In my experience, fabric selection is as important as proper cutting and sewing techniques. It is a trial and error process to understand how different colors and patterns work together (or don’t work together) to make even the simplest quilting designs spectacular. Choosing fabric for a new project is one of my favorite steps in the quilting process. Start by choosing fabrics that draw you in, and go from there. There are no hard and fast rules that dictate “right “ or “wrong” choices so have fun experimenting with colors and patterns. It won’t be long before you have a closet full of beautiful fabric just waiting for the perfect project to put it in. Here are a few other basic guidelines:

One hundred percent cotton fabrics are recommended for most quilts. They are durable, crease easily, absorb moisture and generally wear well. Blends are not easily pressed; they do not fade as easily as cotton, but they are harder to use in patchwork and are especially difficult in appliqué.

Scrap quilts can combine fabrics of many types, depending on the quilt and the effect that you are looking for. Antique crazy quilts combined silk, wool and cotton. This combination requires special care and use because some fabrics are more fragile than others. It is generally best to combine same-fiber-content fabrics when making scrap quilts to avoid problems with care and durability.

Select good-quality fabrics as they tend to be colorfast and are treated to help resist wrinkling and to resist soil.