osewme

I want to make a quilt with black sashing & want to find a black that does not run/fade. What is your favorite black fabric? Seems like I've heard good things about the Kona fabrics but have never used them. I've also heard that Kona fabric is a bit heavy compared to other fabrics. So, I suppose my question not only deals with bleeding but also the fabric itself. I am planning on pre-washing it before I use it. However, I had some red fabric once (not a solid & not Kona) that I pre-washed a zillion times & it continued to bleed. I haven't used it for anything yet. I need to purchase my fabric from Jo-Ann's as I have gift cards from there that I can use. Thanks!

fruitloop

I never had a bleeding problem with Kona black but all dark cotton fabric will show fading sooner then prints.

popover

It isn't that it fades faster, just that its more noticeable because its dark.

crafty pat

I always use Kona but I always wash first and have never had a problem.

Prism99

I have used Kona black. It does have a heavier hand that I don't like, but it still works just fine in a quilt. One thing I noticed is that it is very "stringy". That is, when I cut it into 2.5" strips, the strips developed a lot of threads fraying along each side.

I much prefer Michael Miller's black, which is a very deep black and has a hand similar to other quilting fabrics. However, it can shrink a lot, so it is a good idea to prewash it and dry it before using (and purchase extra length to make up for the shrinkage).

AliKat

Yep, my experience had the Kona as more ravelly. I prefer a black tone on tone anyway.

Jingle

The blacks I get from Walmart and Hobby Lobby do not fade and much cheaper.

salemrabbits

I agree with Alicat- it does have a fray issue. If purchased in JoAnns you might check to see if they have it in the 108" bolt- KONA not other brand. Will save you more $$ and you can use your coupons. Of course the drawback of buying it this way is you must be careful when you cut it that you don't get a bow in your strip

juliea9967

I have started using a black batik for my quilts. I love it, and will not go back to regular cotton fabrics.
I always wash it first and have never had problems with it bleeding.

osewme

Thanks for all the input. I will see what Walmart has to offer in blacks. I've never really looked at their blacks...only prints. I'll also check out the tone on tone blacks. I never thought about that before. My main issue is with bleeding so I will look around & see what is available. Thanks again....this board is so much help when I have questions!