cindit

I want to buy a bolt of cream and white to use for backings. I looked online at Joann's and, in their bulk fabric, found a 100% cotton broadcloth for $84.99 for 20 yards and a "Natural Charm" fabric that is 100% cotton and the same price. I can use a 50% off coupon. Does anyone have any other ideas? PS - I'm trying to be economical, but I want a good fabric with a decent thread count. Thanks for your help!!

HillCountryGal

Guess if you want to comparison shop you could check with some other on-line fabric sources.
fabric.com is where I've ordered from and have been very pleased.
That's a good price and with your 50% off coupon... it's a REALLY good price.

Lori S

One word of caution.. order a yard or the smallest unit you can get , before commiting to a whole bolt of any fabric. I like the Kona wide muslin for backings, and am looking to buy a whole bolt.

Tartan

I've seen some pretty thin wide backs, so I would order a small piece first to check the quality also.

Prism99

I would not buy a bolt of broadcloth without first getting a swatch or small piece to check it out. There are some great broadcloths (Moda) and some I don't like (Kona is too heavy for me) and probably some that are really tacky.

If you are looking for muslin, I would wait for a big Hancocks of Paducah sale (unfortunately, only once or twice a year). Kaufman Kona muslin is lovely quality (snow is a nice cream color that is not too white and not too cream) and comes to maybe $2.50/yard during this sale for the 44". It also comes in wider widths if you prefer those for backing fabric, with similar savings.

Otherwise my usual go-to place to shop is http://fabric.com . Have never purchased an entire bolt from them, though.

I think if you want 20 yards of anything, you need to make sure you really like the fabric first. There is tremendous variation in feel, thread count, handling qualities, etc.

Edit: For the JoAnn's fabric, if you have a store nearby you can go there and see if they have the fabric you are thinking of ordering. The stores often have the same fabrics, although not always at the same prices.

Sierra

And be careful about Joann's! They have so much on sale that it is hard, at least at some stores, to find something NOT on sale that you want so you can use your coupons.

cindit

I'll have to actually go to Joanns and check the fabric out. I need to stay out of there - I seem to end up spending too much when I go in!