Some quilters do not like to use white fabric because depending on the material the color under the top layer shows through they tell me.
I have never had a problem but this is what quilters have told me in the past for what it is worth.
Jean

I use white alot. But I make sure it is an excellent quality white to avoid any see-thru's. I agree with making sure the iron is clean because it will leave marks. Quilt Police??? Haven't seen them yet, and I am one to break all the rules, if needed.

I use a lot of white on white in my quilts, and have done so since I started quilting. Never had a problem. It is your quilt, so use what you like.

One of things I try not to do is mix a plain in with prints, so maybe that's what they mean. A harsh white Kona mixed in with prints can be kind of jarring. Someone suggested using a white on white and that would be good. But when I use a plain fabric, I try to use all plains. Generally a plain in with prints draws your eye right to that color. And if that's the look you're going for, that's great. But if not, it's a design decision to think about.

I have seen many quilts with white fabric, and I am in a quilting group! Some of the women are award winning quilters and they use white! Hope that anwsers your question; I see many have replied the same!

Oh my! I use white often. Sometimes white is the only color to make something pop. I often use white on white, but I am looking for cotton whites that seem denser and not as see through. When appliqueing with white (or any light fabrics) I usually cut out the fabrics underneath so the colors don't show through. I use white batting when there is white in the quilt, but always off-white when I use cream fabrics - then the fabrics have a softer hue than when you use a white batting.

I have used a lot of white in various quilts I have made - especially applique. The quilt police are welcome to come and check out the finished quilts.

I have used a lot of white in various quilts I have made - especially applique. The quilt police are welcome to come and check out the finished quilts. :P

It's your quilt. You can do no wrong! :)

My grandmother made a double wedding ring that won grand prize at grand prize at the Malheur County Fair in Oregon several decades ago. The background was white. It didn't stop her from winning the prize, and the quilt is a knock-out.

I just bought two yards of Kona white on sale and I'm on a "never buy fabric again" kick! I go through stages, but I always love a crisp white with color. I like that "never say never!" Create what moves you and ignore the critics! They're probably out of white...

the only thing I can relate this to is when I was in college, and taking a painting class. We were not allowed to OWN tube of white oil paint for a semester.

The purpose behind that was sound .... she wanted us to not rely on the obvious add white to change color and tone.

This could in some fashion correlate to fabric, but as it doesn't physically blend, I dunno...

Does this make all the "grandma's quilts" out there wrong? Almost every antique quilt I see has a white background! Of course, if you use a cheap fabric, you will have shadowing on the seam if they are not pressed correctly. (How do I know? Humm...)

In some of the lg Shows, there have been winning Ribbons given to quilts with white fabric. I think if it is your quilt, use what you like & want. If there is a Quilt Police...I'm another one in big trouble. :-D

Sewing and crafting is to use ones own imagination so go ahead break the rules. I have and didn't hear any sirens yet. I have also pulled off mattress tags too uhoh.

Never heard not to use white. Personally I never use plain bright white because I am worried about grubby little fingers touching it and of course having something that never washes out on them so that spot would truly stand out. I have yet to have a running color problem with my fabrics, do they still do this these days? go for the white if you like it. I see it used here all the time.

ps thought it was shoes you weren't supposed to wear in white after Labor day and before Memorial day not fabric that is white in quilts.

White is great in quilts, You are doing all the right things with washing your fabrics so they want bleed into each other. If you are using reds make sure when you was it that it comes out clear. I wash all of my fabrics before using them. This way when you wash an item it want shrink on you.

Cookie

it's because the quilters who told you that tale are goofball idiots. :roll:

I use white.....I use whatever color I want.

I wonder if they could have been referring to using white on white for backing. Seems I read that somebody had done this and was ready to kill herself before getting it quilted as something in that process makes the fabric very sticky and it will not move smoothly..
Sure nuff, I was right. I just checked my Diane Gaudynski "Machine Quilting" book which states "caution, avoid white on white fabrics for the backing because they do not move freely over the bed of the machine and will cause jerky, uneven stitches."

:lol: :lol:

This is news to me. I used white on white for my background fabric and for my backing on the quilt shown as my avatar. I had no problems whatsoever. Could it be that they are making these tone on tone fabrics differently now which makes them smoother that those in the past?

I am using tone on tone white for a red, white and blue strip quilt for my DD. I have also used it hear and there in my scrap quilts.

OH NO...I'm putting an ivory backing on a quilt I am hand quilting right now!! Didn't know this was a no no!

i use white in my Quilts so if that is wrong it looks like i am not the only one !!!!
but if i am using a dark color with the white in the same quilt i wash it sometimes twice to make sure the colors runs i also put Vinegar in the water i was told it helps set the color

Sounds like one from the quilt police.