Using Non-Tradional Quilting Fabrics
 

Quilting cotton reigns Queen in my quilts, but I'm curious if anyone has used other, non-traditional fabrics s/a linen, hemp, ramie, hand wovens, etc.

Thanks,
Cindy

I have made at least 10 quilts and half a dozen quilted purses using faux suede....my avatar being one example. It is a GREAT non-traditional fabric to work with...tho you have to clean the "fluz" out of your bobbin case quite often!!!

Faux suede sounds VERY cool! How is the quilt used? As a blanket? A wall hanging? A rug?
~ Cindy

Believe it or not I used gold Lame to bind a table topper once.

ONCE.

Crazy quilts often have satin, velvet, taffeta, brocade, etc. While lovely, I'd want to use them for light-duty--washing them often might be problematic.

My DM used to use all types of fabrics in some of her quilts. The ones I have she made that way are still good and pretty. I have never used anything but quilting fabric in mine.

I have used silk, cotton velvet, corduroy, cotton/poly, rayon, T-shirt knit material (stabilized, and not just in T-shirt quilts!), fleece (for applique, and for texture in paper-pieced critters), tulle, satin, and upholstery fabrics of many kinds.

The only problems I've had came from not adjusting seam allowances and stitch length enough when sewing fabrics together which have dramatically different weaves - when in doubt leave a larger seam allowance and use a smaller stitch. I always prewash everything, but I think even if you aren't normally a pre-washer you would want to test any unorthodox fabrics before including them.

Alison

I'm wondering about something shaggy...like fake fur. I don't know if I'd like sewing on it, but it might be cute in a little kid's quilt.

~ Cindy

I have used lame as an accent border a few times in quilts. I bought some fusible that makes those fabrics washable. Never have tested it out since I am not a big fan of washing quilts especially now when I have to depend on the apt complex laundry facilities.

That's a good point, Alison. I wouldn't have thought to adjust the seam allowance.
~ C