Selecting and Preparing Fabric

Selecting fabric for a quilting project can be as much fun as doing the job itself. Even though to quilters select the same quilt pattern, different options of fabric will make each quilt unique. Most quilter's like using fabric that is 100 % cotton because they're easier to sew, mark, press and hand quilt. If you are trying to find fabric in a quilt shop you will seldom find fabric that is not pure cotton. Fabrics will likewise probably be arranged consistent with colors and print types.

With more experienced fabrics apart from cotton might be additional for variety. Not all fabrics are suitable still. If you are using an unique fabric for the initially, or want to make use of various types of fabrics together, try a small test block first. Fabrics of a medium density, with a regular weave work well. Loosely woven fabrics are prone to distortion, as are stretch fabrics. Silk, lightweight wool and some plastics may be employed with seasoned.

Both the color and tone of the fabric you opt will influence the overall effect of the pattern that you opt for. Tone may be used to create depth and interest with greater effect than when using color alone. Good planning is essential to reach the sought after look.

Color is greatly suffering from the colors approximately it. Using contrasting colors will make bits of a quilt block place upright out from one another. Combing certain warm colors like reds, yellows and oranges, in a similar quilt block as cool colors like blues, greens or violets, will make them look more vivid.

Combining fabrics with various print scales and types can add visual texture to your quilt. Interesting visual effects might be achieved by using colors of graduated values. Printed cotton fabrics are accessible in lot of designs and types including batiks, homespun plaids and florals, tiny-grained prints that seem as if solids, reproduction prints, and soft flannels. Solid-color fabrics become just about every color, shade and tint that you are able to imagine.

Quilt blocks created from fabrics of the same or various shades of one color, but of contrasting textures can create pleasing results. Fabrics with a nap such as velvet, or fabrics with sheen like taffeta also provide interest.

Whatever fabric you opt for your quilting project, you need to prepare it the right way before you start. Most cotton fabrics shrink when they're washed and dried. If you don't preshrink your fabric before you make your quilt, the fabrics may pucker at the stitching lines and the finished product may shrink in size the initially it is washed.

To avoid this wash all fabrics first in a washing machine on a short gentle cycle. Use cool or warm but never hot water. You may make use of a mild detergent, but it is not necessary unless the fabric is soiled. Wash like colors together just in case they are not colorfast. Machine dry the fabric and press it with an iron. You are now ready to begin your job.