Recently, a friend asked me to repair a quilt that had been in their family for 15 years. The quilt belonged to her teenage son, and to say it had been well-loved would be an understatement. When she brought it to me, I was heartbroken. This quilt, though only 15 years old, looked like it had been around for a century. The fabric was shredded, the colors had faded to near invisibility, and some areas had worn so thin that there was barely anything left to stitch together.
I gently asked what kind of fabric had been used to make the quilt. As I suspected, it had been made with inexpensive fabric from a big-box store. My heart sank further because I knew this situation could have been avoided. You see, I have quilts that my own children have used daily for just as long—if not longer—and they don’t look anything like this. Yes, they’ve been washed and loved, but they’re still structurally sound and beautiful. Why? Because I used high-quality fabric from reputable brands.
And no, I’m not just saying that because I work for Nancy’s Notions. I truly believe it.
Pictures of my friend’s well-loved quilt. The entire quilt was just in shreds and sadly, it was too far gone to repair.
The Difference in Fabric Quality
When you compare name-brand quilting cotton to the inexpensive fabric found at big-box stores, the differences are clear:
- Thread Count & Weave: Quality quilting cotton has a higher thread count and a tighter weave, making it stronger and more durable.
- Dye & Colorfastness: Name-brand fabrics use better dyes, resulting in colors that stay vibrant after repeated washes, unlike cheaper fabrics that fade quickly.
- Fabric Weight: Discount fabric is often thinner and more loosely woven, making it more prone to fraying and wearing out faster.
When Is It Okay to Use Big-Box Store Fabric?
Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s a time and place for budget-friendly fabric. If you’re working on a quick craft project, a seasonal decoration that won’t see much wear, or something that doesn’t need to last, then sure, go for it. But when it comes to heirloom quilts or garments you want to wear and wash repeatedly, investing in quality fabric is absolutely worth it.
I’m in love with these new arrivals from Missouri Star! Left to right – the Scrap Basket Favorites Charm Pack, the Ingrid’s Wildflowers Tumbler, and the Honeycomb Golden Fabric Quilt Kit. You can find all three and many more new arrivals by clicking here!
The Takeaway
If you’re putting your heart, time, and effort into making a quilt—especially one meant to be treasured for years—choose high-quality fabric. It will not only hold up over time but will also maintain its beauty and integrity. That’s not just a sales pitch. It’s the truth, backed by years of experience and real-life examples like my friend’s quilt.
So, the next time you’re tempted by a bargain bolt of fabric, ask yourself: Will this hold up to love, use, and time? If the answer is no, you might want to reconsider. Because a quilt made with love deserves fabric that will last just as long.
‘Til next time! Happy sewing!
Beth
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Nancy’s Notions homepage! That’s where you can find all of the categories leading you to hundreds, yes, hundreds of articles all about quilting and sewing! I think of our website as a super fun sewing magazine – it’s just online and it’s free! Click here!
