Cotton Fabric

Cotton quilting fabric is the standard in quilting for many reasons: It's breathable, easy to wash, easy to sew, presses nicely, wears beautifully, and lasts for years. 100% cotton fabric is ideal for both quilting and sewing, which is why Missouri Star offers a vast selection of high-quality cotton fabric by the yard in so many fantastic colors, bold prints, and classy designs. But some beginners may be wondering: what makes cotton quilt fabric a cut above the rest? Allow us to enlighten you!

First and foremost, cotton fabrics are an ideal choice for quilting because they are easy to work with. Quality quilting cotton is easy to cut, sew, and press. Additionally, cotton quilting fabric is easy to care for, and holds its shape well. And whether you prefer cotton fabric by the bolt, yardage or precuts, it’s sure to be your go-to fabric because it is so versatile and dependable!

Not only is cotton fabric suitable for various quilting techniques, including piecing, appliqué, and quilt binding, it can also be used for other sewing projects like garments, home decor items, and accessories.

Throughout your quilting journey, you will likely come across some fabrics that simply don’t make the grade. Sometimes these are discount cotton fabrics of lower quality, but there are also types of cotton fabric for sale which may not be well suited to quilting.

As you browse discount cotton fabric or buy cotton fabric online, be on the lookout for certain buzzwords in the product descriptions which indicate the quality you can expect:

Types of Cotton Fabric

Quilt cotton fabric is 100% cotton, a sturdy medium-weight fabric that often has plain weaves. This cotton for quilting is made to withstand numerous washes, and typically boasts a higher thread count than other cotton fabrics, which means it has more threads woven per square inch. A higher thread count results in a smoother and more durable fabric, which is important to keep in mind when you’re ready to buy cotton fabrics for quilting.

By contrast, apparel cotton is a lightweight 100% cotton fabric with more drape, less body, and is specifically intended for clothing. And while both quilt cotton fabric and apparel cotton fabric are reliable high-quality cottons, cotton quilt fabric is made especially to withstand regular use and washing, maintaining their quality and appearance over time.

Poplin fabric, also known as broadcloth, is a lightweight and tightly woven cotton fabric. It has a smooth texture and is commonly used for dress shirts, blouses, dresses, and lightweight home decor projects.

Lawn fabric is a lightweight and semi-sheer cotton fabric that has a crisp finish. It is soft, smooth, and often used for garments like summer dresses, blouses, and skirts.

Voile is a lightweight and sheer cotton fabric with a soft and drapey texture. It is often used for making flowing garments like blouses, dresses, and scarves.

Muslin fabric is a plain-weave cotton fabric that comes in various weights and finishes. It is often used for making prototypes, toiles, or mock-ups before cutting into more expensive fabrics; it can also be used for making lightweight garments, linings, and home decor items.

Canvas fabric is a heavy and durable cotton fabric known for its strength and sturdiness. It has a plain weave and is commonly used for making bags, upholstery, home decor, and heavy-duty projects that require a sturdy fabric.

Twill is a cotton fabric with a distinct diagonal weave pattern. It is medium to heavyweight and has a sturdy and durable nature. Twill fabric is often used for making jeans, pants, jackets, and home decor items like curtains or upholstery.

Flannel fabric is a soft and brushed cotton fabric that provides warmth and coziness. It has a fuzzy surface and is commonly used for making winter garments like pajamas, shirts, robes, and baby blankets. Jersey is a knit cotton fabric known for its stretch and comfort. It is commonly used for making T-shirts, dresses, skirts, and other garments that require a flexible and stretchy fabric.

Especially if you are looking to purchase cotton fabric online where you can’t feel the quality in person, it is important to understand the differences between various types of cotton fabrics.

High-quality quilting cotton is often made from long-staple cotton fibers, resulting in a soft and comfortable fabric. It feels pleasant against the skin and is suitable for projects that require a soft touch.

Also keep in mind that high-quality quilting cotton provides superior clarity for vibrant and detailed prints. From modern cotton fabric designs to floral print cotton fabric and beyond, the smooth surface and high thread count found in cotton fabrics by the yard & precuts will ensure that the colors and patterns stand out and remain sharp over time.

Cotton material for quilting is widely available in a vast range of colors, patterns, and designs. Whether you prefer traditional, modern, or whimsical prints, you can find a wide variety of quilting cotton fabric by the yard & precuts to suit your quilting needs right here.

Ready to give quilt cotton fabric a try? Buying cotton fabric online is much easier if you are already familiar with the brand or designer, but allow us to take the guesswork out of it for you: we source only the best quality cotton for quilting here at Missouri Star! Browse our huge selection of cotton quilting fabric by the yard, precuts and cotton fabric panels from top designers. We have cotton material for quilting in beautiful florals, batiks, blenders, novelty prints, and stunning solids - everything you need to complete your quilts! Try shopping for cotton quilt fabric online right here and pair your favorite collections with one of our lovely quilt patterns!