Solids--What do you use?

[lhayes1976]

I started a whirligig baby quilt. I'm using a print and a white solid. I just bought some white broadcloth from Hancock's and I hate it. I generally to not prewash, but I have a feeling this stuff is really going to shrink bad. What do you guys use for your solids?

[bakermom]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

I buy a nice muslin. i use it a lot for backings and save what i trim off to use for other projects.

[quiltingtrish]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

I think there was some discussion earlier sometime about solids and what was best. There is Kona and another one - which of course escapes my brain right now. Then they all talked about which one of those was better. Of course can't remember that either! Maybe someone can chime in here.

I used broadcloth on a table runner - all the fabrics were broadcloth, the lady that owned the shop said "oh, they work just like cotton'. Well, they don't. And, I ironed a block to set the seams and it turned it all kind of wonky. So, I ended up not ironing the rest of the blocks. I won't buy that again.

Good luck. I'm sure someone else here has an answer to help you - hopefully sooner than later.

Found it! It's under Fabric Recommendations please from Mia in the Quilting Questions area. The other one is Bella Solids. They seem to all like the Bella Solids over the Kona Solids.
Now I feel as if I've helped! I just typed in Kona Solids under the search option and there it was!

Hugs,

[roseytoes]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

I like the Moda Bella solids. They have lots of color choices.

[Mia]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

Hiiiiii.....

Here's my two cents worth (again) and why I asked originally about the solids.

I wanted to use a jelly roll and went to JoAnns to buy a solid (white) for sashing.... since I hadn't made a quilt before I asked the sales person for advice. I came home with an inexpensive white fabric that frayed.... badly, but the worst part is when I pressed...... every single block was WONKY.... WAY WAY WONKY!!!!!. I had to trim off so much that I just lost interest in the quilt top and basically wasted my pretty jelly roll. My 2 1/2 " sashings were down to 1 1/2" and just blah. So that brought me to the forum to ask for recommendations. Bella Solids and Kona Cottons seem to be the best ....and Bella Solids got the most votes. AND they are all available from the MSQC ( a bit of a plug......... and you're welcome ladies ... lol)

I also found a tutorial for a hard surfaced pressing board on You Tube.... I've been told that a soft ironing board cover will also contribute to wonkiness.

Here's the link if anyone's interested

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LGbXou_u4c&feature=related

Hope this helps

Hugs
Mia

[toggpine]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

Part of your problem was that you bought broadcloth. Check the fiber content. My guess is that you have a poly/cotton blend. Unless you iron it at a lower heat you are going to melt the poly, and that will pull your block out of shape. I found this out the hard way with some symphony broadcloth that I bought to line the pockets of the diaper bags I was making.
You can use poly-blend fabric when making quilts, but make sure you remember that is what you bought and handle them accordingly. I write on the selvedge if it's not 100% cotton. Then I don't accidentally grab it for another project and mess that one up.
I try to find a white on white print or whatever neutral color I am working with. I gives some fun texture to the quilt. I think I'd have to agree with the other girls though, go for the Bella or Kona solids if you are looking for a solid color.

Sometimes cheap fabric isn't so cheap when it costs you your good stuff.

[Texsam]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

I love, love, love the Moda Bella Solids. I used it when I made a pinwheel quilt and it is wonderful!

[rebeccas-sewing]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

I think Joann's muslin is probably your best bet and very economical. Bella and Kona would also be choices. Broadcloth is not for quilting.

[jrchapman]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

The best thing about buying the bella solids or the Kona solids is that the colours are updated to go with the designs that are out there in other fabrics. They are also the same weight and thread count as the standard quilting cottons.

If you want to use a cheaper alternative make sure it's 100% cotton. I've used bed sheets for sashing, borders and backing before and they worked well. It's best to pre-wash them though because they tend to have a lot of starch in them in the packaging.

[lilmouse]

Re: Solids--What do you use?

I shop at JoAnn's all the time and thankfully have never run into that problem; however I do tend to stay away from white for a baby quilt as it dirties so easily and I agree with the quilter who stated she used white on white...I love the stuff and it does add a unique look to a quilt.....
In the store I shop the sales people are savvy enough to get a quilter to answer your questions....I have bought solids that have either been hard to cut (rotary cutting) and/or have frayed alot...I hate that more than anything!

There is my 2 cents worth.