saf

Has anybody used any of the light coloured Kona fabric? I am piecing my second quilt. The block is Arkasas crossroads. The main block is scrappy from a couple of jelly rolls that I have been given as a birthday present and I want to use an off white/natural or cream to go with. I ordered some material from an online shop because my nearest fabric shop is nearly 30 miles from me and I am housebound at the moment. It has just arrived and I can see that it is very poor quality, thin with no body at all. Can anyone recommend a good quality plain fabric that I can buy in the UK? Two online stores sell Kona or Moda Bellasolids but I am reluctant to spend more money only to be disappointed again.

SingerSewer

Kona is my choice for solid fabrics whether light or dark colors. I also like the Bella but the Kona is available in my area.

patsynel

I just purchased some white Kona and very pleased with it. Check out JoAnn's on line and if you have a coupon you can get it cheaper

gollytwo

I love the Kona solids, their colours are beautiful, White Snow is the only white I use now. Kona is a Robert Kaufman product. A very reputable manufacturer.
Prices vary on-line. I haven't needed any in a while so don't remember which vendor I use. Google it and compare the prices before ordering.
I've also bought Moda Bella, which is a good product, but I prefer the Kona colours.

saf

Thanks everyone for your advice. I am really keen to get on with my quilt and it was very frustrating to see the poor quality of the fabric that I got in the post this morning. I am still very much a novice and it is so helpful to be able to ask the advice of more experienced quilters and I am sure it will save me from making more expensive mistakes.

katier825

I love the Kaufman Kona...it's different (much nicer feeling) from what my local Joann's calls "kona". Plus I find that I barely have to iron it after washing. The Moda Bella is nice too, but I prefer the Kaufman.

ghostrider

Kona softens up a bit and the weave tightens once it's washed. You may want to try that before you order anything to replace it. It may make enough of a difference for you.

As for other choices, Moda Bella has a softer hand than Kona solids, but it's still a broadcloth (60 square thread count). RJR Supreme Solids are very close to regular quilting cotton in weight and hand, with a large choice in colors. I do not know the exact thread count, but I recently discovered this line and like it a lot. I'm sure it would be available in the UK. http://www.rjrfabrics.com/fabrics/co...packageID=1007

I'd try pre-washing the Kona you have before you make any further decisions. Bird in the hand, yes?

BKrenning

Prewash it and dry on normal to high heat. Then starch it (careful not to scorch, though) and see what you think. I prefer to use sizing on light colored fabrics because I'm usually too impatient to wait for the starch to penetrate--LOL.

NanaCsews2

Huge Kona fan too. The ones I purchased at Hancock Fabrics were much more 'see-through' than the ones I bought at my LQS. Not sure why they are thinner, but I now only purchase my solids at quilt shops.

burchquilts

I'm just the opposite. I find Kona too thick/stiff but LOVE Moda solids & have been known to buy them by the bolt!