I counted 4 different kind of fabric solids at Joann's. I've seen Broadcloth, Symphony, Quilters Solid, and another one. Theres a pretty good price difference in them. Which is best for quilts?

check the end of the bolt. If you are using 100% cotton prints for your quilt, thats what you want for the solid. :D

i always look at the end for 100 % cotton no mixes usually when i buy from jo anns i use there quilters solids or calico prints but the choice is really yours as long as you stick to 100 % cotton

Joann's website says that Broadcloth (under $2 yd) and Quilters Solid ($3.99 yd) are 100% cotton. Such a big price difference for 100%!

great question! I've wondered that too!

sometimes you can feel the differance between the 2 materials one is softer than the other i also like Kona cotton it is a premium quality of cotton and i think it is what you would call the better grade of broadcloth someone correct me if i am wrong on the last statement i it cost little more but is easy to use and i think it is more durable but again it is up to you that is why i dont buy online from some stores i like to feel the material

I can tell you how I messed up when buying the solid color material at JoAnns.

I made a quilt for my son using the Irish Chain pattern. Since it was for a boy, I was trying to use masculine colors...red/black/gray. It looked great but when I bought the black (over in the solid color area of JoAnn's) I was in a hurry and I didn't think to check it out....(how can you go wrong with black material)... :oops:
I grabbed the bolt and headed for the cutting counter.
I found out how it could go wrong...
the black material was very stretchy. I had a difficult time in cutting it so that it wouldn't stretch in the pattern.

:lol: Now I check all of the material that I buy and I don't assume that all of it is the same even if it is in the same area.

i always go for the Kona cottons as they are also sold in quilt shops. great price with a coupon. i will use the quilter's solids, though (when i'm printing on fabric). if you hold each one up to the light, you'll see the difference (even though all four of them say 100% cotton). i stay away from broadcloth unless it's just a craft project. did use it for the decorative band of a pillowcase the other day.

I have found that the Kona cotton sold at JoAnn's and the Kona cotton sold at quilt stores is not the same at all. The stuff at JoAnn's is thinner, a more open weave, and very often has been colored with cheaper dyes. The color names and stock numbers on the JoAnn's bolts are not listed as part of the Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton line. It is cheaper at JoAnn's for a reason! (True Kona Cotton IS broadcloth, Patty, as are the new Moda Bella solids.)

there's a huge difference in the broadcloth that we're speaking of at jo-anns and the Kona cotton at jo-anns. i'm sure the term 'broadcloth' is used widely, especially if Moda is using it.

:D

I bought some solid black at joanns, decided I didn't have enough so I went back for more. When I got there I couldn't remember if I had bought broadcloth or quilters cotton so got the cheaper one. Once home I found that the blacks weren't the same shade or the same fabric content. So, lesson learned, check the bolt before you buy.

"broadcloth", in modern retailing, usually means a poly-cotton blend.

The symphony at Joann's is also a blend. I like their country classics solids. They are 100% cotton.

Debbie

http://www.calicoheartquiltshop.com/...iewDoc&docId=2

This site may help in the discussion of fabric grades and why you can feel a difference in the fabrics at your favorite quilt shop.

I bought some of that "Kona" fabric at JoAnns and was disappointed when I got home. It's thinner than I thought it was (I bought the white) and I ended up using a sheet with a tighter weave that I had on hand. I may use it later on in another project but will be purchasing higher quality basic fabrics for the stash for sure.

That's a great link, retrogirl, and it really sums up the reasons for the differences. Thanks. Kaufman's Kona is a denser weave (hence the term 'broadcloth') than even LQS printed quilting fabrics and I primarily use it for all solid quilts or for backings. It is a dream to work with and, at $3.98 a yard, is not expensive in my book (it's only $3.18 per yard by the bolt). I think maybe JoAnn's uses 'Kona' like most of us use 'Kleenex'. :?:

It's been years since I bought fabrics at JoAnn's, but not because I am a fabric snob (well, maybe a little :oops: ) and I am certainly not bashing anyone who does. I want the very best quality I can get for the quilts I make, most of which are my own designs and all of which are given as gifts to people I know and love. I buy mostly from local shops, more now than ever because of the state of the economy. I know I am blessed to have a great deal of choice about the matter. I simply do not want them to go out of business and will do all I can to support them during the rough times, just as they have supported me during the good. They are my friends and neighbors and their profits stay in the community. We all benefit in the end.

Thanks nor'easter. I do receive JoAnn gift certificates from friends out of town, most of whom aren't quilters. Mom and DH spoil me with LQS sprees at Christmas and B-day----sometimes mother's day as well. I prefer quilt shop fabric BY FAR but this is an expensive little hobby I have going on and I'm a SAHM. I'll use my stash and add to it every chance I get (never say no to fabric!!!).

I tend to buy notions at JoAnns and an occasional block of the month because I'd never be able to do one on time through the quilt shop and I can learn it at my own pace. I also purchase most of my books through Amazon now because the last one I bought at the quilt shop cost double what it was online. I just purchased a book recommended here and a companion and got free shipping. The two books together were less than one at the shop. ON the other hand, I couldn't imagine buying applique supplies through a chain store and I prefer the patterns available at the quilt store, too. I want to have my cake and eat it too. What can I say?
HAPPY SEWING!

You buy what you can afford...incomes vary. I am on social security, and am supporting a granchild. I own my house but have all the bills to contend with taxes, groceries, heat, replacing appliance, ect. These all come first. Then I can buy a bit of fabric...some where in the midprice range, and a few old clothes and sheets. I would love to buy all top of the line, but no can do....I like my quilts and so do my family and friends :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :oops: :oops: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :roll: :roll: :roll: