Thread: Which is better?

I vote for Michael Miller's jet black or a Kaufman Kona - remember a lot of fabric producers color their fabrics that do not sell black and are not good for a lot of washing. When picking black fabric always go with a brand name.

I did not know that about the Kona and JoAnn's! WOW!!! You really do learn something new everyday!

Originally Posted by MTS

Not to bring up a subject that's been beaten to death, please be aware that Kona has become sort of a generic term.

The "Kona" cottons in Joann's are NOT the same as the Robert Kaufman Kona Solids available at your LQS, unless the bolt says Kaufman.

Not all fabrics labelled Kona are created the same way, however the Kaufman brand has strict standards:
Kona Fabrics and Robert Kaufman Fabrics

These differences aren't so noticeable on the white fabric, but can be on the colors and black.

I understand it can be a price consideration, but if you can, here are two fabulous black fabrics.

My preference is always the Michael Miller, but the Kaufman solid is another alternative:
http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/Item...Black--srcin-1

This black also has its fans (but I think that's just because they haven't yet tried the MM ):
http://www.keepsakequilting.com/productdetail/9738.htm

I recently had a rather lengthy Web conversation with a representative of KONA. She said that any company selling fabric and calling it KONA was in violation of copyright law.
She assured me that whether I bought fabric labeled KONA at Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's or a discount house, the fabric will absolutely be the same quality. She also said that she never failed to be amazed at the amount of misinformation that the sewing public, especially quilters, spread in the absolute belief that they are right. She also said that consumers who suspect they are being ripped off by a knock off company should contact Kaufman. I am absolutely certain that JoAnn would not knowingly sell a knock off and call it KONA. froggyintexas

It would depend on the quilt top for me. If it was a masterpiece and expensive top I would go with Kona black for the back or see if I could find a wide back that would work. If it was a scrap top and it would see heavy use and washing, I would probably go with the poly/cotton blend broadcloth. I pieced children's quilts some 25 to 30 years ago in broadcloth and they are still going strong. My main rule of thumb is, I just don't mix cotton and polyester cotton.

Originally Posted by QUILTNMO

i like roc -lon for muslin and kona for solids

My experience with the tea-dyed roc-lon muslin - it said 'pre-shrunk' on the end of the bolt - NOT!

I definitely recommend shrinking this stuff before cutting. it.

Just to make it clear if it has Kona and the registered trademark Kona® Cotton . It is Kaufman Kona. Kona is a registered trademark by Robert Kaufman and no other company.

#4 Legacy Studio solids 100% cotton
#5 Kona solids 100% cotton


if you get #3 Country Classic 100% cotton get extra it shrinks a lot ( my experience was with black)

My experience with Michael Miller's black - it shrinks over two inches width of fabric.