Quilting Cotton from Joann's sewing discussion topic @ PatternReview.com (2025)

Sponsors

Online Sewing Classes

Empire Seams for EveryoneSarah Veblen 1/8/25 3:00 PM ET

Dior DartsSarah Veblen 1/13/25 3:00 PM ET

Designing Your Own Fabric: Patchwork for Garment SewingRae Hoekstra 1/21/25 3:00 PM ET

Sponsors

Empire Seams for EveryoneSarah Veblen 1/8/25 3:00 PM ET

Dior DartsSarah Veblen 1/13/25 3:00 PM ET

• Sewing Forums
• Fabrics and more...

How many washes does it take .... (Moderated by Deepika, Sharon1952)

To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview

12

Next->

jynclr

Member since 12/20/11 Posts: 915

Skill: Intermediate

Posted on: 4/20/16 3:27 PM ET

... for it to get soft?

I'm about to "inherit" a lot of quilting cotton from the beau's father. He used to make beautiful quilts. He passed on a couple of months ago. The beau's mother said I could have as much of the fabric as I wanted. They're mostly quilting cotton from Joann's.

I may use some for muslins, and I may also use some to make for shorts and other lounge wear around the house.

But I was wondering how many washes does it take for that cotton to become soft. Right now it's pretty stiff, as you know. I don't have much experience with that type of cotton for garments. I'm not a quilter so I am not likely to make a quilt. (Although, truth be told, I'm considering making a quilt because when I got my new sewing machine beau's father kept bugging me as to when I'll make a quilt. I told the beau I wanted to make a quilt on his father's sewing machine.)

But.. dunno. I'm more likely to use that fabric for garments or wearable muslins. I was just wondering how many times I should wash it to make it really soft and dreamy. -- Edited on 4/20/16 at 3:28 PM -- ------

Evelyn: Pfaff Creative Performance

kayl

Member since 3/24/04 Posts: 26392

Posted on: 4/20/16 3:41 PM ET

In reply to jynclr

It's unlikely to get "soft and dreamy", but a couple hot washes with a vinegar rinse should help some (though the vinegar will damage the yarns some). So would a good soak with a fabric softener like Milsoft, meant for use after dyeing fabrics http://www.dharmatrading.com/chemicals/milsoft.html

But cotton broadcloths are going to remain much more crisp than say, a rayon challis. Nature of the beast.

And I'd say consider making that quilt -- they're kind of fun, particularly the scrappy sort I like. Many of them will work up quickly with "strip quilt" techniques.

Bongoramsey

Member since 1/15/10 Posts: 855

Colorado USA Skill: Intermediate

Body Type:

Posted on: 4/20/16 3:47 PM ET

When I was in Joann's buying some quilt fabric--this was about a year ago--there were 3 grades to choose from. I don't remember the exact names of the grades, but it was something like Premium, Good, and Extra Value. The more expensive grades of fabric contain more cotton, and I think it may contain some long-staple cotton, which holds up a lot better. Try closing your eyes, and handle the fabric; use your sense of touch to identify the ones that feel more (or less) substantial.------

Bongoramsey

DonnaH

Member since 10/1/03 Posts: 2871

Texas USA Skill: Intermediate

Re: Quilting Cotton from Joanns (posted on 4/20/16 5:11 PM ET)

Has the fabric been washed at all? If not, the first washing will tell you a lot about how soft it will get. Sometimes you might get more softening from future washing, but most of it will be in that first wash.

It will never be soft and dreamy, but it might get smooth and crisp (like a poplin or thick shirting). I have a pair of RTW shorts that are made from cotton that is way too crisp for a bedsheet (or top), but the shorts are quite comfortable - even with a gathered elastic waistband.

And as stated before, don't expect every cut to behave exactly the same.

I think shorts/skorts/capris may be good projects (if you like the patterns on the fabric), as is a quilt.

Look up the videos by the Missouri Star Quilt Company on YouTube. All kinds of shortcuts for both traditional and modern quilts. Plus they have a series for people who are brand new to quilting. Also, Craftsy has a few free quilting classes that are quite informative.

stirwatersblue

Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 24715

Kansas USA Skill: Intermediate

Body Type:

Re: Quilting Cotton from Joanns (posted on 4/20/16 6:43 PM ET)

I just made some chemo caps for a friend from quilting cotton. I'm not a quilter, so I have very little in my stash, but I knew that the #1 priority for this project was that the fabrics be SOFT. There are definitely variations in the JA cottons--some of that stuff is crisp and scratchy, and some of it really is smooth and drapey. I didn't find much difference after washing (if anything, the scratchy ones were easier to pick out). When I realized my stash wasn't fully up to the task, I went in and found a couple more prints entirely by feel.

