the difference between quilt shop quality and regular fabric?

[tiggeriffic02]

I am just curious, what exactly will happen to the regular fabric as opposed to the quilt shop quality? Is there a huge difference? I know it feels nicer but will it hold up?
Thanks
Kathy

[donnacrazylady]

I'd like to know, too. The fabric I bought Friday at the LQS for $9.00 raveled just as much if not more than the nice fabric I've gotten at Walmart. I thought big name brands like Moda would ravel less.

[Georgiapeach]

I read a good article about the quality of fabrics awhile back. One of the things it said was that even though a fabric may look exactly like quilt shop quality, it may not be. The mfg. makes a "first run" fabric line and they print it out on what they call "griegge, oh shoot that's not how it's spelled, but it's pronounced 'gray'" which is a lower thread count fabric than quilt shop quality. These first runs are sent to chain stores. The later runs are on higher quality fabric and these are sent to quilt shops. So, the fabric may look the same, but it's not. It also told about the dying process and how dyes "take" in these lower quality fabrics, as well. I've heard stories about people using the "same" fabric in a quilt, one part bought from a quilt shop and the "same" from a chain store, look exactly alike, but after a few years and laundering, etc... the lesser quality one fades differently and you can tell a big difference. They also put a different "finish" on different runs of fabric. I haven't been quilting long enough to see first-hand what would happen over time, but I take the advice of more experienced quiters who know a lot more than I do about it, and switched to using only quilt shop quality fabric in quilts. I'll use chain store fabrics in clothes, etc... because they'll get worn out or out-grown soon anyway, but a quilt is such a lot of work and you want them to last as long as possible. Boy, this isn't a very good description and my spelling was awful, but that's just what I remember from the article, so bear with me! LOL!

[naniyosie]

I love Moda...however, Moda is the fabric with the most ravel. I don't know why!!!!

[WeSignificant]

http://www.grinnellfiberworks.com/products.aspx

Copy and paste this into your browser and read the article. It explains it pretty well.

[kenderosa]

Thanks GP for the explanation.
WE- Great article. I copied it to my quilt file.


Sue

[TooMuchFabric]

I also believe the size of the thread used is finer in the quilt shop quality fabric. Not only more threads woven per inch but much finer thread used so it feels great.

I buy fabric everywhere but make sure it is not loosely woven. I have heard loosely woven fabric referred to as "cheese cloth fabric."

Jo Ann

[sewbug]

I use the discont fabric for utility quilts that I know won't be around after a few years no matter what fabric I use. I bought a linen thread counter and that helps determine what I buy at quilt shops and the discount stores. You have to trust the LQS, I've found non quilt shop quality fabric at many quilt shops.

[KATHYSQUILTS]

GP, Thanks so much for that article on fabric quality. I am saving that one. I buy most of my fabric at my LQS & QIAD. We always must be careful no matter where we buy fabric.

Happy & Careful shopping.....Kathy

[Grammy2]

Sooo, I bought some Moda at a chain store. Is it not as good a quality as buying it at the LQS?