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Why would you ever purchase a lesser quality fabric?
By Serena Smith | June 10, 2009
Quality fabric is a must in your quilting and embroidery projects! It will stitch better, be easier to handle and cut and wear much longer than cheap, inexpensive, quality-lacking fabrics. But is there ever a time or project to use cheap fabric that lacks the quality you desire in your quilts?
In my opinion, yes. It’s rare that I use a lesser quality fabric, but in some cases I do think there is a place for it. In almost all of my projects I use quality fabrics, whether it’s a small wall hanging or a large quilt. If I am spending my time in cutting, stitching and finishing it, I want it to last and be the best that I can make it.
I do make two exceptions where I may use a lesser quality fabric: costumes and craft projects.
Costumes – For kid’s or even adult costumes that will be worn once or twice, if I find something in a lesser quality fabric that will work for what I need it for, many times I will use it. In my mind, it is a costume. It will be worn once or quite possibly twice, then tossed or given away. Most of the costumes that are created (unless it’s for a professional production) are ones that are put together to hold in place for that event.
Craft projects - Some craft projects that are more crafty in nature than garments, quilts or wall hangings, I may use a fabric that lacks the quality I like to use in my quilting projects. For example, with my Sunday School class kids, I cut up strips of fabric to glue onto paper to create objects and I really don’t care what that quality of fabric is (although any scraps work great for this!). The fabric is going to be cut up and glued to paper for a paper craft project. Or I may be draping fabric for a lesson or play I’m producing and that fabric is just there to see. It’s not going to be worn and washed repeatedly.
If it’s a project that will not be used repeatedly, washed over and over again, worn as a garment other than a costume or used for wall hanging or quilt, I will consider using a lesser quality fabric. I admit that I am picky and selective in my fabrics. I like the way quality fabric feels, stitches, washes and so forth. When I’m stitching something and putting time into it, I do the best that I am able to do and use quality fabrics to create it. But in certain cases, there is a place for using a lower end piece of fabric.
But keep in mind that even though a fabric lacking quality can be used, for those things that are important to you be sure to stick with quality pieces that will give you a beautiful finished result!
Topics: Fabric Tips, Helpful Lessons, New Items | 2 Comments »
June 12th, 2009 at 7:27 am
The same could be said for the thread and other supplies that people use. There are times when a lesser quality can be used but, for the most part, you should use the highest quality supplies when creating something that will be worn and washed, or which you want to last.
Taking the time to find quality supplies is worth it.
June 12th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Totally agree, Kristine! Quality products are the best!!!! :)