OK it is official that working with cheap fabrics is awful. They stretch and distort and generally they suck. I am making two Quilts for kids. One from the nice fabric Downy sent me and one from the cheap yard sale fabric I had on hand. The nice fabric is going together nicely. The cheap VIP fabrics are fighting me every step of the way, so I developed a new philosophy:

Starch Twice....... Cut Once (when working with cheap fabric)
The other one is use the very best fabric you can afford!!!

I have to agree. I no longer work with the cheaper (quality) fabrics. I have given most of them away. I have had quite a few of the VIP fabrics fade on me, after only a short time!!!!

I've also noticed that the weave can sometimes be wider.

I thought I was getting a bargain, but it was more hassle than it was worth. I stick to the better quality fabric now.

I've been working with a little muslin I'm trying to use for sashing.
What a mess, it's stretchy and thin. I didn't know about the startch and it's too late for that. Never again! It might be nice for a backing but not in a block or around a block. Luckily the quilt is for me and I now have low expectations for this quilt. I'm disappointed since it's some of my black & white swap blocks but trying to rip the muslin out is impossible so I am carrying on to just get it done! It'll look good from that horse. Live and learn.
:D

Before I had a clue about fabric, I included a cheaper one on a log cabin quilt I made. It was a pretty quilt, but first wash, the fabric split way from the seams - only that one kind. I was sooo disappointed, never will I do that again!!! Also, a learning experience in washing fabric first.

no Comment...this topic always ends somewhat not good...not everyone has the funds...enough said

Ruth has said a mouthful.

besides, price doesn't determine quality. the absolutely tackiest, flimsiest piece-o-gahbahge fabric i ever had the "joy" to work with was some my friend had bought from a high-end shop. i've worked with a few from the dollar table that were an absolute dream to handle. they held up well in the wash and use category, too.

i keep track of which fabric manufacturers produce things i like and which don't. then i search for the lowest prices.

The fabric I am speaking of is at least 30 years old and I did wash it. It is almost gauze like in texture. I know I can't always afford the best fabrics, but working with these has been such a problem. I am thinking of making pillowcase quilts and just practicing my machine quilting with them. I won't use these for anything that needs precision unless I just can't help it. I have found walmart fabrics to be of decent quality. They may not be the best but they do not contort like this I am speaking of have. I totally understand not being able to afford the best. I have been unemployed for almost a year now. Trust me I get it.

If I have a fabric that I don't like the texture I wash it in hot water. If I don't like it and it doesn't turn out good I wasted only a little soap and water. Usually I have found this to be a big help as the hot water will change the texture.

Now Patrice has said a mouthful :D

There are great bargains to be had on quality fabric from a variety of places. I've found Red Rooster on E-Bay that comes to under $4 a yard with shipping figured in; one of my fav LQS has their clearance table fabric at $2.99 a yard and there is a whole list of online stores in the Links section that offer specials. Most days, it's actually fun to hunt :-)

I don't think there is anything wrong with using whatever fabric is affordable. Like Patrice says, price doesn't determine quality no matter where you shop. It's true that some 'less expensively made' fabrics will be far more trouble than the money saved is worth. That can be especially problematic when one is new to quilting and not sure if the problem is the operator, the equipment or the supplies. That is the only reason I choose and recommend the fabrics that I do - it has nothing to do with status, snobbery or any other such foolishness I just don't have time or energy for.

Let's assume that we're talking about good quality fabric that we've managed to get inexpensively, and not jump to the conclusion that quality = snobbery or that inexpensive = cheap. :wink: