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The short answer: When buying quilting fabric, focus on 100% cotton with a tight weave, check thread count and colorfastness, and always prewash to avoid shrinkage surprises.
Quilting fabric quality starts with thread count. For quilting, look for a thread count between 180 and 250 threads per inch. Higher counts can feel stiff, lower may fray. Inspect the weave by holding the fabric up to light; a tight, even weave with minimal light showing through indicates durability. Avoid fabrics with slubs or uneven texture. A simple test: pinch the fabric and rub the layers together. If it feels soft and doesn’t shed lint, it’s likely good quality.
100% cotton is the standard for quilting because it holds its shape, presses well, and resists fraying. Cotton blends with polyester can be cheaper but may not iron flat, and they can pill over time. For hand quilting, a slightly looser weave is easier to needle through. For machine quilting, a tighter weave prevents puckering. Avoid silks or linens unless you are experienced; they require special handling and can shift during piecing.
Check colorfastness by rubbing a damp white cloth on the fabric. If color transfers, skip it. Prints should align with the grainline; ask to see the fabric cut on the bolt to verify. For small quilt pieces, choose prints that read as a solid from a distance. Avoid large scale repeats for small blocks. Also, note that dark colors often have more dye, which can run; prewashing is essential.
Prewashing shrinks fabric and removes excess dye. If you are mixing fabrics from different brands, prewash them all in warm water and dry on medium. This reduces the risk of uneven shrinkage later. However, some quilters prefer not to prewash because the sizing helps with crisp piecing. Our research shows that for beginners, prewashing is safer. For experienced quilters, skipping prewash can work if you use consistent brands known for minimal shrinkage.
Popular brands like Robert Kaufman, Moda, and Kona Cotton are consistent in quality. They have a thread count around 200, good colorfastness, and minimal shrinkage. Discount fabrics often have lower thread counts and may twist or distort. A good rule: pay between $8 and $12 per yard for standard quilting cotton. For more details on specific brands and our picks, see our Top Quilting Fabrics: Best Picks for 2026 Projects guide.
Q: How much fabric should I buy for a quilt? A: For a throw quilt (50×70 inches), you need about 3.5 yards of fabric total, including backing. For a twin, about 5 yards. Always buy an extra 1/2 yard to account for mistakes or pattern matching.
Q: Can I use old clothing or sheets for quilting? A: Yes, but be cautious. Woven cotton sheets work well if they are 100% cotton and not too worn. Clothing usually has different weave densities, which can cause uneven quilting. Test for shrinkage and colorfastness first.
Q: What is the best width for quilting fabric? A: Standard quilting cotton is 44 to 45 inches wide. Some brands offer 108 inch wide backing fabric, which eliminates seams for larger quilts. For piecing, 44 inch width is easiest to work with.
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