Collection: Fabric

Match the fabric to the project. Cotton suits quilts and easy garments, knits suit stretchy clothing, flannel and fleece suit warm items, home decor fabric suits cushions and curtains, and utility fabric suits bags and aprons. Your pattern lists recommended fabrics and weights.

Check the yardage chart on your pattern for your size and fabric width. Buy a little extra for shrinkage, matching prints and mistakes. For quilts, plan for the top, backing and binding.

Yes, for most natural fabrics. Prewashing removes finishes and lets shrinkage happen before you cut. Wash and dry fabric the way you will care for the finished item, then press it.

Woven fabric has threads crossing at right angles and little stretch. Knit fabric is made of interlocking loops, so it stretches. Knits usually need a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch, and patterns are designed for the amount of stretch.

Width is the distance across the fabric from edge to edge, listed on each product page. Common widths are 44 to 45 inches for quilting cotton and 54 to 60 inches for home decor and some apparel fabrics. Width affects how much you need to buy.