Understanding Fabric

Parts of Fabric• Selvage

– The lengthwise finished edges of a woven fabric.

• Grain– The lengthwise and crosswise threads of

a woven fabric used in its constructionWhich grain, lengthwise or crosswise, do

you think has the stretch?

Crosswise =)• Bias

– The diagonal of a woven fabric in which a true 45 degree angle

Bias

Lengthwise Grain

Crosswise Grain

Selvage

Selvage

Fiber Content• Fibers Review

– Raw materials from which fabric is made– Natural fibers-come from plant and

animal sources• Cotton, silk, linen, wool

– Manufactured fibers-made from wood cellulose, oil products, and other chemicals• Acrylic, nylon, polyester, rayon

Cotton!

• 100 % cotton is strongly recommended in the construction of quilts because…– Cotton is strong when wet– Irons easily at high temperatures– Wrinkle resistant– Takes and holds creases well– Durability

Blends

• Cotton/polyester blends can also be used if they are at least 65%, but…– Polyester is resistant to creasing– More difficult to needle– Usually shrinks more than cotton

• Do NOT mix pure cotton & cotton blends

Keep in mind the quilt’s planned use. Bed quilts should be more durable,

wall hangings you won’t need to wash as often.

Choosing Fabric

• Wal-Mart vs. Quilt Shop– Think about…

•Quilt’s use•Quality•Selection•Cost

Keep the pattern in mind!!!

• Are you planning on a theme?• Are you planning on using a photo?• Are your blocks big or small?• Use large print for large blocks and

small print for small blocks (scale)• Do prints have a one-way direction?• Use a variety of patterns & colors that

have an overall unity

If you purchase plaids or stripes,

purchase extra yardage

When you are choosing fabrics, put different bolts together on a large table. Then step back and look at

the overall mix of values and visual textures. One might look out of

place; replace it with another until you are pleased with the overall

appearance.

Do you want an antique look?

If Yes– Do not prepare fabric at all– Wash right after quilt has been completed– Do iron the fabric to get rid of wrinkles or creases

• If No– Unfold fabric– Machine wash separately in warm water– Line dry or machine dry at medium or permanent

press temperature until fabric is damp– Iron damp fabric until it is dry and wrinkle-free