Quilting is a beloved art form that has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be popular today. Quilting is the process of sewing three layers of fabric together, either by hand or with a sewing machine, to form a padded material that is both functional and beautiful. However, in order to sew a functional and beautiful quilt, you need to know what fabric to use. By choosing the right type of fabric, you can ensure that your quilt will be durable, comfortable, and visually appealing. With this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything there is to know about quilting fabric.

At a Glance...

What is Quilting Fabric?

Quilting fabric is a type of fabric that is used to make quilts. There are a few types of fabrics that can be used for quilting but you will get the best results by sewing with quilting cotton.

What Kind of Fabric is Used for Quilting?

Quilting cotton fabric is the most commonly used fabric for quilting. It is a tightly woven, lightweight cotton fabric that is easy to work with, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced quilters. The fabric is usually 100% cotton, which makes it durable and easy to care for, which is why it is the best fabric for sewing quilts. Quilting cotton is available in a wide variety of colours, prints, and patterns, so quilters can choose the perfect fabric for their project. Additionally, quilting cotton fabric can also be used for other sewing projects, such as clothing, home décor, and accessories.

What are the Types of Quilting Cotton?

Quilting cotton comes in a few different types that are all consistently high quality and perfect for quiltmaking. The most common quilting fabric is 100% cotton because it is soft, durable and easy to sew with. Quilting cotton is also available as unbleached cotton and organic cotton.

Unbleached cotton doesn’t undergo the bleaching process and so it maintains its natural colour and imperfections, which are usually visible as little grey flecks throughout the fabric.

Organic cotton is produced using methods that minimize the use of harmful chemicals and uses organic farming methods to promote soil health, conserve water, and reduce pollution.

To learn even more about the different types of quilting cottons read our guide on understanding fabric types.

What is the Width of Quilting Cotton?

The standard width of quilting cotton fabric is typically around 112-115cm (44-45 inches) but is also available as 137-152cm (54-60 inches) and 274cm (108 inches). The fabric width measurement typically includes the selvage, which is the tightly woven edge of the fabric that is not intended to be used in the project. To measure fabric width, simply measure the distance across the fabric from one selvage edge to the other.

What is Extra Wide Fabric?

Extra wide fabric typically refers to fabric with a width of 274cm (108 inches). Extra wide fabrics are often used for large projects such as quilt backings, curtains, or tablecloths. Using wider fabrics can save time and reduce the number of seams needed, making the project quicker and easier to complete.

For more information about wideback fabrics, take a look at our 108" quilt backing fabric guide.

What Does WOF Stand for in Quilting?

WOF stands for "width of fabric" and is a common term used in quilting patterns and tutorials to refer to the width of a single layer of fabric.

What is the Importance of Fabric Width?

The importance of fabric width is entirely dependent on what you are making. It’s more likely that the length of the fabric will be more important but the direction of the print is often dictated by the width of the fabric. Sewing patterns and dressmaking patterns will often inform you how to cut your fabric pieces in relation to the width or length of the fabric, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully before buying your fabric.

How Wide is 1 Metre of Fabric?

1 metre of fabric is a piece of fabric that measures 100cm in length and has a standard width of 112-115cm. If you buy 1 metre of extra wide fabric it will measure 100cm in length and 274cm in width.

What is a Fat Quarter?

A fat quarter (often abbreviated as FQ) is a type of pre-cut fabric that is commonly used in quilting and sewing. It is a rectangular piece of fabric that measures approximately 50cm x 55cm (19.7 inches x 21.7 inches). A fat quarter is created by cutting half a metre of fabric in half again, but perpendicular to the original cut, resulting in a piece that is wider than it is tall.

Fat quarters are often sold in fat quarter bundles or collections, which can include coordinated fabrics that work well together for a specific project or theme. They can also be purchased individually or as part of a larger pre-cut fabric collection.

To learn everything there is to know about fat quarters, check out our fat quarter guide.

What is a Fat Eighth?

A fat eighth is a type of pre-cut fabric that is commonly used in quilting and sewing. It is a rectangular piece of fabric that measures approximately 25cm x 55cm (9.8 inches x 21.7 inches), which is half the size of a fat quarter.

A fat eighth is created by cutting a fat quarter in half along the width, rather than the length, resulting in a piece that is taller than it is wide.

