littlesurfer

I would like to know what kind of fabric everyone uses for quilting projects. I'm learning how to quilt and wonder if different types of fabric is okay to use, i.e., poly/cotton blends. I know 100% cotton is the number one choice. Our local Walmart is having what they call a "fabric-a-rama" sale. 5 yards of fabric for $5...you must buy the entire 5-yard bolt. A lot of this fabric seems to be a poly/cotton blend. $1.00 a yard is hard to pass up.

GrammaNan

I have most success using 100% cotton fabrics however I have seen every fabric imaginable used in quilting. Back in the 70's my DMIL made quilts out of 100% polyester. Crazy quilts can be a mixture of any fabrics. The key is to prewash the fabrics before you cut them so that they won't shrink unevenly after they are quilted. If you don't plan on using the quilt and washing isn't going to be an issue, you don't have to worry about it. You will receive many more posts about this from people who know a lot more than I do so I am going to follow the post as well.

feline fanatic

I don't like working with blends. I find 100% cotton the easiest to work with and they behave themselves and I don't have to worry when I take a really hot iron to them for pressing. Also 100% cotton is more forgiving. If a block is slightly small you can block it and spritz it with water and when it dries it will be the full size I need, I don't think a blend will do that but don't know for sure. I learned early on to only use 100% cotton. It is what I like working with so if it ain't broke don't fix it is my motto.

franie

No blends for me. They are not forgiving like cotton.

Maride

I'll use anything I can put my hands on. If I am making a quilt that will be used and washed often, 100% cotton is the way to go, but if the quilt is for decoration purposes only, other fabrics may be appropriate too. Trapunto looks great in silk.

ktbb

congratulations on getting into quilting - it's a fun, productive and rewarding skill.
You can quilt with any fabric you want to use. The type of fabric, however, can and will make a difference in the feel of the quilt, how long it will last, etc. 100% cotton is probably the most traditional fabric, but that would be because years ago there was no polyester...For any quilt to be actually used (vs. hung on a wall) I want to make sure that it will wash and won't ravel (since traditionally quilters sew with a quarter inch seam). For my quilts, I also want all the fabric to be consistent - for example, I won't use drapery weight material in the same quilt as a lighterweight cotton.
I personally try to use only 100% cotton with a soft hand, or feel, and with enough weight to it that I cannot see thru it. I like both the feel and durability of it. I also purchase most of my fabric at a local quilt shop rather than Walmart because I can consistently find my choice of fabric there. Walmart, Joanns, etc., can have quilting fabric that I like, but I have to spend more time looking for it.
I encourage you to take a "feeling" trip and check out different types of fabrics at different shops so you can understand the differences... Then you can better decide what you want to use.
What fabric you use is a personal choice and I'm sure you'll have fun figuring out your style. If nothing else, get a small amount of different fabrics and make placemats or something small that you can use so you don't waste a lot of material.

Scissor Queen

I personally don't like poly cottons to work with in a quilt. They tend not to hold a good crease and make keeping your seams nice and flat a pain.

Sadiemae

I believe in doing what you feel comfortable with. I would recommend you use the same type of fabric for each quilt. I did a quilt for someone who purchased her own fabrics. Never Never again. Did I say Never again? It actually turned out quite pretty, but I had to surge all of the seams. There were 4 types of fabric. Not fun!

Personally, I use 100% cottton.

cjomomma

I will use poly/cotton. Just make sure it is tightly woven fabric and you can't see thru it. If not then $1.00 is not worth the hassle. I think I am gonna run to my local WM and see if they are doing the same thing.

Jim's Gem

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!
I prefer to use 100% cotton fabrics
I have learned to feel and look at a fabric to see if it is a good quality fabric. Just be careful with some of the cheaper fabrics, they will be harder to work with and they may fade or breakdown faster than higher quality.