Is "Kona" cotton a brand name or is it generic like "muslin"
 

In other words, is the Kona cotton available at Joann's the same thing as Kona cotton in a LQS?

I don't think they are the same thing. I know that Robert Kaufman Kona Fabric feels different than the Kona at Joann's. I used some of the Joann's last fall and it frayed and shredded so bad I wound up taking out all the sashing on a quilt and replacing it with LQS Kona.

It should be as it is made by the same manufacturer Kauffman.
However, I believe some have reported they think the JoAnn Kona may be a bit different. Just my recollection of past posts. Although I believe it is believed to be a better quality fabric that other solids you will find there. I believe the word "Kona" is probably a trademarked name by Robert Kauffman Co. If you type in Kona for search you will see the tradmark "R" beside the name.

link to a previous discussion where a Kaufman rep contributed to this debate:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...-t33854-4.html

I personally don't think that Joann's "kona" is the same as Kaufman Kona, it feels quite inferior to the kona I get at my LQS.

Thanks for the information!

I was just going to reference that same post, Peggi!

If you don't feel the Kona at Joann or anywhere else is "up to snuff" and it says Kona on the end of the bolt, you should send some to Kaufman Fabrics as they suggest in the post.

Kona is often less expensive online at fabric.com or some of the other larger retailers than at Joann. Right now it's $5.48/yd.

One thing you won't find at Joann is the more expensive Kona black, which I think is triple dyed. It's priced slightly higher but well worth it for a nice solid black.

Joanns I think sells what is called griege goods where its the same manufacturer but it is printed on a different quality fabric to test out new lines and what not LQS do not buy griege good(don't know if thats spelled right which is why their prices are higher

Thanks for the link to this post Peckish! Maybe someone should take them up on their offer to analyze any fabric that is labeled Kona but doesn't feel like it. . ..

According to Robert Kaufman, this is not true!!! Check out this older post where a representative from Robert Kaufman actually joined the QB so they could comment on a post about Kona fabrics.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...-t33854-4.html

I've bought black Kona Cotton, at Hobby Lobby, and LOVE it. It has a very silky feel.

The Kona at my local Joann's does NOT say it's by Kaufman on the bolt. The Kaufman Kona is so much nicer! If you can get it on sale, it's not that much more than the Joann's fabric and you will be much happier. Once it's washed, you barely have to iron the Kaufman Kona...it feels so much nicer too!

Just be careful and look for the Kaufman name when you see solids called Kona. Kona...like Bali, Tonga, New York, Chicago, or Podunk...is simply a place on the globe.

thanks for posting this link. it is a very informative thread if you read it from start to finish.

If you go to the Kaufman web site you will see there is more than one fabric line with the Kona name inculded. I think I recall seeing about 6 or 7 . So just seeing the name Kona does not give the apples to apples comparison. Look at all of the info on the end of the bolt.
Same is true for muslin , as far as looking at more than the name on the end of the bolt.... one manufacture has at least 8-10 different grades or specifications ..again look at all of the info on the end of the bolt. I had a freind tell me about this great bargain on muslin ... she bought lots of it. It had the same manufacture as the one I typically purchase. She focused only on the name... Well what she bought was this particular companies low end muslin... low thread count , lots of shrinkage , and more wrinkles than a prune. The muslin I purchased was higher end , high thread count, minimal shrinkage, and ironed just as nice as any LQS fabric.

No, "griege" simply means in the raw state, before dyeing or anything:

“Greige” (pronounced “grey”) or “Greige goods” are simply terms to refer to fabric in the raw state, before bleaching, dyeing or finishing processes.

Greige Goods and the Production Process
“Greige” (pronounced “grey”) or “Greige goods” are simply terms to refer to fabric in the raw state, before bleaching, dyeing or finishing processes.

First quality goods can have variations in look and weaving pattern due to the different types of weaving machines that are used in weaving the greige goods. This difference in weave look in no way suggests a lesser quality, but only a difference in weaving style.

