The name puts people off. Quilting cotton sounds like something only quilters need, when in fact it is one of the most useful fabrics a home sewist can own.
It makes cushion covers that keep their shape, bags that stand up, aprons that survive the kitchen, and children's clothes that come through the wash looking new. It is not right for everything, though, and knowing where it shines and where it struggles will save you a disappointing project.
What quilting cotton actually is
100% cotton, tightly woven
A plain weave with a close, even surface. Prints come out sharp and the fabric is firm enough to cut accurately.
Medium weight
Robert Kaufman's Kona Cotton, the best-known quilting solid, weighs about 147 g per square metre: heavier than shirt lawn, lighter than denim.
Crisp, not drapey
It holds a shape and takes a sharp crease when you press it. That is what makes it easy to sew, and also why it suits some garments more than others.
112 cm wide
Narrower than most dress fabric, which is often 150 cm. We sell ours by the half metre, so you can buy exactly what a small project needs.
Where it shines
| For the home | Bags and gifts | Clothes |
|---|---|---|
| Cushion covers | Tote and shopping bags | Full and gathered skirts |
| Table runners, napkins, placemats | Zip pouches and pencil cases | A-line skirts |
| Aprons | Bag linings | Boxy tops and tunics |
| Pot holders, with heat-resistant wadding | Drawstring gift bags | Casual button-up shirts |
| Bunting and children's room decor | Scrunchies and headbands | Children's dresses, shorts and pyjamas |
| Fabric storage baskets, with interfacing | Book and make-up bags | Fit-and-flare dresses with a full skirt |
The pattern is simple: quilting cotton is at its best where you want structure. A full skirt stands out from the body, a cushion keeps crisp edges, a bag holds its shape. For step-by-step help, start with our easy envelope cushion cover or our ideas for sewing for children.
When to choose something else
Flowing dresses and blouses
Quilting cotton will not drape or swing. For a soft, flowing dress choose a lighter fabric such as viscose or cotton lawn.
Close-fitting clothes
It has no stretch. Leggings, fitted T-shirts and bodycon styles need a knit.
Heavy wear
Work trousers, school bags that carry textbooks every day, and upholstery need a heavier cloth such as denim, canvas or twill.
Very hot days
Cotton breathes, but a medium-weight cotton feels warmer than a fine lawn. For a top to wear in Mombasa in February, go lighter.
The honest test
Hold the fabric up by one corner. If you want the finished garment to hang like that, quilting cotton is right. If you want it to fall in soft folds, it is not.
Why it lasts
A tight weave of good-quality cotton wears evenly and keeps its colour well, which is why quilts made from it are passed down for generations. The quality of the base cloth and the dyes is the difference between fabric from the established mills, like Robert Kaufman and Benartex, and cheaper printed cotton that fades and thins after a few washes.
Over 150 prints
Quilting cotton prints
KES 1,000 a half metre
Florals, geometrics, children's prints, tonal blenders and seasonal designs from Robert Kaufman and Benartex. Each listing is cut as one continuous piece, so order two for a metre.
100% cotton · 112 cm wide · Sold by the half metre
Browse the prints
The quilter's solid
Kona Cotton Solids
KES 800 a half metre
Plain-dyed in a huge range of shades, Kona is the fabric to pair with a busy print, or to use on its own for clean, modern projects.
See Kona solidsSewing tips
Pre-wash anything that will be washed often, especially dark and bright colours. Our guide to prewashing explains why.
Use a universal needle, size 80 or 90. See our needle guide.
It frays, so finish seams with a zigzag stitch or an overlocker, or use French seams.
Press as you sew. A hot iron and steam give quilting cotton beautifully sharp edges.
Not sure how much to buy? Our fabric quantity chart covers the common projects.
Come and feel the fabric
See the whole range at our shop at Muthaiga Mini Market, or send us a photo of your project and we will suggest fabrics.
Shop quilting fabricOr message us on 0798 316 860
Prices correct at the time of writing.
