need for your quilt depends on the size of the finished quilt and the fabric that you’ll use for the quilt top, backing, and binding.
5. How can I care for my quilt after I finish it?
To care for your quilt, avoid machine washing or drying. Spot-clean specific areas if needed. If cleaning is necessary, hand wash the quilt following directions for gentle wash. Store it neatly folded, in a well-ventilated area.
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.
