The better quality fabric will have a tighter weave, feel very nice to the touch and usually will wash up nicer (less shrinkage/wrinkles) than some of the inexpensive fabrics. From my own experience, I think that the quality is pretty consistent among the same brand. By that I mean one Kaufman print is as good a quality as another Kaufman. I must admit, I'm spoiled and do like the major brands better than the fabric at Joann's. But I do purchase at Joann's if I like the feel/look of a fabric. I shop around a lot and often can find the major brands at a discount - these will be not the most recent designs. I can usually find them close to or less than what Joann's regular price is. If you go to your local quilt shop and touch the fabrics, then compare to the less expensive ones at other stores, you will probably notice the difference.