Cotton Fabric Pricing and Costs
Learn how to select quality cotton fabric
Cotton has many uses from curtains and upholstery to clothing and crafts, but whatever your project, you must consider cotton fabric pricing and costs. When you're in the market for cotton fabric, look for wholesale cotton fabric for a better price.Cotton fabric pricing and costs shouldn't be your only consideration, however. Most important is how the cloth will be used. Do you plan to make clothing? Then you might select a cotton knit fabric, a novelty cotton fabric, vintage cotton fabric, or organic cotton fabric. If you're making curtains or slipcovers, you'll need a heavier upholstery cotton.
1. Find out more information on cotton fabric so you can choose one that fits your needs.
2. Choose cotton print fabric that blends well with your solids and other patterns if you're quilting.
3. Look for discount cotton fabric online.
Make sure you're buying a cotton fabric that suits your application
Cotton textile comes in different patterns and weaves, and each of these fabrics has a unique surface design. Knowing about fabric defects can save you the heartache of purchasing a poor quality fabric. Particularly if you're buying discount cotton fabric or leftovers, examine the fabric carefully for printing, weaving, pattern or finishing defects. Become familiar with the differences between yarn-dyed cotton (more expensive and usually more desirable) and printed cotton, which can produce more intricate designs, but does not have consistent color on both sides. Organic cotton is usually undyed.
Try: ReproductionFabrics.com offers yarn-dyed cottons for $7-9 a yard. The OnlineFabricStore.net advertises fabrics from a little over $3 a yard, but their organic cottons range from about $8-15 per yard.
Use color matching when purchasing cotton quilting fabric
When you're making a quilt, you will need to blend a variety of patterns and colors into one harmonious whole. If you already have some cotton on hand that you're planning to use, be sure to take fabric swatches with you to the store. Color memory is often faulty, and fluorescent lights make colors look different. Take the bolts to window and examine them in natural daylight before making your cotton purchase. If you're buying online, look for a color series that is sold together for the best match.
Try: Warm Biscuit carries a variety of printed and solid cottons suitable for quilting from about $9-12 a yard. They send free swatches so you can be sure the fabric you choose matches your project before you buy. The Cotton Loft advertises quilting fabrics for under $5 per yard. They also offer complete quilt kitsb for between $30-50.
Find discount cotton fabrics online
To find wholesale cotton fabric, search out online sites that connect you with manufacturers or distributors. Wholesalers usually offer the best prices, but most require you to purchase in quantity. You may have to purchase a whole bolt or roll to take advantage of the discount. If you can use the fabric, it is well worth the price. Otherwise, you might do better to find sites that offer discounted fabric in smaller quantities.
Try: Fashion Fabrics Club offers a large variety of cotton online from batik to twill to velour for about $5-7 per yard. Their special e-mail sales often have even lower prices. Nick of Time Textile has a wide range of fabrics from $.50 to about $5. They require customers to purchase a complete roll, which has about 60 yards on it.
- If you're looking for discount cotton fabric, visit a garment district or a sewing factory. Many times they sell leftover bolts of fabric. Cotton, in particular, can be purchased very inexpensively. Furniture manufacturers or upholsterers often have extra rolls of upholstery cotton.
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