Quilts are a labor of love, to be sure your quilted work will be cherished for generations, be sure to use the best quality 100% cotton fabric you can find. Cotton is the preferred fiber of quilters because of minimal distortions, ease of seaming and it's ability to press crisply and hold pressed edges.
Fabric is generally marketed on a bolt. The bolt is the cardboard (originally wood, as in a "shingle bolt") upon which the fabric is wound for transportation and marketing. Standard measurements for fabric on bolts is 44 to 45 inches wide, most bolts are wound with 15 yards of fabric. Thus, one yard of fabric generally measures 36 inches by 45 inches.
Each piece of fabric has a variety of "stretch" built into it by the weaving process. Using these attributes for best results will mean the difference between a quilt that pieces well and one that is misshapen or "bunchy".
Lengthwise Grain (aka straight grain, aka Warp Threads) refers to those threads running longwise on the bolt. When fabric is woven, the strongest threads are the warp threads--those threads that run long-ways on the fabric. These threads are very strong to support the web while weaving and stretch very little.
It is best to cut borders and sashings on the Straight of Grain for best accuracy due to minimized stretch. Garments are cut so that the length of the garment (such as a dress) will fall on the straight of grain. This keeps garments from stretching out and becoming longer than wanted.
Cross Grain (weft threads) refers to those threads running across the width of fabric. These weft threads, due to the nature of the weaving process, have a bit of stretch or give to them.
These are good to use for block units, as the stretch can be manipulated to make uneven cuts match up. Garments are cut with the cross grain going across the width of the item, so that there is a little "give" or stretch to garments when you move or bend. Good also for straight bindings where only a bit of give is needed.
Both cross grain and lengthwise grain are called "straight grain" or "straight of grain" as these directions coincide with the straight
True Bias refers to a 45 degree angle across the threads, and provides the most stretch, or "give", on the fabric. In quilting, any cut of fabric at any angle across the threads is referred to as "bias".
Bindings are cut on the bias to make curved or shaped edges. Garments (such as skirts or dresses) are cut on the bias to give them a nice drape that clings to the body.
The Fold line marks the center of the fabric longwise. This fold is very stiff due to sizing in the fabric and pressure on the fold when it is wound onto the bolt. You will need a steam iron to relax this crease.
The Selvages are the woven ends of the long edges of the fabric. Color registers and manufacturer information is often printed on the selvages. Selvages are tightly woven to prevent raveling. Due to the tight weave, the selvages may shrink more than the bulk of the fabric when washed. Cut off the selvages before sewing to prevent unsightly gathering or bunching.
What if there is no selvage edge on your piece of fabric, how do you tell the cross grain from the straight grain? What if you have a scrap from your stash with not edges for reference. Use a fat quarter or square section of fabric cut on the grain and try the following experiment:.
This is the questions that gets the experts all fired up. As there are proponents of both, each quoting multiple reasons for each, we shall assume it is a matter of opinion. That said, here is my opinion on the deba
Whenever possible-PREWASH fabrics intended for quilts or clothing. My reasons:
There are some great products to aid you in preparing fabrics for sewing. Most are designed to help fix emergencies--quilts that bleed after construction. To be safe, if a fabric bleeds, just don't use it in a quilt. If you really must use it, try a few of the "fixes" below.
Some batiks seems prone to bleeding and you may need to apply some Synthapol to control it. Synthrapol is a concentrated surfactant used commercially to rinse excess dyes from fabrics. Now quilters can purchase this product to treat fabrics, particularly batiks that may not have been rinsed adequately. Follow package directions and rinse thoroughly.
Retayne is a product that helps to set dyes. When you are confident that excess dye has been removed with Synthapol, give the fabric a final treatment with retayne to prevent further bleeding.
Don't get these products mixed up! A quilter recently had a batik quilt, and the dark blue patches were bleeding significantly. She mistakenly treated the quilt with retayne first, effectively setting the stains permanently into her quilt. A better course would have been to treat with synthapol in hopes the stains from the excess dye could be rinsed away.