Novelty fabrics?
 

What exactly does the term “novelty fabrics” encompass?

Sort of like a novelty song but in fabric?

I don't have an exact definition, but ... a print that's humorous or whimsical in some way?

When I ordered fabric for a quilt store, novelty fabric was sports teams, Disney characters, animals, farm themes like tractors and barns. Panels and some childrens' themes often fell in this category.

I'd say "theme" is a better name than novelty. Often the scale is rather large, or at least larger than what I'd consider "calico" or as I refer to a lot of my collection as "tiny vine-y".

My definition of novelty fabrics are fabrics with cars, toys, animals , people, buildings, etc; anything with a theme.

I buy novelty cotton fabrics to make boxers for the guys in the family. Pretzels, grapes, bikes, hot peppers, etc.

I agree with this poster. Here are some examples of novelty fabrics.


https://www.quiltingboard.com/blob:h...9-8e320c4cfb9d
https://www.quiltingboard.com/blob:h...9-8e320c4cfb9d https://www.quiltingboard.com/blob:h...9-8e320c4cfb9d[ATTACH=CONFIG]601940[/ATTACH]

Weren't these prints once called conversation prints? Or was that something else?

I would think it's anything with cutsie animals or themes like the beach etc.

That brings back a memory I have of my mom making my brothers (3 of them) boxer shorts picturing a girl taking a bubble bath. This was during WWII. They were a real hit with the boys on the ships (navy guys, all 3).

To me they are happy and make you smile fabrics.

At our fabric store, we categorize cotton and cotton blends in a couple categories. In addition to particular brand names (ex.a designer's name) and particular fabrics (such as a batik), we separate them by calicos (ex.quilters type print, small design, all over pattern) and novelty. We define novelty as 'things' - animals, toys, food, space, landscapes, buildings, money, vehicles,etc. We tell a customer that if you can name an item, then the fabric is probably in the novelty section. Hope this helps.

I have also heard them called “conversation starters”.