Hello fellow quilters!

So up until this point, I've only bought fabric for a project that I'm working on. I would like to start building a stash so that I can have some on hand for coordinating, ect if I find a fabric I like.

So my question is, are there some brands, some patterns, and how much is good amounts to start with. I'm really not good at estimating how much fabric a quilt will require, especially if I change the size from a pattern.

I have a couple of textile outlets in this area that have some good deals. I just don't always know if they are good deals or not. For example, I bought some fabric for a baby quilt and thought it was a great deal, then I went to Walmart and found the same fabric for less! Thanks!

There are lots of threads on this topic - do a search for stash and see what comes up.

Personally, when I see something I LOVE, I buy a 2-3 yards. If it's interesting, and think it's going to be used, I will sometimes buy up to two yards, sometimes just a fat quarter. If it's a neutral that will be used to blend, I'll get at least a yard. I definitely stock up when I see a decent price- black/white/gray/brown/red...assortments.

Also, if you are making a quilt, you can buy extra of the fabrics. I recently made a batik that required up to 90 different fabrics, so I stocked up on fat quarters. Didn't get that many, but made it to about 50 I believe. So now I have an awesome stash of batiks for other projects.

Remember this - if you HAVE TO HAVE the fabric, if you don't buy it, you'll never see it again. Also, if you don't get enough, you'll never see it again!

Another thing - there was a thread about different grades of the same fabric. Sometimes the manufacturers will make a lesser quality fabric for stores that carry less expensive fabrics (like WalMart) and a higher quality version of the same fabric for the quilting stores and other retailers like that. You may want to get a sample of the WalMart fabric and put it next to the higher priced fabric to see if it really is the same. Probably not from what I've learned on this very informative board!!

Good luck, and have fun!

I am in total agreement. If you love it buy it, because it definately won't be there when you go back.

I generally make queen size quilts. I know it takes about 8 yds to make one. I usually buy at least 3 yds if I really love a fabric. That way you can add 3 of the fabrics you have together and you should have more than enough for the project intended.

Lynette

That is a great, simple formula Lynette! I've always used a 3 yard rule (if I might use it as a border, or background - 3 yard minimum.) If it has lots of colors that I can match, I''ll buy 1 1/2 yards (1 yard cuts never seem to work out for me for some reason - I always seem to need a bit more.) Backgrounds I'll buy from 3-5 yards. Then again, I've found that I like to make patterned quilts and really don't do anything scrappy, so buying fat quarters or fat eights really doesn't work for me.

i'm a contemporary quilt artist so i mainly buy batiks and gradations if i purchase a pattern fabric its usually a geometric or abstract design.

if i like it, i buy 2 yards and if i love it, i'll buy 3-6 yards.

blender fabric that i use often i buy by the bolt.

I was told when I began building my stash to buy 3 yards of it if I liked it, then I could use it for a border without piecing. Now, I find I buy more, full bolts if it is a really beautiful pattern and it I want to use it in a Kaleidoscope and it is on sale! But, I also find I have WAY TOO MUCH fabric, and will NEVER be able to sew it all! But I do enjoy feeling GOOD fabric and I can't pass up a bargain. Recently went to some sales and bought the rest of the bolt when it was $3 and $4 a yard. Just couldn't help myself! :?

Good luck on building your stash. It does help to stick to a theme or color scheme. I find I use some colors more, so I have more of those on hand. I am fortuante that I have NICE shops close by.

Ditto.

Sybil

Oh and if you haven't signed up for the news letter that comes out do so, it is very informative and I think this last news letter covered the difference between walmart fabric and a quilt store fabric.

Speaking as a confirmed fabriholic - and with stacks of fabric on hand -

If I was going to do it again, I think I would (mostly) stay with buying fabric only for a definite project in mind - maybe a little extra of each fabric called for -

You will soon have enough leftovers to have a stash going - and if you tend to buy only one "type" - they will go together well enough

That said - the yardages suggested by the other posters are very sensible.

I think fabric breeds fabric, and it soon takes over the house.

I think what you buy should also depend on the type of quilts that you like to make.
I enjoy making samplers, so if I see a fabric that would be a good "primary" fabric for a quilt, meaning for me, I'll use a little in each block and use it for sashing and borders, I'll buy 3-5 yards of that.. if it's something that will make a good secondary fabric anywhere from 1/2 to 2 yards.
Fabrics that I find that are a bit more "neutral" I may buy enough for a back and binding.. I rarely buy less than 1/2 yard.