ShirlinAZ

Discount stores will often carry top notch fabrics at a reduced price simply because they buy overage from prior years. A manufacturer may think a particular pattern or color line will be a huge seller and when it isn't they are stuck with yardage that needs to go to make room for another run. Sometimes the bolts are labeled with a secondary company name but when you take the fabric off the bolt it is printed with the original maker's name.

willferg

I'm glad you pointed that out, Patrice. The author definitely has a reason to be biased, since he's a sales rep for Moda.

BettyB

Well stated and I agree!!!
Patrice

klswift

This explains the difference in production of the fabrics. But, one of the comments often made on this site is that there are 2 'levels' of the same fabric. This is not true. A company, such as Moda, would not produce 2 versions of the same fabric. It would hurt their product name. They may create 2 different types of fabric, a Premium version and a 'regular' version. An incredibly simplistic way to tell would be the price. At the chain stores the 'regular' fabric would price point at $4.99 - $8.99 (usually). The Premium fabric will start at $10.99. Even within the regular fabrics, you can feel the range of quality. It all depends on the vendor producing it. Trust your hands, feel the fabric, gently pull it in both directions, crumple a corner and see its pop back. Depending on the blocks you are making and the purpose of the finished product (and your budget) will determine what fabric you purchase. I often buy a premium fabric as my main focus fabric and 'regular' fabrics to compliment it. This balances the costs. I would love to only buy premium fabrics, but that makes a large quilt cost prohibitive.

katesnanna

I remember my first quilting lesson where the teacher said don't just look at craft fabric, check out dress fabric and decor fabric. If I like the feel of the fabric I'll buy it. Most people, even those who say they'll only use LQS fabric won't know the difference. I make charity quilts as well as for friends and family. I make them to be used and if they wear through being loved I'll make the owner another.
If someone only makes quilts for exhibitions then I can understand they will want to use more expensive fabric. I feel it's an individual choice. As long as you enjoy what you're doing Have fun.

eilers12634

I've seen MDG (Marshalls Dry Goods) fabric at my LQS at the same price as their higher end lines. Fabric lines are constantly changing. What do manufacturers do with what isn't sold before the next line comes out? I am thinking probably discount stores.

maryellen2u

When you say chain stores aren't you talking about JoAnn's? Is there any other store? Just curious because that's all I've got-JoAnne's and then family owned. I shopped for fabric today at a family owned, large fabric store. I tried an experiment because I was buying lots of background fabric. I found my white and then I felt the "hand" of many and tried to guess the price and the manufacturer. The most expensive was not always the best feeling! I decided a long time ago that after all the time and work I was going to use quality fabric! Thank you, Jesus I have more fabric now than I will use in two lifetimes but I bought more today! Not bragging just trying to justify my addiction!

Sandygirl

If you ask a group of quilters what their favorite brand of quilting cotton is...MODA wins every time! When you ask them "why"...they don't always know "why". ( brand recogition? Great marketing? Discuss). The author of the articke may rep for Moda but I have read lots of articles written by him and I have found him to be very fair and informative. There IS a difference in chain vs. premium quilting cotton and he explained it in detail.

Sandy

Jeanette Frantz

I recently purchased 4 yards of Kona cotton solid (red in color) for my red and white log cabin quilt top. This fabric was purchased for borders and binding of the quilt. I tested the fabric for bleeding, and sure enough, it bled, and bled. I was able to use the fabric, only because of a dye setting product purchased online. To be sure, higher prices should mean higher quality, but unfortunately, I have not always found this to be the case. I walked into a local LQS shop recently, where there was NOTHING IN FABRICS less than $12.99/yard. I am a newbie as far as quilting is concerned, but I'm also on a fixed income and I cannot afford that price. I recently completed a log cabin quilt top, the fabrics for which were, admittedly, purchased from a chain store. The fabric for this quilt top (admittedly a very large quilt) cost me approximately $300. I have been making my own clothing practically all my life, so I think I know enough to recognize what is good enough for the purpose intended. I have no choice if I want to quilt.

Jane Quilter

"I walked into a local LQS shop recently, where there was NOTHING IN FABRICS less than $12.99/yard.".......I've found this to be true too. Yet we all know, the solids always sell for less than the premiums, even the premium solids. All ways surprised to see nothing discounted, even the fat quarters.