Brand name fabric and quality
#31
It's been my experience (or from others who've shared stories) that all fabric manufacturers sometimes have less than great quality fabric/supplies. Even when you get something from a brand name, there's no guarantee it'll be "as advertised".
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
I have talked by phone with representatives of three major fabric manufacturers and they agreed that they did not make lesser quality fabrics for retailers. They all cited the expense of having different processes, machines, etc., for such an enterprise, but more important, since their names are on the selvage, they could not afford to risk their reputations by making substandard products for mass markets over which they have no control.
Each of the representatives also told me that people who believe they make and sell lesser products to certain retailers will never be convinced otherwise despite what they are told and what good common sense would tell them.
I buy fabric by the way it feels, called "hand," and sometimes it is inexpensive fabric and sometimes is has a premium price. You can read about "hand" on the Internet and you can Google information about fabric companies and make inquiries of them on their Websites. froggyintexas
Each of the representatives also told me that people who believe they make and sell lesser products to certain retailers will never be convinced otherwise despite what they are told and what good common sense would tell them.
I buy fabric by the way it feels, called "hand," and sometimes it is inexpensive fabric and sometimes is has a premium price. You can read about "hand" on the Internet and you can Google information about fabric companies and make inquiries of them on their Websites. froggyintexas
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: east kilbride Scotland
Posts: 1,330
I buy my fabric based on my choice of colours and if I like how it feels. I have seen expensive fabric that I don't like the feel of and fheap fabric I think is wonderful and vice versa, I just go with what I like, without setting too much emphasis on brand.
#36
It is my understanding that mfg companies will make cheaper fabric in the same line for sale in certain stores. I often wondered why when I went to one store and the fabric was fabulous, but at another store, it was lousy. I think what may be happening is that fabric is getting very costly to buy, so the mfg might be making fabric with lesser thread count so that they can sell if for less. The cotton crop has not done well these past few years which is pushing cotton costs up.
#37
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,419
I agree with Amarillo. I heard years ago that fabric companies did "runs" of fabric. The first run was their top of the line and they ran only so many yards. Then, they did a second run for less expensive fabric--as the plates might not give as crisp a design or the dye might not be as bright as the first run. I don't know if this is still true or not.
#38
My opinion only.....I'm going to compare fabric with canned goods. The "store" brand versus the name brand...I was told, although I have no way to verify it, that in regard to canned goods, the "store" brand is actually a name brand canned good using the store brand label which the store pays for. That way the manufacturer gets paid for the name brand as well as the store brand so he's making money on both ends by making his product available for those who have money and those who do not. If this is true, maybe that's what happens with fabric manufacturers as well. Does anyone know if this is true?
I put no faith at all in the myth of several grades of a fabric being made to be sold to different stores. Nor do I have any faith in the idea that large manufacturers sell off their test runs of fabric. It's far more likely that part of those runs stay on 'file' for future reference, with any excess going to employees at deep discount. A test run is just that, a small test, not major production. But just as froggy said, those who believe the myth will never be convinced otherwise.
Jusge fabric quality for yourself on a case by case basis. It's the only way to be 100% sure of what you are getting.
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12-01-2012 04:16 AM