It's the same. I've never had problems with Kona from Joann, it is a tightly woven, firm cotton.

I have purchased Kona at Joann Fabrics and don't believe it is any different that what I have purchased my at LQS.

If you get the Kaufmann Kona at JoAnns, it's the same according to my LA dealer. However, JoAnns also has their own Kona, so read the labels on the bolt ends to know which one you're getting.

I've never bought Kona, so don't know.

read the selvedge... I have seen fabric being wound on to an empty bolt at Joanns.....not to decieve, just because the clerk did not know any better......the selvedge will tell the manufacturer and show the colors used and the marks for printing and if nothing is printed on the selvedge then......buyer beware

Me, too. The white Kona I bought at JoAnn's frays like the dickens. I've used it for sashing and borders in my friendship star quilt and am not taking it out, but am worried about how much the edges fray. A lesson learned; next time look closely at cut edges before buying, never mind the brand name.


Marilyn

having worked for a major manufacturing company, what they will make under their brand name and what they make as a store brand will be slightly different. it is possible that the robert kaufman branded kona is made with a different cotton quality, higher thread count, denser thread, etc. the non robert kaufman branded kona in joann's is probably made with lesser quality materials.

i know my company put out different store branded or private label branded products than their branded products. their branded products included much better ingredients in higher concentrations. just a thought.

I have some leftover white Kona (probably not Kaufman) which I may send, after I read the article. It not only frays but the weave is off, as in not straight. I noticed that right away and have sewed long enough to know that's not good so I should not have used it. But I was in cutting mode and went ahead anyway. Only when pressing seams did I also realize how much it frayed.

It's my opinion that quilting has become such a big hobby--therefore industry-- that some stores are selling some very poor quality goods to unsuspecting beginners. I've gone to the same JoAnn's for years and they almost don't have fashion fabric anymore, but devote most of their space now to quilting or craft goods. As a long time sewer I am familiar with fabric but as a fairly new quilter I've certainly made some mistakes. Buying that white Kona was one of them! lol

Marilyn

I used Kona from the LQS and wasn't thrilled. Was at a quilt show and discovered Moda Bella solids. Gorgeous fabric - will never use another solid - lots of colors, beautiful hand. I've used it many times and it is a joy.

I would, except my Joann's "kona" is not Kaufman. It doesn't say Kaufman on the end of the bolt.