How do you Convert Yards and Inches into Metres and Centimetres?

Quilting patterns and sewing tutorials will often use yards and inches instead of metres and centimetres.

To convert yards into metres, simply multiply the number of yards by 0.9144.

To convert inches into centimetres, simply multiply the number of inches by 2.54.

Or, better yet, use this handy yard-to-metre converter by unitconverters.net.

Should You Wash and Dry Fabric Before Quilting?

Yes, it is generally recommended to wash and dry fabric before quilting. This is because fabric can shrink or bleed when it is first washed, and if you don't wash it before quilting, your finished quilt may warp or become distorted when you wash it for the first time. Washing and drying your fabric also removes any chemicals or finishes that may have been applied during the manufacturing process, which can improve the feel and appearance of the fabric.

Here is our fabric preparation guide with full instructions on how to wash and dry your fabrics before quilting.

How Can You Tell if Fabric is Quilting Cotton?

To tell if fabric is quilting cotton, you can examine the fabric closely to see if it has a tight weave and is made from 100% cotton. Quilting cotton typically has a high thread count, which makes it feel soft and durable. Alternatively, you can visit the fabric manufacturer’s website for more information. When visiting your local haberdashery, check the bolt the fabric comes on as the bolt usually says what the fabric is made of. Ultimately though, when it comes to buying quilting fabric online you should buy your fabric from an online shop you trust.

Is Quilting Fabric Different Than Other Fabric?

Quilting fabric is different from other fabrics in terms of quality, weave, weight, and design. Quilting fabric is typically higher quality than other cotton fabrics, with a tighter weave and higher thread count, making it more durable and less prone to fraying.

Quilting fabric is usually 100% cotton whereas regular fabric can be made from a wide variety of materials, including silk, wool, polyester, and many others. The weave of regular fabric may be looser or more open, which can make it less durable and prone to fraying over time.

Can I Use Regular Cotton for Quilting?

Yes, regular cotton can be used for quilting but not all cotton fabric is suitable. It’s important to know that regular cotton might not hold up as well over time as dedicated quilting cotton. Quilting cotton is specifically designed for use in quilting projects. The difference between regular cotton and quilting cotton is quilting cotton is higher quality and has a higher thread count, making it more soft and durable, and less prone to fraying and distortion.

Can Any Fabric be Used for Quilting?

While any fabric can technically be used for quilting, it is recommended to use quilting cotton because of its high-quality, tight weave, durability and breathability. Regular cotton can be used for quilting, but it is important to choose a fabric that is appropriate for the intended use of the quilt, taking into consideration factors such as colourfastness and durability.

Is Polyester or Cotton Better for Quilting?

Polyester and cotton can both be used for quilting, but 100% quilting cotton is generally preferred by quilters because it is more breathable and easier to work with. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that can be slippery and difficult to control while quilting, and it can also be less durable than cotton over time.

Is Muslin the Same as Quilters Cotton?

No, muslin is not the same as quilters cotton. Muslin is a type of plain-woven cotton fabric that is often used for quilt backing or as a base for quilt blocks. While it is made from cotton, it is not the same as quilting cotton, which is typically a higher-quality, finer-woven cotton that is specifically designed for quilting. Muslin can be a good option for quilting projects where a plain, neutral background is desired.

To find out the pros and cons of using muslin, read our quilting cotton vs muslin article.

What is the Best Fabric to Use if You are a Beginner Quilter?

If you are a beginner quilter, it is recommended to use quilting cotton fabric. Fabric can be bought as pre-cut fabric squares and fat quarter bundles. These fabrics are often sold in coordinating prints and colours, making it easier for beginners to create a cohesive and visually appealing quilt.

Conclusion

Quilting fabric is an essential component of any quilting project. Understanding the different factors such as quality, thread count, durability, comfort and dimensions are important when choosing the right fabric for your quilt. By keeping these tips in mind and following proper care and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your quilting fabric stays in great condition for years to come. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or a beginner, investing in high-quality quilting fabric is a worthwhile investment that will help you create beautiful and long-lasting quilts.

Now that you know everything there is to know about quilting cotton you're ready to start shopping. Check out our latest fabric collections to see what's new or rummage through our discounted fabrics and fabric remnants for a bargain!

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