Does JA carry name brand quilting fabrics? I know when you order from etsy or Fabric.com, the maker (Moda, Michael Miller, etc) is usually prominently displayed in the listing, and those do tend to be quite soft after washing. Hobby Lobby's cottons (with similar variations in softness as JA's) are evidently produced specifically for the chain. Not sure about what JA carries. The quilters here would know for sure!------

~Elizabeth in the prairieMore Plans than SensePR's Most Relentless Babbler 2024

CM_Sews

Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 2373

USA Skill: Intermediate

Posted on: 4/20/16 7:30 PM ET

In reply to DonnaH

I concur with DonnaH about variability of quilting cottons, all quilting cottons.

"Quilt Store" quilting cottons tend to be more substantial, but I still find variations in "drapey-ness" and thickness/hefty-ness in all quilting cottons, from JA's or from the quilt store.

You'd think that cotton that feels "thicker" would be less drapey, but that is not always the case.

Your best bet is to wash them and see how they turn out. Agree with DonnaH that sometimes there is more softening from future washings, but the softening process with successive laundry cycles does not progress indefinitely. Eventually, the cotton has softened as much as it is going to soften.

If you select a sewing pattern and style appropriate for the "drapey-ness" of the specific fabric at hand, garments sewn from quilting cotton can be quite comfy to wear.

CMC

pamyjo2001

Member since 11/23/06 Posts: 324

USA Skill: Intermediate

Body Type:

Posted on: 4/21/16 11:22 AM ET

In reply to jynclr

From my experience quilting cotton from Joanns is not good quality. The quilting cotton I buy from good quilt stores (some quilt stores sell bad quality quilting cottons also) are very soft and have a much higher thread count.

I am sure there will be sewers who disagree with me so please remember this has been my experience with Joanns quilting cotton.------

https://josephinesews.blogspot.com/

Marie367

Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 10718

Ohio USA

Posted on: 4/21/16 11:35 AM ET

In reply to jynclr

JoAnn's sells a variety of cottons some are very good quality and some not so much. 100% cotton will wash up nicely in just water and soap. The fabric that is part poly will stay stiff. Even with washing some of it will never be as soft and dreamy as you may want. I am not a fan either of hot water with things added to it. Just my opinion but todays dyes will wash out. I have made skirts, tops and dresses out of some quilting fabric and it is fine but it will never be as soft as a lawn or other garment quality cotton fabric.

ediebell

Member since 9/30/13 Posts: 1543

Posted on: 4/21/16 12:02 PM ET

Even those that will soften up are poorer quality than quilt shop specialty cottons. They are thinner, less thread count, more loosely woven, less durable. May be fine for what you want, just not as long lasting, and depending on color/print, not modest enough (read - see through).

I have gotten some that I finally succumbed to as it was the ONLY color/print match I could find even after being at all the nicer quilt shops and looking at all the Joann's options - that was just SO stiff on the bolt I thought it could stand on its own. It became less so, but never really soft. I don't know what it was, but it wasn't just fabric finish. It just wasn't a soft cozy kind of thing. Luckily the quilt was a large wall hanging or decorative piece, not something you'd want to snuggle up in because it sure wouldn't have been too snuggly. The wrinkles didn't press out of it well either.

bakertoo

Member since 12/26/08 Posts: 843

Washington USA Skill: Intermediate

Body Type:

Re: Quilting Cotton from Joanns (posted on 4/21/16 12:51 PM ET)

I have bought, washed, and used a variety of the cotton quilt fabrics from JoAnns. There are different weights and country of origin of manufacturing, and so far, all have gotten softer after washing 2-3 times. Some are definitely thinner, but I can feel that aspect of it before I buy it, it is pretty noticeable. If I wash, dry, and remove it from the dryer in a timely manner, I will hang it over a bannister to hang for a little while, and iron it before I use or store it, it has been fine! But if I let it sit in the dryer, that is where I have had wrinkle problems. But I have had that same problem with more expensive quilt fabrics too. So you might end up with some good pieces of fabric to use, maybe not just muslin/practice fabric. And if he was the fabric buyer and being a great quilter, he probably was choosy, like the rest of us!I love that you are inheriting this fabric from your beaus father, who was the quilter. That is a very sweet story, and nice legacy.I hope the fabrics work for you.

12

Next->

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.

Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns

Online ClassHow to Adjust a Woven Pattern for Stretch Fabric

$39 Sewing Class

Online ClassCreate a Jacket Muslin

$49 Sewing Class

McCall's 7386

by: JustineSew...

Review

$19.95Pattern

Beginner Sewing Lab 104 - A downloadable Book by Shannon Gifford

$14.99Pattern

Sewing Workshop Bristol Dress and Top

$24.99Pattern

NECKLINES AND DRAPING - A digital download book by Kenneth King

$24.95Pattern

Itch To Stitch Plitvice Top Digital Pattern

$10Pattern

Merchants on PR Sponsors

Metro TextilesNYC Fabric Store

Discovery FabricsHigh Performance Fabrics

Stonemountain FabricsAmerica's Local Fabric Store