Quilting fabric is an emotion to me. I have a few aunts who sew quilts/ Kanthas (a type of quilt) so effortlessly that you’ll be amazed. I’ve one of them which is a patchwork of my mother’s saree and other cotton clothes. Not only is it my savior during cozy days but also it ensures the softness and warmth that my mother holds.

Though quilt, the layered textile is mostly based on creating a fabric with new clothes, unlike kanthas. But I couldn’t resist myself sharing a deep core emotion with you guys. So what are you waiting for? Have a dive into the traditional quilting and everything that comes along with it.

Quilting Fabric: What Is It?

Just like the sandwiched method, when three or more layers of cotton fabric are sewn together tightly that is called quilting. In quilts, a large piece of fabric is sewn together with batting in between to patchwork quilts. Mainly, it will have a top, some interior batting, and a backing stitched together in crisscross lines.

The fabrics normally used to make quilts are called quilting fabrics. You will find different types of cotton fabrics specially designed to make quilts. These fabrics are called quilting fabrics.

These quilting fabrics are often used for any bedding, sleepwear, outerwear, etc. to ensure the feeling of comfortable wear. Also, the vibrancy of colors, prints, and patterns makes it fun and comfortable to have!😉

At a Glance

Quilt & Quilting Fabric History

The word “quilt” comes from the Latin word “Culcita,” which means a cushion.

In the Colonial era, quilting was done by rich women who could hire labor and make them quilts. They used to quilt whole cloth rather than combining various kinds of fabric. 

Within the 19th century, it was quite widely practiced by women across the country as a mode for socializing and community formulation. Quilts are often broken down and the scraps are taken to form a new one. Even for decades after decades, some quilts are passed down through generations. 

Moreover, in Baltimore, Maryland there was a hallmark named Baltimore Album Quilts, referred to as friendship quilts. Meaning, that when a few people cumulatively sew together and form one quilt block that is a friendship quilt.

Even to commemorate a wedding, a group of quilters quilted a complete quilt to give as a gift to the newly married couple.

Moving towards the Victorian era, death photography was quite common where the deceased was covered in a family quilt. Some used to hide it during the Civil War.

Back in 1880, in North Carolina after the Civil War when the manufacturing and mill work extensively increased, it was very easy to make quilts.

Due to industrialization, making quilts became very easy in the late 19th century. The earliest record of quilting fabric is in North Carolina in 1880. 

Other than all these, do you know about quilting having a strong impact on social activism? 

In 1830, activists used quilts as a medium to exhibit their views against slavery. Through embroidering anti-slavery poems and messages, they used to sell the quilts to raise money.

Even in African American communities, Gee’s Band are the closest relatives of the slave people who used to work on closed farms. The quilt and the stitches formed through them highlight the insight into American history. Even the Whitney Museum and other exhibitions have recognized them.

A quilting design can itself play a powerful role in demonstrating history. For instance, the colonization of Hawaii is quilted by Queen Lili‘uokalani as the last monarchy of the Kingdom of Hawaii. 

Queen’s quilt has stitches that have different signs of the kingdom and her ally’s name. It can be considered a part of their family heritage too.

Other than the traditional ones, contemporary quilts are considered too to describe stories about history and politics. Faith Ringgold, an artist and feminist work of quilting including, civil rights, feminism, etc. was exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim Museum.

Properties Of Quilting Fabric

Take a quick look at the chart for a snippet. And then go forward for the details.

The quilting fabric has numerous properties and since ages, it has been passed from generation to generation. Let’s see some in-depth properties of quilting fabric, what are those?

Previously, remember I mentioned quilting fabric, and how it is made? Well, the way it is makes it a perfect choice for bedding. As it escalates the comfort and support which ensures your sleep is sound.

Not only that, as it is tightly woven it reduces the chance of fraying and makes the fabric more stable for cutting, piecing, and sewing. You get to have precise cuts for any accurate piecing in quilt designs. Plus, being so stable, you get to sew intricate patterns and piece together different quilt blocks.

Even after years of usage and washing it remains the same!

And now let’s talk about durability. You already know that it is made from 100% cotton, but do you know its thread count is 60 or higher? Yes! You can already understand how durable it is!

Other than all these, the aesthetics of quilting fabric is top-notch!💯 Why so? You get a wide variety of colors and prints. For instance, solid to florals, geometrics to novelty prints anything can be done by quilter creativity.

Most importantly, quilting fabric has the power to be breathable. So year-round if you use it you’ll still feel the comfort that comes along with it. 

How Is Quilting Fabric Made? 

