I'm thinking ahead to sashings for my Civil War quilt and I think that black may be the best color to go with. I'm worried about it looking faded though.

yes, black will fade. Some more than others.

That's one of those "it depends" questions. It depends on the quality of the fabric and the dyes used to make it, how often the item is washed, which detergent you use, what type of washer you have (front or top loading), water temperature, how you dry the item, where and how it is stored...among other things.

What she said!

I'd also like to use black on a DJ, and make another with unbleached muslin... but I haven't sewn a stitch on either one yet.

Add the chemistry makeup of your water to that equation :)

But consider that you may actually like the look of a softer looking black.

ok then black is not what I want to use. I have a front loading machine, probably washed a couple times a year in cold water. Maybe a dark green would work instead.

I have had good luck with the kona cotton, better quality fabric, heavier doesn't fade as much as the cheaper brands.

I'd go with the Kona... :thumbup:

kona black is the best around for a good even black- blacks are such a hard one- and i've had 3-4 different (shades) of black in one 3 yard piece.
the kona black is a good even black that seems to hold up and not fade quickly. wash in cold water- and i do recommend pre=washing- black can bleed any number of interesting colors- blue, brown, red, green--seldom gray

don't forget black fading in light.