Moda Bella cottons vs kona cottons. Which do you prefer?
 

I don't use a lot of solids in my quilts. I needed solid white, red and black. So when I ordered I bought Moda Bella. I was very disappointed, the black and red shed terribly the white not so much. Do Kona cottons shed a lot too? If they don't I think I'll go with Kona cottons next time. Let me know what you use.

my first choice is always Connecting Threads for anything, it's the best price and the quality is great, they just don't have a huge variety, but they do have solids

When you mention shedding are you talking about lint buildup in your machine? Or are you talking about problems with fraying?

I love Kona solids, and have used them a lot. If you're talking about lint build up then I can say that I haven't noticed any more with Kona solid colors than with the better quality printed quilt fabric I've used. I haven't used much red, but have used a lot of the black, various blues, whites and grays.

I have noticed in other lines that different colors of the same line can cause different amounts of lint and I don't know if Kona cotton solids have similar variation.

If you're talking about fraying then I would say that I have noticed less fraying with Kona solids than with other solids, they tend to be a bit heavier weight and more tightly woven than some of the other solids I've purchased over the years. They also tend to be a little heavier weight than some of the good quality print lines as well.

Rob

I took my Bella solids and pre washed in hot water. It seemed to shrink up and tighten the weave.

I have not tried Bella solids but I love Kona fabrics. Such yummy colors. I have not noticed any fraying beyond normal with them. I inadvertently bought a Joann blend I think in white and it frays terribly. I feel I need to cut an extra few threads over to make a pattern piece. I don't think you can go wrong with Kona

I have always preferred Kona cotton since it is more accessible for me to buy. I have used it since it first came out. I only BUY from LQS to get the best quality. Too bad someone doesn't invent a spray starch that will keep the fabric from unraveling the cut edges.

Whichever one is on sale... LOL

I prefer Kona but I'll use either and have used both in the same quilt many times. Bella feels softer, more drapey, which is actually kind of a pain while quilting. Kona is a bit stiffer, making it easier to piece. Once they're sewn into a quilt, I can't really tell them apart.

I like Connecting Threads solids too - the colors are a touch "muddy" compared to Kona, IMO, but they're still good quality for a good price and if the color works, it works. You can order a charm pack from Connecting Threads to see how their solids look in person - they don't charge extra for cutting the fabrics so it's a pretty good deal. I buy my solid white almost exclusively from CT now - I buy 8 yards at a time and wrap it onto a bolt. It's a little thinner than Kona but thicker than the "bargain" solids at someplace like Joann's.

I think the Michael Miller cotton couture solids are far superior to both Kona and Bella. They have a higher thread count and are so silky. I don't know how the price compares.

I used Kona black for a large project and I have never seen so much lint. The stuff is all over the Juki! I was also using a cotton thread from whoever makes King Tut, and that linted a bit, too. Changed over to a poly which got rid of some of the lint around the feed dogs

I cut quite a few pieces with the Accuquilt Go. When first cut, the edges were clean. Couple of hours later, even just sitting there were short strings on the black.

I had quite a few other Kona solids, and none of the others linted like the black.

I'll keep buying anyway if I need more. I can clean the machine and surrounding area without much fuss.

Actually, I've seen more lint. Lycra. That will cover everything. I made dance and skating clothes for kid. This Kona black wasn't quite THAT bad.

I like Kona. I also use CT. :)