What is the best black?
 

I want to make a scrapy Irish Chain using black as the background. I'm looking for suggestions for the manufcturer that makes a black that stays true color when washed and doesn't bleed onto the other fabrics. I made a twin size a few years ago, and when washed, it "grayed" the other colors. I was not happy and have stayed away from black. Here is what I want to make:

http://www.generations-quilt-pattern...ain-quilt.html scrappy triple irish chain...using black instead of white background...stunning

You have to scroll down a bit...

Oh my that is beautiful. I want to do an irish chain and I have been collecting 2 inch squares to make a scrappy. This would work for both my goals. I would love to make this but have not clue on the black recommend. I will watch to see what the QB has to say. Thanks so much for the link. I really like it on point too.

Keepsake quilting has a deep black. I think they say something about it being very close to an amish black-??
Anyways, nice stuff.

I like Kona cotton black. If you want to check Keepsake Quilting on line, keepsakequilting.com, they sell a black they call "Amish Black". They call it a true black the will stand up to washing. My Mom used it in an Amish-style quilt she made and it washed beautifully. Just a couple of ideas.

I like the Moda Bella Solids in Jet Black. I pre-wash and use color catchers when I wash a finished quilt so that would prevent any problems.

I hear micheal millers jet black is nice as well. I have only used kona so I have nothing to compare it to. I have also heard good things about moda bella solids as well

Kona cotton black! It's what my Amish friend suggests!

One thing to remember is to buy enough of your black before you start. Trying to match blacks after the fact is impossible.

I've been happy with Kona Cotton Black. I haven't used any of the brands mentioned above though.

Maywood Studios double-dyed Black Magic. Excellent hand and finish, deep true black, and said to be colorfast (but I'd test it, like any fabric).

Michael Miller jet black is my favorate - it has a softer "hand" then the Kona black - I quess it would depend on the hand feel of your other fabrics and of course MM jet black cost more then Kona.

You might want to make sure you wash a piece of the black before using it -- this will give you an idea if the color bleeds and if the fabric will gray a bit once it is washed. I like the Michael Miller and Maywood studios black. Yes, be sure you buy enough to finish the project -- some blacks have a blue cast, some are a bit gray and some a red cast and you don't want them side by side.

Michael Miller's Jet Black is the blackest black, and I think it remains true through washings. I haven't washed mine yet, so don't know that for a fact.

If you can, it would be great to buy half a yard of several blacks and test. Come to think of it, maybe I will do that at some point in the future. I would cut each one in half, label each (maybe with white embroidery?), then wash one half of each manufacturer under harsh conditions in the washing machine, afterwards comparing the washed half with the new half to see if color is retained well.

Edit: I should add that I have used Kaufman Kona black and find the hand to be unusually coarse -- sort of thick and meaty, and I found that the edges of strips seem to fray frantically. The Michael Miller Jet Black that I have has a much nicer hand and did not fray like the Kona. I do believe the Kona is sure to retain its color, however.

My preference is 5 or 6 blacks, or 20 blacks :) helps the eye move across the surface and adds interest. And there is zero chance of running out of a fabric.

Kona black is one of the truest black and is most used by Amish..

Yes the Amish black at Keepsake is beautiful fabric. Only black I ever use.

Kona black is the one we sell at the shop.

Eclipse by Blank Quilting. Jet Black. Dyed to be a true black. Put it up against other black fabrics, it passes every time! I buy it by the bolt.
Sandy

I buy kona black and snow by the bolt when Hancocks of Paducah has free shipping. If you buy 15 yards (size of bolt) you get additional discount.

I've only used Kona Black and very happy with the quality. Haven't had a problem with fading onto other fabrics. I agree with ArtsyOne, be sure and purchaset the amount you need from the same bolt.

In addition to the regular Kona Cotton Solids, Kaufman also makes a more tightly woven double-dyed black...Kona Premium Jet Black (there's also a Kona Premium Ultra White). They do cost slightly more than the regular Kona solids.

That is Kona, not Kaufman Kona, right?

Do you mean Kona Bay Fabrics' solids?

Im so confused with the Kona name. There is Kona fabric at Joann's, Kaufman Kona Bay, and what else?

The only color with a quantity discount left on it is white, and I suspect they simply forgot to remove that one. All the others disappeared the first of January. :hunf:

It's confusing, I think, because of the Kona Bay brand of fabrics. Kona Bay is a different manufacturer than Kaufman.

From what I have read elsewhere, I think that fabrics simply labeled Kona or Kona Bay cannot be assumed to be Kaufman Kona fabrics. For me, I just always look for Kaufman on the bolt or in the description. I seldom shop for solid colors, so have not run across the non-Kaufman Kona so far.

There's no such thing as "Kaufman Kona Bay". Robert Kaufman Fabrics is one company and they make Kona Cotton Solids. Kona Bay Fabrics is another company and they make primarily asian fabrics, but they also have a few solids. There is some dispute as to whether the 'Kona' sold at some JoAnn's stores is actually Kaufman Kona or not. When in doubt, it's best to make sure the Kaufman name is on the end of the bolt. The word Kona, when not trademarked, refers to a place...like Bali, Paris, or Kalamazoo. Clear as mud, right? :)

When I have used or needed a solid black, I use the Amish black from Keepsake Quilting. I have never had any problems with it bleeding or fading. I buy it 10 to 20 yards at a time. Just depends on what I need it for.

I like to get it from the same bolt/lot whenever possible.

Thank you everyone for your input. It is nice to hear from those with experience.

Moda black is consistent and a very nice black.

I buy Michael Miller black. Its a little more pricey but a good quality black. :)

When I made my Irish Chain, I sewed strips together, then cut them. I sure didn't want to sew a bunch of 2" squares together.

Are you wanting a solid? I have seen many black prints that I thought were striking.

I always use Kona cotton black and it doesn't fade.

This is what I was going to suggest..it is called Amish Black.

Beautiful quilt. I don't use much black but I have used Moda and it has performed well.

I just recently found this one and I do love it. I haven't used it in anything yet, and haven't washed it but it looks great

Whichever you get, I would pre-wash the bejabars out of it. Every black I have had gives off at least a little color in the wash, and I usually hand wash them two or three times until the water is clear.

I have had good luck with Michael Miller black.

I like Micheal Millers jet black.