What is craft fabric?

[JemimaPuddleduffed]

I have read the stash thread with considerable envy .

I have absolutely no stash, and little budget. I sewed a bit in my teens/early 20s but nothing since. I have recently inherited a sewing machine and would like to pick it up again.

So I have been scouring the internet for cheap fabrics to start me off (including the headache inducing oft mentioned fabricland) and came across loads of listings on ebay for craft fabric, but I have no idea what this means or how it can be used. Is it fabric for quilting & cards & such like, or can it be used in dressmaking?

[PukousMucous]

I think that it is most likely quilting weight cotton but calling it craft fabric suggests that it is in small pieces that would not be big enough for dressmaking. So I would suggest checking the dimensions if they are listed.

All sounds exciting, an fear not your stash will soon become big enough to cause you shame and hide from the ones you love, it happens to us all eventually.

[JemimaPuddleduffed]

Thanks for the response

Is quilting weight cotton the wrong weight for dressmaking? It is listed by the metre (as well as FQs) which is what confused me.

[Rainbowshine]

It's worth searching for fabric remnants - I've found good fabric that way but you do need to check if the dimensions will work with the pattern you are using. I don't know about quilting fabric weight compared to dressmaking fabric, but if it's cheap enough it may be worth giving it a try

[PukousMucous]

Rainbow, that's how stashes start!

You can use quilting fabric for dressmaking, it will work perfectly for dresses or summery pjs. Some websites will send free swatches which may help you get an idea of what's what but otherwise just have a go.

[Rainbowshine]

Oh yes, Pukous it is how stashes start!

[GrassIsntGreener]

Often even even it's sold in small quantities (fat quarters usually) you just order 2 for half a metre, 4 for a metre and so on. Frumble and Parchwork Paradise are good examples.

[StaticSockMonster]

Do you have an Abakhan near to you?
I have bought quite a few roles of material so I could have a play with my sewing machine.
I'm no expert on fabric so I don't know what you are supposed to use with what!
I do know that I have used the fabric to make my son three outfits for dress up days at school though

[JemimaPuddleduffed]

Well I now have a wee stash It's only small, but I have heard it breeds...

Acquired from a variety of places, and also a pile of unwanted clothes that I'm sure could be useful in someway

Thanks for your help everyone.

[StaticSockMonster]

I'm terrible for using unwanted/too small clothes for my stash.
I have been known to pick the stitches out of DSs old pjs cuz of the lovely material......

[Chocolateteabag]

I have a growing stick of DH's and charity shop men's shirts waiting for me to work on them.
Try craftgawker.com or pinterest and search on "shirt refashion" or other such words and you will get a load of ideas for what you can do with a mans shirt.

Minerva crafts on eBay has a lot of nice fabrics and occasional remnant sales. Euro fabrics (also eBay) does gorgeous jersey fabrics too.

[JemimaPuddleduffed]

Sorry Static I just realised that I didn't answer your question. Unfortunately no Abakhan nearby, but I do spending more of my free time on ebay & pinterest than I have previously

And how could I forget craftgawker, thanks for the reminder Chocolateteabag and maybe just a teensy browse at Minerva & Euro fabrics while I'm at it

[StaticSockMonster]

I've not heard of those other places....will just have a "quick" nose. I will absolutely not spend any money

[JemimaPuddleduffed]

Well, I haven't spent any money, but I have just lost my of my afternoon to craftgawker

[JemimaPuddleduffed]

Should read most of my afternoon

[Chocolateteabag]

sorry - have to share these places - it's like recommending a knitter/crocheter to have a look at Ravelry

[StaticSockMonster]

I keep forgetting my password on ravelry
I would love to be able to crochet.
I can knit. Scarves. And squares.
The well meaning is there though!