Fabric Quality

When putting your new fabric in the washing machine cut a little triangle off each corner and your fabric will not fray/ravel... No more finding wads of twisted/tied threads... Natalie

If you have some small scraps that you are saving to use on another project simply store them in an empty shoe box.  This is not for long term storage it is for storing scraps that you will be using again soon.

The grain for woven fabric is as important to the seamstress as the grain of wood is as important to the carpenter.  Grain simply refers to the direction the individual threads of fabric run.  Threads running up and down the length of the fabric are the lengthwise grain..they lie parallel to the selvage edge.  These are the strongest fibers and will NOT stretch.  WHENEVER POSSIBLE, ORIENT THE PIECES OF YOUR PATCHWORK TSO THAT THE LENGTHWISE GRAIN RUNS UP AND DOWN IN RELATION TO THE TOP AND BOTTON OF THE QUILT.  THIS WILL MAXIMIZE STABILITY AND DURABILITY.  When making a large quilt, it is absolutely imperative to cut the outer borders on the lengthwise grain.  If you don't, the edges of your quilt are likely to stretch and ripple, and there is no way tocorrect the problem.  A bed quilt may not show the unevenness as all sides of the quilt are not visible at once, but try hanging it on a wall.....and you will have all sorts of ripples and distortions...an absolute points off at a quilt show.

Lay your fabric out and fold it the first time so that the selvages are together, then fold the selvage edges to the center and fold this fold again to the center. The fabric is now in a long skinny strip, so it is then folded in half the long way and keep folding it the long way until you get the fabric about the length of a book. The fabric is put into a bookcase with the last folded edge out like a spine of book and set it up on it's edge. This way of folding fabric means that no matter what the size of the piece of fabric, just like a book it will be either thicker or thinner depending on the yardages but it will always be approximately the same height as fabric is almost always around 44" wide. By setting the fabric on its edge like a book, it can be remove from the bookcase without disturbing the other fabric.

Choose quality fabrics for your quilt. After all, you are putting a great deal of work into this undertaking and the final product will be something you will treasure for years to come. If you plan on using the quilt on a day-to-day basis, you will want to make sure the fabric will last the daily use and hold up well in case it needs to be washed. Remember, you are creating an heirloom, and using quality fabrics will ensure your quilt will be around for generations of enjoyment.

By far, the most popular type of fabric is one made of 100 percent cotton. Cotton fabrics are easy to sew, either by hand or using your sewing machine. Cotton fabrics are durable enough to hold up to daily use and are easily washable. There is a huge selection of cotton fabrics on the market in many styles, patterns, and colors. Additionally, cotton fabrics are easier on your bank account than more expensive fabrics, such as silks or velvets.

Don't associate expense with quality. You can purchase quality fabrics at fabric stores that specialize in remnants or discontinued patterns for little money. When shopping for fabrics, don't feel you have to spend a king's ransom, just shop around and use wise judgment in purchasing. The best tool you have at your disposal when shopping is your sense of touch. Don't be shy in a fabric store, touch all the fabrics and make sure they feel durable, tightly-woven, and not thin.