For a class I do generally use much cheaper fabric but Best Press or spray starch it before cutting. I will even use less fabric or make a smaller project.

The object is to learn. I don't cut well with others and making a cutting mistake is something I will do. To avoid this I usually get the cutting directions before the class and that is OK with the teachers. After all, the class is learn a technique and not on how to cut material.

I don't feel pressured, am relaxed, and ready to have fun and learn.

ali

Just starting use less expensive fabric while you are learning.Then invest in good fabric if you are making a quilt for yourself not so much to give away....A good quilt can run up to $400. or more.

I am a money pincher also, second hand shops, craigslist and then wash of course but I buy walmart and joanns with coupons and had had good luck but like everything else have to watch. But enjoy the journey

In all things in life - not just quilting - buy what you can afford. Quilting is supposed to be fun and if you're worrying about the money spent you won't have fun. Remember, it's your quilt, you can do what you want. If premium fabric were the only way to go, that's all that would be available. I've used all kinds of fabric in quilts. There are some very nice fabrics that are less expensive. I don't buy much online because i like to feel the fabric before I buy it. I've gotten some nice fabrics at Wal-mart. And I've bought some at LQS that were not so nice. Connecting Threads sells very nice fabrics for $596/yd.

I think one of the best sources of nice fabric is from other people. If you join a quilt guild or charity sewing group, you will meet other people who will help you find fabric. They exchange fabric and help each other out with pieces for a specific project. People are eager to help with ideas and supplies. You will form wonderful friendships, and there will be opportunities for you to give back. I recently did a favor for a quilting friend, and she gave me a storage bin filled with fabric!

I buy what I can afford. Sometimes Craigslist has other quilters who sell very nice fabric at a huge discount.

Just get the best that you can get at the time. While I am very disappointed in JoAnn's fabrics these days, I still see workable stuff in there...I am amazed how I look at some things and say yuck, but when my project is finished, it turns out beautiful!!! Enjoy the hunt for the fabric and the process of putting stuff together.

If you know you can't afford the quilt store fabrics - don't go in there, you won't know what you're missing and you'll see things and find things that others who have labeled themselves as "fabric snobs" would never see!! LOL!! ;)

I couldn't agree more. I am a fairly new quilter and I started with Joann fabrics and a smidge from the LQS. It didn't take but a few quilts for me to realize that I was not doing myself or my quilts any justice by using less quality fabric. Its amazing what good quality thread and fabrics do for a finished product.

With all that said, quilting is such a great hobby, creates many memories and amazing friends. Quilt with what you can afford, buy things on sale and search the internet. There are many many deals to be found. And most important don't be afraid to ask any questions, the one thing I have learned is that quilters are friendly and eager to share their knowledge and information.

Yes you can use less expensive fabric but I would caution against buying just anything. If you have a trusted friend that's been quilting for some time let them help you select and find quality fabric. I also would be careful and not purchase a bunch of fabric before you discover what type of quilter you are (this is a lesson from someone who's been there and done that). I over bought so many fabrics because I thought they were what I was "supposed" to buy and use - calicos, solids, safe prints, and colors. And just like your choice in style and colors in your wardrobe change, so will they in quilting.

Make sure you check the clearance fabrics at Connecting Threads - they change often & you can get them at 1/3 off or sometimes 1/2 off regular prices. Have ordered several times & the quality & the prices are right !!!