I want to make a quilt using dense Sunbonnet Sue filled designs, but don't know the best fabric to use. I don't want to use "fancy" fabrics. Anyone have any suggestions on best fabric?

While mom was in the hospital I appliqued 8 Sunbonnet Sue's and Sam's squares. I used a good quality unbleached muslin which looks good even if you are using any white in your embroidery (applique). You can get it in several different weights and find it at any fabric store whether it is Hobby Lobby to High End Quilt shops. Good luck.

I like using 100% cotton fabric, Kona, Quilter's Choice, Kaufman brands are all good.

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by anne55 06 May 2010

Thanks for your help.

I made one for my great-granddaughter and I did it on a good quality unbleached muslin and used a small print in between and it came out nice. The muslin gave it that antique look

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by anne55 06 May 2010

Thanks for your help.

If the design is dense I use Kona cotton and heavy weight cut a way stablizer. I leave the stablizer on the whole square to give it body

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by anne55 06 May 2010

I was thinking of Kona cotton, but wasn't sure it would be strong enough for a dense design. Thanks!

To quote Eleanor Burns of quilt in a day she will always suggest you use a fabric 'that reads solid from a distance', which has always worked well for me. Just a very small light print of any color usually looks great. I have a dragon quilt posted in projects that uses lots of bright colors but 'read' solid from a distance and I don't believe any of them are. Good luck......

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by anne55 06 May 2010

Thanks for your help.

When I use a solid on my baby quilts, all I use is the Kona Cotton. Very nice to work with and holds up well. It comes in many colors.

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by mnladyus 06 May 2010

I added a photo of one of my quilts in the project section, The white is Kona Cotton.

I agree with Chris, 100% cotton in a plain light colour or a slight tone on tone...but cream or off white...and use the colours you use in the design to off set the blocks when you stitch it together...
Hope this helps you out a little.

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by anne55 06 May 2010

This sounds like a good idea. Thanks!

I am far from an expert, but I always look for a plain strong cream material. Like plain as the pattern and colours stand out. Than use different colours for strips to quilt that match with your interior.

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by anne55 06 May 2010

Sounds like a good idea. Thanks for your help.

Hi Anne, I've been making and sewing patchwork quilts for over 20 years and the best fabric by far is good quality cottons. Also flannels if you don't want them to fray.

I've just made a quilt for my newest grand-daughter in all sorts of different fabrics and unfortunately Amy will have to have it dry-cleaned if it gets dirty as there is velvet in it!

Just practice with a few small squares as a trial to see what suits you best. Looking forward to seeing them up in the PROJECTS tab. Love and blessings Chris

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by judybell 06 May 2010

Chris,your pot holders are so pretty. Too nice to use, as mine get ugly fast! Great job. Judy

by anne55 06 May 2010

Thanks so much for your help. It may take quite a while for me to upload a picture. I'm probably not going to do more than plan and do test stitch-outs until after I retire at the end of the year. Then, God willing, I'll tackle this big project. Thanks!