Choosing Quilt Fabric
There are many different types of fabric that may be used in patchwork, quilting and appliqué.
The following information will help you identify and choose the best fabric for your projects.
Calico is a strong, plain weave fabric. It is available in a variety of weights and is usually white
or natural with darker flecks.
Corduroy or fine-wale corduroy is a plain-weave fabric with vertical pile-effect ribbing. It frays
easily but is suitable for appliqué and large-scale patch pieces.
Cotton is the choice of most quilters. It is hard-wearing and easy to work with. Cotton comes in
a wide range of plain and patterned print colors. It is the best choice for patchwork quilt fabric.
Felt is made from wool. It is non-woven fabric. Instead, the fibers are compressed with moisture
and heat. Felt shrinks making it unsuitable for most articles that need frequent washing. It is
ideal for appliqué
Gingham is a cotton or cotton blend fabric. Alternating stripes of colored and white threads in
the warp and weft produces a checkered pattern.
Lawn is a fine crisp cotton, or cotton blend fabric. It is available in prints and plain.
Linen is fabric that is woven from fiber produced by the flax plant. Linen frays and creases easily
but is suitable as a ground fabric.
Muslin is a white or natural open-weave cotton or cotton blend. This fabric is suitable for backing
quilts and is also used in shadow quilting and appliqué.
Organdy is a fine cotton fabric that is starched. It is used for shadow work.
Organza is a gauzy fabric woven from silk or synthetic fibers. It may also be woven from silk and
a synthetic blend. Organza is available in plain colors and with metallic and iridescent effects
Understanding The Basics Of Quilting

making it suitable for appliqué and shadow work. It is also sometimes used for delicate
patchwork.
PVC is a plastic, cotton-backed cloth. It is difficult to work with because of its lack of flexibility. It
is used for patchwork and appliqué.
Sateen is a soft fabric that has a surface sheen. It is a popular quilt fabric.
Satin is a shiny fabric that can be woven from cotton, silk, or synthetics. It is used in appliqué.
Silk is fabric that is woven from natural fibers produced by silk worms. It works well for almost
any project and is available in a variety of textures, colors, patterns and weights.
Shantung fabric is woven from yarns of irregular thickness giving it an uneven surface. It is used
for quilting and patchwork.
Taffeta is a plain-weave fabric with a two-tone effect. It is suitable for appliqué and small
patchwork.
Velvet has a closely woven backing and a dense cut-pile surface. It is used in patchwork,
especially crazy patchwork, but the nap should lie in the same direction as the patchwork.
Voile is a fine woven fabric that is used for shadow work
Wool is made from woven fleece. Wool does not launder well and should only be used for inlaid
appliqué, unless it is lightweight. Light weight wool may be used in patchwork.
Understanding The Basics Of Quilting

How To Choose The Right Batting
Many crafters do not take the time to learn about the correct batting for their quilting projects,
but it can make the difference between a successful quilting project and an unsuccessful one.
The right batting can have an enormous effect on the finished appearance of your quilting
project. It can also make the difference between enjoying the process of quilting or hating it.
You spend hours planning the design and look of the outer layers of your quilting project, why
not take the time to learn a bit about the batting that goes inside?
Batting is the insulating fabric, which is the part of the quilt that creates warmth. Batting is
layered between the quilt top and the backing. This quilting sandwich of three layers of fabric is
then pinned at the edges in order to temporarily secure it. Most commonly it is then sewn
together, either by hand or machine, but sometimes crafters tie the layers of batting and fabric
together. Usually yarn is used to tie a quilting project together, but sometimes several strands
of thread are used also. Be certain to tie a tight square knot if you choose this method of
securing the batting to the fabric. You want to be sure the quilt will stand up to years of use.
Batting comes in several different fibers, most often polyester, cotton, and wool. Polyester
batting has a high loft which will remain through repeated washings. It is generally hypoallergenic
and usable for either hand or machine quilting projects. Cotton batting is a quilter's
dream. It has a much lower loft than the polyester