Fabric Matters: How to Pick the Right Materials for Your Quilt

Boardshorts Only - Made with cotton and thrifted boardshorts

Let’s talk fabric—the heart and soul of every quilt. Whether you’re brand new to quilting or a seasoned pro, the fabric you choose is everything. It affects how your quilt looks, feels, sews together, and lasts over time.

But if you’ve ever walked into a fabric store or scrolled through an online shop and felt completely overwhelmed (so many options, so little time), we get it. Picking fabric doesn’t have to be intimidating—it just takes a little know-how and a lot of trusting your gut. Here’s what we think about when selecting fabrics for our quilts:

1. Fiber Content: The Gold Standard

Most quilters will tell you that 100% cotton is the fabric of choice, and they’re not wrong—it’s durable, easy to sew, and washes well. But if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s no rule saying you have to stick to quilting cotton.

We love experimenting with linen, chambray, flannel, and even non-traditional textiles like denim or thrifted garments. Different fabrics bring different textures and vibes to a quilt, making it more dynamic and personal. That said, mixing fibers can be tricky—some fabrics stretch more than others or shrink in unpredictable ways. The key? Prewash everything and test how the fabrics behave together before committing to a full quilt.

2. Weave & Weight: The Feel Factor

The weight and weave of a fabric make a huge difference in how your quilt turns out.

• Quilting cotton: The classic choice—smooth, stable, and made for quilting. You can’t go wrong.

• Lightweight wovens & linen blends: Great for adding softness and texture but can fray easily. Use a tighter seam allowance and staystitch edges to prevent unraveling.

• Flannel: Cozy and warm, but it stretches more than standard cotton, so handle with care.

• Denim & heavier fabrics: Amazing for texture and durability, but be prepared to use a sturdier needle and adjust your stitch length.

  
  

The goal is to choose fabrics that complement each other—not just visually, but structurally. Too much difference in weight or texture can make sewing (and quilting) a challenge.

3. Print & Color: The Secret to a Killer Quilt

Ever picked out a bunch of fabrics you loved individually, only to lay them out together and realize something was... off? It happens to all of us. The trick is balance.

Some tips for curating a fabric selection:

✔ Mix prints and solids – If you go all-in on loud prints, they might compete for attention. Solids or small-scale prints help balance things out.

✔ Play with contrast – Light, medium, and dark fabrics give your quilt depth and movement. If everything is the same tone, the design can fall flat.

✔ Step back and squint – Sounds weird, but if you can’t tell the difference between two fabrics from a distance, they might blend together too much.

✔ Trust your instincts – At the end of the day, you are making this quilt. If a color combo or print mix makes you excited to sew, go for it.

4. Sustainability: Because Quilts Should Have Stories

We’re big believers in using materials that have history. Some of the best quilts we’ve ever made include fabric pulled from thrifted clothing, vintage sheets, and repurposed textiles.

Not only does this give your quilt more personality, but it’s also a great way to reduce waste. If you’re new to sourcing secondhand fabrics, start by looking for natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool) in good condition. Shirts, dresses, and bed linens can be cut down into quilt blocks—just be sure to wash and test for colorfastness first!

Sustainable quilting isn’t just about using old materials—it’s about making something that lasts. When you put thought into the fabrics you choose, you’re creating a quilt with a story that can be loved for generations.

5. Get Creative & Get Weird

Look, we love a well-matched, perfectly coordinated quilt as much as the next person—but some of our favorite quilts came from getting a little weird.

Want to throw in a splash of neon? Do it. Thinking about mixing plaids with florals? Why not. Found a fabric that makes absolutely no sense with the rest of your selection but you love it? Find a way to make it work.

Quilting is an art form, and the best way to grow as a quilter is to experiment. The more you push yourself to try new things, the more confident you'll get in your own creative style. Some ideas to get you started:

• Use a fabric that feels totally out of place and make it the star of the show.

• Try a color combo you’ve never used before.

• Mix vintage and modern fabrics in the same quilt.

• Cut up an old quilt and turn it into something new.

  
  

Quilting traditions are great, but they were all started by people who broke the rules. Be one of those people.

The Verdict

At the end of the day, fabric selection is personal. There’s no one "right" way to do it. The best fabric choices are the ones that make you excited to sew. So go ahead—mix textures, break rules, and get a little wild. Your best quilt might just be the one that doesn’t make sense on paper.

Got a favorite fabric combo or a weird mix that worked out way better than expected? Post it on socials and tag us! And if you want more fabric tips, quilting inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks, make sure to follow along.

Time to make some cool shit! ✂️💗

-Manon