Is "Kona" cotton a brand name or is it generic like "muslin"
 

In other words, is the Kona cotton available at Joann's the same thing as Kona cotton in a LQS?

I don't think they are the same thing. I know that Robert Kaufman Kona Fabric feels different than the Kona at Joann's. I used some of the Joann's last fall and it frayed and shredded so bad I wound up taking out all the sashing on a quilt and replacing it with LQS Kona.

It should be as it is made by the same manufacturer Kauffman.
However, I believe some have reported they think the JoAnn Kona may be a bit different. Just my recollection of past posts. Although I believe it is believed to be a better quality fabric that other solids you will find there. I believe the word "Kona" is probably a trademarked name by Robert Kauffman Co. If you type in Kona for search you will see the tradmark "R" beside the name.

link to a previous discussion where a Kaufman rep contributed to this debate:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...-t33854-4.html

I personally don't think that Joann's "kona" is the same as Kaufman Kona, it feels quite inferior to the kona I get at my LQS.

Thanks for the information!

I was just going to reference that same post, Peggi!

If you don't feel the Kona at Joann or anywhere else is "up to snuff" and it says Kona on the end of the bolt, you should send some to Kaufman Fabrics as they suggest in the post.

Kona is often less expensive online at fabric.com or some of the other larger retailers than at Joann. Right now it's $5.48/yd.

One thing you won't find at Joann is the more expensive Kona black, which I think is triple dyed. It's priced slightly higher but well worth it for a nice solid black.

Joanns I think sells what is called griege goods where its the same manufacturer but it is printed on a different quality fabric to test out new lines and what not LQS do not buy griege good(don't know if thats spelled right which is why their prices are higher

Thanks for the link to this post Peckish! Maybe someone should take them up on their offer to analyze any fabric that is labeled Kona but doesn't feel like it. . ..

According to Robert Kaufman, this is not true!!! Check out this older post where a representative from Robert Kaufman actually joined the QB so they could comment on a post about Kona fabrics.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...-t33854-4.html

I've bought black Kona Cotton, at Hobby Lobby, and LOVE it. It has a very silky feel.