Beginner’s Guide to Building a Quilting Fabric Stash

Hello fellow quilters and fabric enthusiasts! I'm Rebecca, an experienced quilter from this side of the world, and today I'm delighted to guide you through one of the most exciting aspects of quilting: building your very own quilting fabric stash. Whether you're nestled in New Zealand or basking under the sun in Australia, this guide is your ticket to a vibrant world of colour and creativity.

What is a Quilting Fabric Stash?

A quilting fabric stash is essentially a collection of fabrics that every avid quilter gradually accumulates with fabrics that catch your eye or your imagination. It allows you to spontaneously dive into projects, mix and match textures and colours, and have a ready supply of fabric favourites at your fingertips. Think of it as your personal quilting library and tool kit combined!....and it's okay to use the special fabric don't save it there will always be another to replace it.

Perfect for Beginners

If you're new to quilting, starting a stash can feel overwhelming, but remember, every sprawling collection began with just a single fat quarter or a " I had to have it" piece. It’s perfect for:

• Experimentation: Test out new designs and ideas.
• Last-Minute Projects: Dive straight into unplanned creations.
• Inspiration: Find your rainy day muse in those fabric patterns and hues, it's completely okay to just get your fabric out and have a play around and not sew a single stitch!

Choosing the Right Fabrics

When building your stash, consider fabrics that are versatile, durable, and vibrant. A few key staples include:

• Kona Cotton: Known for its quality and range of colours, and excellent price point, Kona Cotton is a must-have for any quilter. It’s wonderful for creating both traditional and modern quilting projects. Check out the stunning Mini Rainbow Circle Bundle - Kona Cotton which offers a delightful spectrum, or if bright isn't your thing there are the softer bundles like Chalky in Warm or Cool tones or Tuscan Skies which are more earthy.
• Low Volume Fabrics: These subtly patterned pieces are perfect for adding depth and interest without overpowering your quilt. The Low Volume Fat Quarter Bundle by Riley Blake Designs & Friends is a fantastic choice.
• Themed Prints: Add personality and whimsy with unique prints like the style of Heather Ross or Poppie Cotton which are ideal for themed quilts or specific projects.

Tips for Building Your Fabric Stash

Start Small, Think Big

• Begin with Bundles: Fat quarter bundles, fat eighth or even fat sixteenth bundles offer a varied selection and are terrific starting points. They provide variety and a cohesive palette for your quilting needs.
• Focus on Basics: Initially, opt for versatile fabrics like solids, tone-on-tones, and low-volume prints. These pieces are great for backgrounds and mixing with statement patterns.

Investment vs. Impulse

• Quality over Quantity: Invest in quality fabrics that will handle the wear and tear of quilting, washing, and daily use.
• Impulse Doesn't Hurt: Allow a few indulgent purchases that just speak to you, maybe like the visually appealing Lumiere House Dress Fairweather from Fableism Supply Co..

Organise Wisely

• By Colour and Type: Organising your stash by colour and fabric type helps visualise future projects and expedites the selection process.
• By Size of Print: Large scale that would be hard to cut into small pieces and ditsy of small prints that are perfect as a feature or for fussy cutting.
• Clear Storage: Consider purchasing clear vinyl storage, like Premium Clear Vinyl 16” x 54” - by Annie, and make some pouches like the Flatmate Trio ensuring that each piece is visible and easy to access.

Ideas for Using Your Stash

1. Charm Quilts: Use a variety of prints from your stash to create charming quilts with unique character, even start with a curated Charm Pack that takes the fabric decision out of the equation so you candive right into pattern choice and sewing.
2. Scrappy Projects: Mix various scraps for vibrant tote bags, cushion covers, or even wearable art.
3. Gift Projects: Create personal and heartfelt gifts using fabrics that reflect the recipient’s taste, smaller projects like bags, totes or sewing room accessories are always well received.

Availability in NZ and Australia

Rest assured, top-notch quilting fabric in NZ and quilting fabric in Australia are readily accessible. Whether you order online or drop by a local quilting shop, modern quilting fabric options are abundant. Options like the Rainbow Stash ensure a fantastic range of materials is just a click away.

Building a fabric stash is an exciting journey into the realm of creativity and choice. So give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process. Each fabric holds the promise of something beautiful and one-of-a-kind, waiting for your personal touch.

Happy quilting!

For further fabric inspirations and to explore our collections, visit Rainbow Stash.