Well, I’ll not bombard you with a thousand steps and make you hate quilting fabric. Rather here you’ll get a short sneak peek on how to actually quilt fabric.

1. Marking: 

Firstly, by using a fabric marker and ruler, mark the sewing lines on the right side of one of the layers of fabric. You can mark the line on different angles such as 45/60/90 degree angles as you need. And keep a gap for about 2/3/4 inches. Do it on both sides.

2. Sandwich layer: 

Here comes the sandwich part. You sandwich the fabric and batting. Make sure to keep the right side of the fabric facing outwards.  Try to keep the layers of fabric equal and ironed.

3. Adjust the fabric: 

Now pin your fabric together, so that while sewing it doesn’t get misplaced.

4. Sewing: 

Now while sewing, sew the center of the fabric first, and then go to the shorter lines equivalently. First, sew all the lines in one direction and vice versa in the other direction.

5. Repeat: 

Continue sewing and when it is done pin your pattern pieces with the quilted fabric. Then, set it just the way you want and sew it.

Thaaaat’s it! Your own personalized comfy quilted fabric is ready!

Types Of Fabric For Quilting

Well, even though there are multiple fabrics available around us. But which one should you use to prepare your quilting fabric? For me, it depends on what type of quilting fabric I’m looking for. So let’s see some types then-

1. Cotton– For quilting the traditional choice is cotton fabric. Cotton has durability, is easily washable, and has diverse patterns and prints. 100 percent cotton used to make quilts is called “quilter’s cotton”. You can surely use cotton for quilting to make any comfortable quilting fabric.
2. Batik– Batik fabric is again made mostly of cotton, which has a distinctive and appealing style. Even Batik fabric has a higher thread count than any quilter’s cotton. So you get more warp and weft threads per square inch. With batik, you get a colorful fabric for quilting.
3. Flannel– Flannel quilts are warm and are perfect for any cold areas where you can wrap them for warmth. Flannel is also prepared from cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers. Plus, it has a loose weave so you get the softness as an additional touch.

( Special Note: Any mid-weight cotton fabric type is good for quilting. They could be unbleached, organic cotton fabric.)

What Are The Benefits & Drawbacks Of Quilting Fabric?

Quilting fabric has a growing trend of custom fabric printing which allows quilters to form new unique sets of fabrics. So let’s see the benefits and drawbacks that come along with this fabric.

Beginning with the benefits of quilting fabric you get a wide variety. As it’s prepared with so much vibrancy and colors you get a wide variety.

Moving on, the quilting fabric is comfortable and perfect to give you a cosy comfy sleep while you’re in dire need of it. Plus, the breathability is high too, so you get cooler air to pass back through. 

And, quilting fabric is cost-effective too! 

However, the one drawback that comes along with it is the customization can be hectic to come up with. Finding exact patterns and designs can be tiresome to find through! Even custom printing can cost you even more.

Basic Differences Between Quilting Fabric And Apparel Fabric

Different Uses Of Quilted Fabric

Just like its color variation, the quilted fabric can be used in many ways too-

Beginning with the bedding, the most common one. And trust me quilts comforters are my personal favourite!  There is vibrancy, comfortness everything in it. 

You can have blankets, bedspreads, and comforters prepared with quilts. The layers and stitching ensure that you get a warm and comfortable fabric, a perfect setup to have a sound sleep.

Even clothes that are prepared with quilted fabric are great too! Jackets, coats, vests, or any outdoor clothes can be of quilted fabric. Get a stylish look along with the warmness of the padding of it.

Plus, quilted fabric is used for furniture such as cushions, chair seats, or sofas. Not only does it give it a diverse color arrangement but it also adds texture and comfort.

Horse riding uses quilted fabric too. Like saddle pads, horse blankets even protective gear. As it gives cushioning for the rider to sit on the horses.

Different uses of the quilted fabric also include cars. As for the seat covers or inside the car you can have quilted fabric to keep them durable, warm, and manageable.

Other than that, home decor has quilted fabric options too like curtains, table runners, etc. which give your home a light, colorful vibe.

How to Wash Quilted Fabric?

The quilted fabric needs to be cleaned with some basic care. Let’s have a look at the basic steps.

Firstly, look for some care instructions that are mentioned in the tag of any dress as different fabrics need special treatment. However, if your fabric has any stains. Use a stain remover and treat the targeted spot first.

Then if you’re planning to wash it in the machine, set the machine in a gentle or delicate cycle with cool water. As the hot water might shrink or damage the fabric very easily.

