I recently visited Joanns and ACMoore (which has FQs). Some fabric seemed shabby, some seemed fine. Is there a checklist that will help us evaluate the fabric we buy? To begin with, I look for a firm weave and color saturated print, unless I'm going for a certain effect.

I always go by the feel of the fabric and the looseness (if that is a word LOL) of the weave of the fabric. I don't know how others do it but I worked for WalMart Fabrics department for several years and you get to know the texture of material when you touch it. Hope this helps a little
Donna

I always scrunch it. If it comes out really wrinkled then the quality is not that good. Also the feel of the fabric will tell you the quality. If it is smooth and the weave is firm then it is usually good quality. On the poorer quality fabric you can feel the sizing. On good quality fabric you can't.

Scrunch it.
Look for sizing
Good pointers!!

I hold it up to the light and put my hand behind. If I can see my hand or lots of light, I leave it behind. I hate thin fabric.

If it's a printed fabric, look at the quality of the printing.

Are the details crisp?

Are the colors separated, or do they overlap or look like they've run together?

If a geometric design, is it printed on grain? Or off?

Is the fabric wrapped straight on the bolt or is it warped? If it's warped, it will probably spring back after washing, but you'll probably need to buy a little more to begin.

If it's printed off grain, you're outta luck... better skip it.

I feel it. If it's stiff thin I avoid it. I have found some fabrics I loved but passed up because the print was wonky or it was thin and stiff.

Go to LQS and just browse. Pull out bolts and unwind them a little and feel the fabric, hold it up to the light, drape it over you hands-play with it. This will give you an idea of the feel and look of better fabric. Then you can go to Walmart or Joanns and have a better idea of what to look for.

All good pointers mentioned above. I like the backing of my quilts to have a nice soft feel to them so that's one thing I 'feel' for when choosing fabrics. The only exception would be for a wall hanging, don't expect anyone to wrap themselves up in a wall hanging. May in Jersey