The Low-Down on Fabric

Happy Harper Quilts

www.happyharperquilts.com

 

Many of my #happycampers ask me why I recommend purchasing name brand fabric from retailers other than Jo-Ann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart.

The short answer is:  QUALITY. 

Name brand fabric is more durable and easier to work with.  In my experience, when I work with off-brand or cheaper fabrics, you get what you pay for.  You get . . .  seams that do not match up (even if you trim and doctor your blocks a hundred times over!); frays galore; damaged fabric after seam ripping (because the fabric frays); rotary blades that dull faster; and a frustrating work environment.  Think about how the rotary blade has done wonders compared to scissors when it comes to cutting a straight edge.  What a time saver!  And you know you are going to get as accurate a cut as humanly possible!  Well, it is the same for name brand fabrics.  When I work with name brand fabrics, I save time, get better final products and avoid unnecessary frustration!  Quilting is not always enjoyable-hey, it is hard work!  But in the end, you can relish over your finished product!  So many times, after completing a quilt using off-brand fabric, I regret all the time I spent, because the finished product is sub-par!  No one wants to feel that way after spending countless hours on a quilt! 

Some people like to purchase cheaper fabric so they can “practice” a pattern.  Little do they know, the cheaper fabric is not helping you hone your craft.  Instead, it ends up frustrating your efforts and preventing you from accomplishing the very thing you intended to practice--achieving those perfect seams or stitches.  If you want to practice, but don’t want to splurge, then opt for a name brand charm pack (42 5-inch squares, about $10 retail) or just practice on a smaller project (using name brand fabric).

If you have worked with off-brand fabric successfully, hats off to you, darling!  It has not been so easy for me.  I am not saying that you should never choose fabrics from Jo-Ann  Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or Wal-Mart. BUT - if you are going to invest your time in a project that you want to stand the test of time, splurge on some name brand fabrics.  I promise it is worth it!

My personal experiences are noted below, per retailer:

Wal-Mart – all fabric I have purchased is thin, frays easily, and my seams were never “perfect”.  Not good for any type of quilt-top piecing or paper piecing patterns, IMO.

Jo-Ann Fabrics – this one is hit or miss; about 50% of the time, I get good quality, but beware of thin or rough fabrics.

Hobby Lobby – a lot of cute fabrics to choose from, and I have purchased off the bolt and successfully completed a few lap size quilts with these fabrics with no regrets.  However, I have purchased their fat quarters a couple of times, and my rotary blade and machine needle needed replacing after this single project!  Talk about rough!

Hope this info helps! And as always ...

Happy Quilting,

Angela
Happy Harper Quilts
www.happyharperquilts.com