Selecting quilting fabric might seem straightforward, but achieving the best quilting results requires careful consideration. When I started quilting, I simply chose fabrics based on appealing patterns, colors, and designs. However, my fabric collection soon included a mix of polyesters, cotton blends, rayons, and even wools. Through experience, I learned the advantages of different fabrics and developed a more discerning approach.
I generally favor natural fibers, perhaps out of a connection to traditional quilters. While I prefer natural fibers, I have incorporated lame and the occasional polyester or poly-cotton blend for specific design elements. This series will focus on the natural fibers cotton, wool, and silk, drawing from my personal experiences.
Numerous online resources detail fabric manufacturing and dyeing processes, so I’ll concentrate on aspects relevant to quilters: how a fabric behaves during the quilting process. Given cotton’s popularity, let’s begin there.
Quilters favor 100% cotton for several key reasons:
* **Workability:** Cotton is easy to manipulate. Seam allowances can be finger-pressed into place, eliminating the need for constant ironing.
* **Adhesion:** Cotton pieces stay together while sewing, unlike slippery polyester that requires extensive pinning or basting to prevent misalignment.
* **Flexibility:** Cotton has a slight “give” absent in synthetics, allowing for minor adjustments to match seams and square corners.
* **Breathability:** Whether for baby quilts or bed quilts, 100% cotton promotes air circulation while retaining warmth.
* **Dye Absorption:** Colors appear more vibrant and patterns exhibit greater depth in cotton fabrics.
* **Durability:** Cotton has a proven track record of enduring use.
* **Tearing:** Cotton can be torn accurately along the grain. This allows you to align fibers, which makes it easier to square the edges.
Part II will delve into the various types of 100% cotton fabric and factors to consider when purchasing and using them in your quilting projects.
Happy Quilting!