Guide to Choosing the Perfect Quilting Fabric in NZ

Hello fellow quilters! It's Rebecca here, your quilting confidante, and today, I’m thrilled to guide you through the vibrant world of quilting fabrics available in New Zealand and for our Australian neighbors. Whether you're piecing together a cozy quilt or embarking on an intricate patchwork project, selecting the right fabric is crucial. With a multitude of options out there, choosing the perfect quilting fabric might feel like an art form itself. Let’s dive in!

Why Fabric Choice Matters

Your fabric choice will significantly influence both the aesthetic and functional outcomes of your quilt. The right fabric ensures that your piece is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable to create. Here are some core considerations to guide you as you embark on your fabric selection journey.

Perfect Fabrics for Quilting

When selecting quilting fabric, the type of fabric you choose can make a big difference. Here's a quick guide to some popular options:

• Kona Cotton: Known for its high quality and wide range of colors, Kona cotton is a staple in the quilting world. It's 100% cotton, ensuring durability and ease of use. Check out the Lingerie KONA Cotton and the Midnight KONA Cotton for both subtle and bold options.
• Fat Quarters: These pre-cut fabric pieces are perfect for quilting as they save time and effort. They often come in coordinated bundles, which makes them perfect for creating visually appealing quilts without much scrapping around for matching patterns or colors.
• Ruby Star Society Fabrics: If you're looking for something playful and modern, Ruby Star Society is your go-to. The Ladies who design collectively and individually always offer charming designs with saturated and softer hued colours that adds a whimsical touch to any quilt.

Tips for Selecting Quilting Fabric

Here are my top tips for making fabric selection an enjoyable part of your project:

• Colour Scheme: Decide on a color palette that suits your vision, if you're stuck grab a favourite print and have a look at the colour code along the selvedge as a starting point. Whether it's a vivid juxtaposition or a soothing monochrome, fabric colour tells the story you choose. Kona cotton, known for its saturated hues, is ideal for color enthusiasts and a two colour quilt is a great jumping off point.
• Texture and Patterns: Consider the texture and pattern of the fabrics. Solids give a modern and clean look, while prints like the Hexagon Multi Aunt Grace Goes Scrappy add visual interest and charm, and a similiar print in more modern colours can give a completely different look think Catnap Flower Garden in Turquoise.
• Feeling the Fabric: It's always beneficial to physically feel the fabric, as this helps you understand how it will behave in your project. Fortunately, many stores in NZ and Australia offer samples, and here at RS we offer the sample bag where you choose a few strips for the price of a small courier bag.
• Eclectic Mix: Don’t shy away from mixing fabrics. Combining different styles, like modern quilting fabric with traditional prints, can result in a stunning quilt that tells a story.

Ideas for Your Next Quilting Project

Feeling inspired yet? Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Combine fat quarters from various collections to create a delightful patchwork quilt.
• Create a themed quilt using solids and prints. For example, pair a deep shade from the Kona Cotton collection with an eclectic pattern like Petunia Turnips in Lilypad (FQ) for a playful contrast.
• Enhance your home decor with matching quilted cushions and throws, using coordinated patterns across different projects.

Fabric Availability and Shipping

For the quilters based in New Zealand and Australia, the good news is that you have a wealth of options right at your fingertips. Many online stores offer a broad range of quilting fabrics with shipping across both countries. The ease of access allows you to explore diverse collections and find precisely what you need for your quilting dreams. Visit Rainbow Stash to explore our wonderful selection!

Remember, quilting is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Enjoy each step, from selecting your fabric to sewing the final stitch. Let your creations be an expression of who you are, and most importantly, let them keep you warm and cozy. Happy quilting, and may your bobbins always be full!

By following this guide, you’re well on your way to selecting the perfect quilting fabric that suits your needs and dreams. Feel free to explore the wide range of possibilities available to you, and don’t hesitate to try something new. Until next time, keep quilting and creating beautiful memories with every stitch.