In the world of fabrics, we have so many options to choose from. There are many fabrics whose names seem identical, but they are different. Due to this, we often get confused regarding their uses too.
In this article, let’s have a look at quilting cotton. The name seems identical to regular cotton, but it’s different. Quilting cotton is different from regular cotton in a few parameters.
As we all know, quilting is different from regular clothing to a great extent. Unlike traditional clothing, quilting requires multiple layers to be stitched together.
So to accommodate the different needs for quilts, manufacturers created a particular type of cotton. This cotton is produced especially for quilting purposes while keeping various factors in mind.
In this article, let’s have a look at quilting cotton and how it is different from regular cotton. We will also compare it to different types of fabrics and their uses.
Let’s start.
What is Quilting Cotton?
Quilting cotton is made from natural cotton fibre. It is made from 100% natural cotton fibre. The thread count is slightly higher in quilting cotton than in traditional materials.
Quilting cotton is a plain weave which is the simplest way to weave fabric. It is a medium-weight fabric, and it has a lot of body. The weight of quilting cotton is dependent on the manufacturer.
Quilting cotton is used to make quilts or any sewing project. It can come in almost any print imaginable.
The quilting cotton shrinks less than regular cotton. Due to this ability, it is highly significant for quilting. It is also less likely to bleed compared to other fabrics.
It was created for the specific needs of quilters and is made to be stitched together quickly.
While regular cotton can be found in pieces all-around your home, you will find that quilting cotton’s primary use is in the creation of quilts. Quilting cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics for creating clothes due to its durability and softness.
Is Quilting Fabric Pure Cotton?
Yes, quilting fabric cotton is 100% cotton. There are many advantages of using pure cotton in quilting cotton.
First of all, cotton is easy to work with. Cotton also likes to stick to itself, which proves beneficial while basting or other sewing activities. It also presses well and breathes well.
Most shops sell 100% pure quilting cotton. Due to its ability to be soft and comfortable, it always keeps you warm.
But some manufacturers also make quilting cotton which is not 100% pure. It can be a mixture of cotton and polyester. You will find this cotton in the ratio of 80/20, where 80% is cotton, whereas 20% is polyester.
Some quilting cotton can be in the ratio of 60/40 too. However, this cotton is not so readily available as quilters don’t use it much.
Quilting Cotton vs. Regular Cotton
Quilting cotton is produced according to the highest standard possible. Quilting cotton and regular cotton can look identical, but they both are different in their usage.
Quilting cotton is a bit stiffer compared to regular cotton. It is also not supposed to wash often. In terms of draping quality, the regular cotton wins. Quilting cotton is lacking in the draping department.
Quilting cotton comes in 40 to 45-inch width sizes, while regular cotton comes in various widths.
Quilting cotton is also not as durable as regular cotton when it comes to clothing. But it will last nearly a year under normal conditions. Quilting cotton use is to accommodate the differences between quilts and regular clothing. For example, it can withstand the harshness of ironing and has an added layer of natural oils.
When to use Quilting Cotton?
It would be great to use it when you want to create a top-quality quilt that should last generations. But guess what, you can use it to make clothing as well. You can also create a small sewing project with it.
The only downside of quilting cotton, when used for clothing, is its drape. Its drape is not as good as regular cotton. But despite this downside, you are getting the top quality fabric to create your clothing, be it a shirt or skirt.
You can also create pyjamas with this fabric. The pyjamas will be soft and comfortable. Not only pyjamas, but you can also develop pillows from them. Those pillows will surely last for very long times.
You can create many things using quilting cotton. You need to think of a few good ideas, and then you can stitch them.
How Much is the Weight of Quilting Cotton?
This will depend upon the thread count of the fabric. But a heavy quilt cotton fabric weighs around approx 6 ounces. In the case of lighter quilt cotton, the weight will be near 4 to 5 ounces.
As mentioned above, the weight depends upon the fabric’s thread count. The higher the thread count, the higher weight. The lower the count, and less the weight.
Its usual range is from 10 to 15 ounces per square yard. In comparison, regular cotton weight is about 20 to 30 ounces per square yard.
Can you Make Clothes with Quilting Cotton?
Yes, quilting cotton can be used to create clothes. Depending on the quality of cotton material, clothes can last long or not. Few sewers reported that quilting cotton clothes stay only a year approx.
Other sewers used high-quality fabrics, and they lasted for many years easily. The main problem, using these fabrics is the drape factor. The drape is generally less in quilting cotton compared to traditional fabrics.
Due to the high thread count, the material will be more durable. But the look of the clothing can be a bit dull. Another problem is the washing problem.
Quilting cotton is not great for washing. We cannot wash these materials more often. After several washes, the clothes will look like distressed clothes.
Does Quilting Cotton Bleed?
Yes, quilting cotton can bleed. Due to this reason, you should always pre-wash the material. Pre Washing can take out excessive bleeding, but it won’t stop the bleeding afterwards.
Dark colours will bleed more than light colours. So always make sure to keep dark colour fabric with other dark fabrics. Keep dark and lighter colour fabric separate.
Light colours don’t bleed much but always keep light and dark colours apart. We should not take the risk, or your quilt will spoil.
Always make sure that you pre-wash the fabric to remove any excess chemicals and colours from it.
Conclusion
Quilting cotton has its advantages and disadvantages as well. Quilting cotton is a very high-quality fabric, and it is made to last long. A quilt made from quilting cotton can last generations easily.
But we should keep in mind that quilting cotton also has some disadvantages. The first one is a low drape factor. In comparison to regular cotton, quilting cotton has got less drape.
It would be best to remember that quilting cotton is also not suitable for washing. Continuous washing can make the clothe distressed.
I hope you like the information provided here. Happy quilting.
