I needed a solid for a quilt I am going to make. I had heard good things about Kona cotton, so I bought some at Joann's recently. After washing, it felt very coarse and rough,even before washing it felt that way, I must say, so I was surprised. Has anyone else had this experience? Is there a difference in quality of the Kona cotton at Joann's and what is in quilt shops? Has anyone used Moda's bella solids?
Thanks

yes, there's many different qualities of kona cotton so you have to be careful where you buy it joannes carries the cheaper line of kona cotton.

i've used Moda Bella Solids and that is my "go to" brand now but they don't have as many colors to choose from so most of the times i still buy kona cotton.

Thanks KLue. Occasionally, I have seen fabric in Joann's that is exactly like something I have seen in the quilt store. The diffence being that the printing on the Joann's fabric isn't as clear or sharp, and the fabric has a different feel, so that is what made me wonder if there are different qualities of Kona cotton.

Kona makes a good muslin too.

I have bought Kona Cottons at my local Hancock Fabrics, and have been pleased with it. I have not ever noticed a problem.

I do not use fabric softener when I prewash my fabrics, and the Kona feels much softer to me after using the fabric softener when my projects are done.

i have noticed more and more that Joanne's prices keep going up, and the quality is less than walmart...
we had our little joannes close up and build a brand new big store, thought it would be exciting...i am so very disillusioned and disappointed in the new store. not only is the fabric more expensive than the lqs (which we thought was a bit on the high end) but the quality and the customer service is TERRIBLE. i will only visit the store when it is absolutely necessary i am not able to get what i need anywhere else (and i mean anywhere) our lqs carries a beautiful selection of kona solids which are high quality wonderful fabrics...fabric from joannes i would be apt to use for a dog bed (although it would probably fall apart and be riduculously expensive)

I love JoAnns Kona cotton...it does have to be washed before using but all other solids that I have used seem so thin and you can see seam lines thru them....I use it for redwork, applique etc.

With the top of the line Kona Cotton Solids in every color available at Hancock's of Paducah for only 3.60 a yard, I never risk getting it anywhere else...and I use a LOT of the stuff!!

After my experience at Joann's, I checked the lgs's and they didn't have much Kona in stock. I checked Hancock's at Paducah and my goodness they have tons of colors. They also have the Bella solids. I have never ordered from them, but have looked at their site many times. I might have to order from them in the future.

I recently got some fabric from Hancock's of Paducah and noticed that all their prices are per half yard. Still good prices but be sure to read carefully.

I second this one, every time I have bought Kona cottons from Hancock Fabrics it has been the highest quality.

I love it!!

Billy

I also have had very good luck with all the fabric I buy at Hancock Fabrics....not so true with Joanne's, where you really have to be careful what you select. I have noticed that our Joanne's fabric quality improved after they were remodeled, and the prices didn't seem to go up much. Maybe a few cents, but that's all.

I also get Kona from Hancocks with no problems. Moda solids are my favorite though. I avoid buying fabrics from JoAnn's, mostly because of poor quality and principle. It seems that when I have a coupon, it is for regular priced items and most everything is on some kind of a sale.

Where do you find the Moda Bella solids? Thank you...

I just purchased two bolts of the Bella solids from the fatquartershop.com. If you purchase 15 yards it is only $4.60 a yard, otherwise it is still only $5.75 a yard. It looks like they carry about 125 different colors. In addition, they will send you samples to be sure it is the color you want before you order a large quantity. Take them up on this offer, they charge 25% restocking fee on all returns. Hence my second bolt purchase, :roll: but it is fine, I will use both bolts.

Kona cotton should never feel stiff. In fact it actually feels a little like silk. It is one of the best cottons out there. When i need solid black it is the only one I buy. Our JoAnns does not carry Kona.

thanks for the info.... :-D

Yes they are different.