I've been watching the boards for a while and have learned much! Been away from sewing for many years but trying to get back in. Have found a love for quilting in my return to sewing. The fabrics seem to have changed so much. I read where you are all discussing good and bad fabric. How do you know if you're buying good quality fabric? Weight, feel?

My opinion only here: I would go to a quilt shop first. Feel your way around the store. They have wonderful fabrics.
Oops, sorry- forgot to say WELCOME!!! This board is fabulous!!
You will learn sooooooo much :D

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!
I will feel it, if it has a good feel, not too thin or too stiff. Hold it up to the light, can you see through it? You don't want it real thin.
Stretch it a little, does it really stretch a lot?
Is it printed on the grain or is the printing really off?
Rub it between your fingers, or on a small white cloth, is there any color transfer? if so, put it back.
What is the price? If the regular price is $2-3 per yard, most likely it is not good quality greige goods. If it's on sale for that, that's a whole different story. I love a good sale!!!
I have several brands that I really like and trust and there are some brands out there that I don't even look at any more.

Welcome!

I agree, getting to know brand names gave me the courage to buy on line as well. I have gotten some great deals on line and have always been more then satisfied when my package arrived.

Welcome to the board!

Welcome to the board.
I fall in love with certain fabric lines. I like going to a good online fabric site and checking out all of their new fabrics. You get used to certain manufacturers and it gets easier!

Thank you for your advice. I just took a class at my LQS, so think I'll buy a bit there and buy a bit from big box store, bring them home and play around and compare, wash, etc. I have SO much to learn!

Also, am I seeing a connection between cat lovers and quilters?

Gayle, your advice was a lot more informative than mine !!! :thumbup:
And yes, eliasgran, there seem to be a lot of us who love cats and quilts !! Doggies too!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mrgreen:

Welcome aboard. I'm new here too.
Having worked in 2 quilt shops for over 20+ years in Pa. then Iowa I know that only a "real" quilt shop sells quality fabric. Some manufacturers you love and trust and others...not so much! The same applies to quilt shops! (Joann's, Hobby Lobby and Walmart are NOT quilt shops.)Manufactures produce fabric specifically for "quilt shops" and "not to be sold at chain stores".
I prewash and dry all of my fabrics. Good fabric does not fray and tangle excessively when it comes out of the washer.Cheap greige goods come out in a wadded ball of threads. Bare in mind that manufacturers use different quality greige goods for different "fabric lines" so while you may not like one line another may be just what your looking for.