Moreover, make sure the detergent is mild too, which will be delicate for the fabric. You can use Orvus soap that are adequate for quilting fabrics.

After washing dry with low heat. DO NOT USE high heat to prevent any kind of shrinkage of the quilted fabric. Also, take the fabric out of the dryer quickly so that there are no wrinkles.

NOTE: Consider it as a tip. Do not wash them often. Washing them too much can damage them. So only wash it when it’s dirty to start to smell.

And another thing, hand-wash if you can. The gentlest way to wash quilting fabric is to do it by hand. For it fill a basin or sink it with cold water. Use delicate detergents and wash them gently for a few minutes. Dry it as mentioned before.

Essentials For Beginner Quilters

Well, I know I know it gets really quite problematic when there are so many ways, hacks, or tricks. But a basic guideline can be your way to success, right, so why not?

Before quilting make sure you’ve all the essentials arranged nearby you. those are- rotary cutter, Omni grip 6″ x 24″ ruler, self-healing cutting mat, straight pins, iron, ironing board, and sewing machine.

Sewing Tips And Tricks For Beginners ( interlink)

I’ll not bombard you with multiple innovative tips rather my effort will be to make it seamless for you. For beginners, simple patchwork is quite convenient to do.

1. Start by sewing your quilting along the center of the line. And repeat it on either side of that line. Make sure you’ve already drawn lines and move forward keeping that track. Your work will be straight if lines are drawn previously.
2. Quilting using the width of your presser foot or using masking tape can be beneficial too. Taping is aligned with the first seam and parallel to the corner sewing is ensured and is easily removed.
3. If you’re planning to work on a bigger section, no need to make a stopstitch as you can simply place a slip of tissue paper. Between the sewing machine claws and your fabric. After you’re done seaming, remove the tissue paper and it will align.

Or, simply deduct the pressure of the machine through the foot slightly or increase the stitch length.

1. When your entire sewing is done, give it a finishing through the serging stitch on all edges. It will ensure that your edges are finely touched and aligned.

To know more please read the blog : How to make cotton muslin quilts?

What Brand Of Fabric Is Best For Quilting?

If you are looking for a fabric brand that makes quilting fabric then you can have a look at the options mentioned down below.

1.  Ruby Stars Society- Commonly known as RSS which has a huge range of modern prints. That is quite uncommon to find. If you want to buy modern fabric then Ruby Star Society should be the first quilting fabric brand to consider. They ensure 100% quilting cotton with 115 GSM and a thread count of 150.
2. Art Gallery Fabrics- It has colorful and modern floral designs along with natural motifs. Which will be brilliant for any of your projects for it being 100% cotton. You can always consider it for your quilting fabric as well.
3. Dashwood Studio- Another UK-based fabric brand. You can get playful, whimsical designs here. If you’re planning to quilt for any younger person they can be your ideal choice. 
4. Cloud9 fabric- You can get eco-friendly supplies from here. They use sustainable methods so the pricing can be slightly higher. If budget is not an issue, and you’re a planet lover surely do check them.
5. Figo fabric- You can purchase lightweight, vibrant color quilting cotton from them. 

Some Best Brands Of Thread

When you’ve already a suggestion for fabric, why not a quick glimpse at threads too? As for quilting having the best threads on your hand can make the job more easier. So here are the names just mentioned below-

• Aurifil Thread
• Coats & Clark Thread
• King Tut Thread
• Madeira Thread
• Signature Thread

FAQ

Should I quilt it with cotton or polyester?

Totally depends on you honestly. As cotton thread is great for piecing while polyester is good for quilting. But with cotton, your quilting will fabric smoothly but polyester will not.

Is Kona fabric good for quilting?

Worldwide they have quite a good impression. They claim to be 100% cotton and ensure a nice feeling on hand.

Do polyester quilts pill?

Yes. If you wash it quite often and you are using it for a longer timespan it will pill.

Can you quilt with old sheets?

Yes, you can. Not only it’s inexpensive but also it gives your old sheets a new look too.

Conclusion

Just like I’ve mentioned quilting fabric is an emotion to me, and you know why! Quilting fabrics has been done for ages. Because it holds the tradition and culture so well just like a sandwich wrap. You can stay connected with your roots just through a single fabric, that’s what quilting is!

Shariful Alam

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Shariful Alam Pavel, A fashion lover, passionate marketer. Love to share wisdom based on real life experience to enrich knowledge.
Founder of Muslin Dhaka, a brand, speaks the truth about royal muslin and fashion. Explore the digital fashion universe with organic cotton muslin and much more!

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