Quilted

Which fabrics are suitable for quilting?

The essence of quilting is sewing different pieces of fabric together. There are no strict requirements regarding the exact fabrics to use. In fact, when quilting originated centuries ago, remnants of beautiful worn-out clothing were often used to create a quilt or blanket. Sewing fabric pieces together is known as patching, and the quilt created in this way, called patchwork, is actually just one part of quilting. Quilts usually consist of three layers. The most beautiful fabric forms the top layer, but there is also a backing and a lining.

Nowadays, people who want to start quilting don't have to wait until their clothing wears out. There are various beautiful quilting fabrics available on the market with attractive colours and patterns that complement the character of a quilt. Usually, these fabrics are made of 100 percent cotton without stretch. This ensures that the fabric pieces fit together well and continue to do so even after washing. For the lining, a fabric with heat-insulating properties is often used, such as wool or cotton, but we also have different lining fabrics in our range made of polyester.

A quilt acquires its distinctive appearance from the stitching that holds the layers together. However, this is not only for aesthetic reasons but also to keep the lining in place. This is particularly beneficial when making a wall hanging, as an unquilted filling will tend to sag over time. When the quilt is stitched at various points, the inner layer remains in place, preserving the quilt's beautiful and uniform appearance. This is especially true if you choose one of the many exquisite quilting fabrics from Quality Textiles.

Let your imagination run wild

Quilting has a long history. The oldest discovered quilt dates back to Roman times. The way we quilt today is mainly based on the American tradition that developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. While fabric remnants have been joined together to create new fabric for thousands of years, there was a specific artistic style during that time. Often, a heart shape was used as the central design element, surrounded by other intricate patterns. After the abolition of slavery, African people in the USA developed their own quilting style, which still serves as an inspiration for many artisans today.

Initially, various materials, including silk, wool, and linen, were used for American quilts, in addition to cotton. However, around the mid-19th century, it became increasingly common to make quilts entirely of cotton. This was facilitated by the developments in the industrial revolution. Cotton fabrics could be produced faster and more affordably, and quilts no longer necessarily had to be hand stitched. Besides, cotton was much less expensive than silk. As a result, cotton has become by far the most commonly used fabric for quilting over the years.

Usually, people choose specially designed fabrics for quilting. Often, these fabrics feature specific patterns or prints. Our quilting fabrics are designed to create beautiful quilts, but you can also let your imagination run wild and create something beautiful with the other fabrics in our range. In the Quality Textiles webshop, you will find a wide selection of plain fabrics and those with prints. You can use our children's fabrics, for example, for children's clothing, or create a beautiful wall hanging for the nursery.

Working with quilting fabrics

If you choose the special quilting fabrics in our range, you usually don't need to wash them before making a quilt. However, it is usually recommended to wash cotton fabric, as it may shrink during the first wash. Quilting fabrics nowadays are often treated to be dirt repellent and maintain their colours well. Therefore, they do not necessarily need to be washed. If you decide to work with other fabrics, pay attention to the fabric composition. It is best to wash a cotton fabric before using it for quilting. Polyester fabrics can also be washed, but avoid using high temperatures to prevent the fibers from shrinking.

There are special quilting threads available on the market. These are almost always made of cotton and have a shiny finish. They are slightly thicker than regular sewing thread. Alternatively, you can use medium-weight cotton thread. There are different ways to stitch the layers of a quilt together. Various quilting stitches have been developed, such as the small and large quilting stitches. You can also use basting stitches if desired. The most suitable needle depends on the thickness of the quilt, particularly the lining. However, a universal needle of a size between 75 and 90 is usually a good choice.

Buying quilting fabrics online

Quilting always produces a special result. If you want to ensure that the fabrics you intend using are suitable for quilting and will remain beautiful for a long time, then the quilting fabrics from Quality Textiles are an excellent choice. These materials are perfect for creating a patchwork quilt, but you can also choose a single design if you prefer.