Thread: What do quilters mean by 'hand'

When quilters talk about a great 'hand' in a fabric, what do they mean? I've found a fabric that I loved by Moda. It had a feel to it that was soft and . . . I don't know. But I had to have it. I've often heard other quilters talk about the hand of a fabric, but I've never been clear on what this means. Can someone clarify for me? I've googled, but you'd be amazed at what comes up!

To me it means 'the feel' thickness, softness/hardness, how it drapes, texture....that kind of thing. I suppose it's a measure of quality.

sometimes some fabrics feel stiff and that means that they will get very limp after it is washed because it had a lot of sizing on it. Like earthwalker said it does have to do with what it "feels".

Originally Posted by PaperPrincess

Here's a good definition
:http://alittledesignhelp.com/what-is...d-of-a-fabric/

thank you for that!

To me 'hand' means the feel of the fabric in your hand--literally. Does it feel thick or thin, smooth or rough, stiff or limp, etc. It is all a function of the quality of how the fabric feels when you hold/scrunch it in your hand.

Originally Posted by ghostrider

Next time, try Googling 'quilting glossary'. There are several sites that have excellent listings.

Didn't know there was such a thing. Thank you!

Feel by hand is what I've always understood by hand of fabric.