The first step in the dyeing process is called lab dipping. Lab dipping entails dipping a small swatch of fabric in dye to match a specific color standard. Sometimes many dips are necessary before a color is approved. Once approved, a bulk dye formulation is made. Bulk dyeing is done in lots. Lot sizes can be 2000 yards or more. This lab dipping process uses “prepared for dye” greige of the same quality that will ultimately be used for bulk production.

Robert Kaufman uses the same quality greige and dyes for all customers purchasing Kona Cotton Solids - all customers receive the same product. We have never produced a lesser grade of Kona for any customer. All seconds are rejected prior to leaving the mill.

I think sometimes our preconceptions affect how we "see" things. If someone tells me , say, Walmarts fabrics are no good" (not that I think that, I buy there all the time) then the next time I go there, I'm going to be looking at it with a critical eye and if I have any doubts they're going to be pushed to the negative side.

I'd loooove to see a totally blind test to see if people really can tell a difference, that would be very telling, I think.

my Wal-Mart carries two grades of quilting fabric: 'nice' and 'garbage' ... they don't have Kona® at all

Exactly! My JA's doesn't say Robert Kaufman Kona on it. Yet, all the quilt stores and even Beverly Fabrics clearly has Kona with Robert Kaufman bolts.

Robert Kaufman produces Kona solids ... haven't seen Kaufman Kona at Joann's. Hobby Lobby has Kaufman Konas in at least 20-30 shades, I often buy it there - and it is just as good as the LQS. You can tell by the smooth hand and the weave, there's a definite difference.

My Jo-anns doesn't stock Kona any more.... But Hobby Lobby does! Much better feel than what the stuff at Jo-anns offers now...

Joanns has plenty of their Kona. They discontinued it several years ago but now see they have it back. Not a good quality

I've bought "supposedly" Kona cotton in the past from JoAnn's and been highly disappointed when I got it home and started sewing. Never could find "Kaufman" anywhere on/in/about it....so apparently there was an error in ?packaging? ?placement within the store? whatever! Now, when I buy Kona, I make sure that I see that word somewhere close!!

Me too - I bought something called Kona from LQS and it had a solid, thick but soft hand-feel and a medium thread per inch look, and a really intense dye job resulting in a brilliant blue, but I found it raveled every time I waved a rotary cutter at it.

I was told that the quality of the Greige goods WAS the same as the textile quality and the screen print or dye was a separate quality standard. I have studied textiles back in the day but there are so amy varieties of cotton with so many special treatments...I'm sure many more than I ever heard of!H

ow about a wine-tasting party for cottons?

I bought some at my lqs to finish a quilt started with some bought from jas. looks and feels the same to me...

My Joann's in S. Cal does not carry their Kona or anyone else's either.

And.....what muslin did you buy???? :)

I only buy the Kaufman Kona from Hobby Lobby - Great feel and Great sewing results. I've specifically have use the black, white, snow, and cardinal red. No problems at all

I have been called a "Fabric Snob" because I won't use anything but quality fabrics. I look at it this way, if I'm going to put this much work in a quilt that I make, I want it to last for many years to come. While my great great grandchildren are cuddling under one of my quilts, those made from lesser quality fabrics have already dry rotted away! I believe in QUALITY not quanity when it comes to quilts.

I'm going to buy 1/4 yd. of several bolts of "Kona" at my Joann and take Robert Kaufman up on their testing offer. At the same time I'm going to take a photo of the end of the bolt showing the Kona with the registered trademark.
Then at least I'll have a definitive answer for my Joann store.

Anyone else care to join me?

Just make sure the Kaufman name is on the bolt end. The word Kona even with the ® mark, does not guarantee it's Kona® Cotton Solids from Kaufman. The word Kona is part of a great many registered names (357 last time I looked), all of which have the ®.

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.