Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Mixing fabrics >

Mixing fabrics

Mixing fabrics

Old 05-30-2013, 12:51 PM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
jclinganrey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 3,040
Default Mixing fabrics

I don't usually mix a batik with other cottons in a quilt. Or a homespun with other cottons. Not sure why, exactly, just really haven't done it. What do you do? What are your preferences and why? Any reason for what you do or don't do?
jclinganrey is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 01:04 PM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
jzaaboo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Iowa
Posts: 197
Default

I have mixed batiks with cottons in an Asian quilt with good results. I'm a pre-washer, though, I wouldn't attempt it otherwise because batiks are tightly woven and don't shrink as much.
jzaaboo is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 01:05 PM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NE Missouri
Posts: 6,418
Default

I am working on one right now that has both regular cotton and batiks just to get the coloration that I want. I have read several posts on here indicating that it works, so I am giving it a try. It does handle differently as in a bit firmer weave. I have heard hand quilters say that it is also harder to quilt. Don't know if that helps you or not, but I wanted these colors and that's the only way I could achieve them.
Quilter 65 is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 02:02 PM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Default

I mix lots of fabrics all the time- batiks, hand dyes, home spun, flannel, calico, corduroy, denim, silk & wool might all be in one of my quilts- I use what works/fits in at the moment- that I like, that will create the *image* I am creating. I also use a variety of batts, (not different in the same quilt- but might use a different type/fiber content batt in 6 different quilts) I have never been one to limit myself because someone doesn't think it's *normal*
I started sewing way back in the mid 60's---in 4-H; made most of my own clothes and clothes for my siblings through out school- including winter coats- that contained a variety of fibers---wool, nylon, polyester, corduroy, fleece, flannel, my all time favorite was a pin whale corduroy outside- with a wool batting and a fabulously warm soft fleece lining- I've never had one fall apart, or turn out poorly due to a variety of fabrics.
ckcowl is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 04:27 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
ontheriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Selma Alabama
Posts: 3,628
Default

I put it all together give it a good mix and see what comes out.
ontheriver is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 05:01 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 864
Default

I'm so glad you said that ckcowl I do sometimes too and always have. Sometimes I feel the "quilt police" give the wrong ideas. Thanks.
mimiof4 is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 05:06 PM
  #7  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
jclinganrey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 3,040
Default

Thanks so much for your posts. I know that batiks have a higher thread count which is why it's difficult to hand quilt. I'm impressed with your skills, ckcowl. Would love to see some of your projects.

Thanks!

Jane
jclinganrey is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 05:33 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Midwest
Posts: 996
Default

I heard Bonnie Hunter speak last week at my LQS. She mixes all types of fabrics and her quilts are gorgeous!
Elise1 is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 06:03 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
maryb119's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Iowa
Posts: 8,107
Default

I mix lots of kinds of fabric together. If I like them together, I will use them together...Go away quilt police!
maryb119 is offline  
Old 05-30-2013, 06:14 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
GrannieAnnie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: S. W. Indiana
Posts: 7,484
Default

Originally Posted by jclinganrey View Post
I don't usually mix a batik with other cottons in a quilt. Or a homespun with other cottons. Not sure why, exactly, just really haven't done it. What do you do? What are your preferences and why? Any reason for what you do or don't do?

I put fabrics I like together. One rag blanket I made had a poly cotton print, homespun and flannel I had intended to use all flannel, but couldn't find anything I liked to go with the two flannels I found.
GrannieAnnie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mcbride4362
Main
23
02-04-2011 07:38 AM
margie77072
Main
10
01-10-2011 07:12 PM
wildyard
Main
26
05-30-2010 05:24 PM
ginnie6
Main
8
05-02-2010 12:26 PM
gracie_r
Main
8
08-20-2008 06:11 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter