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How do I build up a stash of fabric?
By Serena Smith | November 6, 2008
I know it seems to be a question that has a simple answer, “How do I build up a stash of fabric?” But in all honesty if you have just discovered quilting and are new to fabric, it can be very overwhelming when browsing through aisles of fun and unique fabrics. You see a bolt of fabric and love the print, but is it a piece that should be added to your stash?
Perhaps the better question to ask is not, “How do I build up a stash of fabric?”, but “How do I build up a stash of fabric I will use in the future?” After all, your ultimate goal is to use that fabric in a project, whether it’s now or in 5 years time (or yes, sometime even later than that!). Unless of course you live in a state with snow and ice year around and that fabric pile acts as added weight in your vehicle!
It’s easy to build fabric stashes; just start buying pieces of fabric you see and like. But over time, you can end up with lots of fabric you may or may not use in the future. You want to buy versatile solids, prints and marbles, keeping in mind that if you don’t use this for the project you have in mind, could it be easily used for something else? And everyone once in a while buy a piece of fabric just because you love it!
For example: I love cute baby cotton prints. At this point I have no use for them, but I love to look, feel and of course add some to my stash of fabric. Will I buy a few here and there? Yes, but not much. I can only use those pieces for a baby/children themed quilt, tote bag, wall hanging, etc. It is not as versatile as a floral print or marble that I might be able to use a hundred different ways.
I try to buy pieces that I know could be used for more than one project. More and more I am drawn to marbles and tone on tone pieces that can easily be used as a background for embroidery designs in addition to being able to incorporate those into quilt blocks, tote bags, pillows, home dec items, quilt backing, etc.
Do keep in mind that solids, marbles and tone on tone pieces need to dominate your stash of fabric. Those pieces can be used for anything compared to prints which can have limited uses. You will use much more of your solid stash of fabric than you will prints. Most of the time a quilt or project will use a print or a couple of prints as the focal point and then multiple solids, marbles or small prints to coordinate with it.
Just think. How would it look for a quilt to have 10 different large floral fabrics cut into squares, diamonds and triangles and stitched together? It might be busy, cluttered and overwhelming. But if you pieced together a couple of florals and wove in some marbles and solids, your quilt would have a more appealing appearance.
No matter if you are just starting a stash of fabric or adding to a current one, be a wise shopper as you are browsing through the fabric aisles. Sure, there will be pieces you love and will purchase, but also take note if it can only be used a couple of ways or many ways. With that thought in mind, you are sure to add pieces that will eventually make their way into projects.
Anyone have any ideas you would like to share on what prints or solids you buy? How do you determine what pieces of fabric to buy to add to your stash and how much do you purchase?
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Be sure to check out these links for other great fabric information:
Unwanted Fabric: How do you get rid of it?
Fabric Buying: How many yards should I buy?
Topics: Fabric Stash, Fabric Tips, Helpful Lessons | 1 Comment »
November 7th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I like to look at the remnant section of the store. If I am not working on a particular project and know how much I need, depending on what the fabric is I will get between a half a yard and a yard. I have a huge stash. And I like it! I also find fabric a garage sales and thrift shops.