How to Choose Quilt Fabric
There are many different types of fabric
that may be used in patchwork, quilting
and appliqué.
This information will help you
identify and choose
the best fabric for your projects.
Calico
strong, plain weave fabric. It is available in a variety of weights and is usually white or natural with darker flecks.
Corduroy or fine-wale corduroy
plain-weave fabric with vertical pile-effect ribbing. It frays easily but is suitable for appliqué and large-scale patch
pieces.
Cotton
The #1choice of most quilters. It is hard-wearing and easy to work with. Cotton comes in a wide range of plain and
patterned print colors. It is the best choice for patchwork quilt fabric.
Felt
made from wool. It is non-woven fabric. Instead, the fibers are compressed with moisture and heat.
Felt shrinks making it unsuitable for most articles that need frequent washing. It is ideal for appliqué
Gingham
cotton or cotton blend fabric. Alternating stripes of colored and white threads in the warp and weft produces a
checkered pattern.
Lawn
fine crisp cotton, or cotton blend fabric. It is available in prints and plain.
Linen
fabric that is woven from fiber produced by the flax plant.
Linen frays and creases easily but is suitable as a ground fabric.
Muslin
white or natural open-weave cotton or cotton blend.
It is suitable for backing quilts and is also used in shadow quilting and appliqué.
Organdy
fine cotton fabric that is starched. It is used for shadow work.
Organza
gauzy fabric woven from silk or synthetic fibers. It may also be woven from silk and a synthetic blend. It is available in
plain colors and with metallic and iridescent effects making it suitable for appliqué and shadow work.
Sometimes it used for delicate patchwork.
PVC
plastic, cotton-backed cloth. It is difficult to work with because of its lack of flexibility.
Mainly used for patchwork and appliqué.
Sateen
soft fabric that has a surface sheen.
Very popular quilt fabric.
Satin
shiny fabric that can be woven from cotton, silk, or synthetics. It is used in appliqué.
Silk
fabric that is woven from natural fibers produced by silk worms. It works well for almost any project.
Available in a variety of textures, colors, patterns and weights.
Shantung
Woven from yarns of irregular thickness giving it an uneven surface. It is used for quilting and patchwork.
Taffeta
Plain-weave fabric with a two-tone effect.
Suitable for appliqué and small patchwork.
Velvet
Closely woven backing and a dense cut-pile surface.
Used in patchwork, especially crazy patchwork, but the nap should lie in the same direction as the patchwork.
Voile
Fine woven fabric that is used for shadow work
Wool
made from woven fleece. Wool does not launder well and should only be used for inlaid appliqué, unless it is
lightweight.
Light weight wool may be used in patchwork.
Consult with your local quilt shop....they are experts!
Copyright 2011 Quiltvisionusa.com
Copyright 2011 Quiltvisionusa.com