Crazy Quilt Fabric and Scrap Packs
Crazy quilts mix silks, velvets and prints in random shapes. Here is where to find the fabric.
Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.
Where to buy
- Search AmazonLive search · amazon.com
- Search eBayLive search · ebay.com
- Search EtsyLive search · etsy.com
- Google ShoppingLive search · google.com
Quilt shops sell crazy quilt kits and fat quarter bundles. Thrift stores have silk blouses, ties and velvet dresses to cut up.
Professional insight
Crazy quilters buy for variety of texture and sheen, not yardage. Small pieces of many fabrics beat big cuts.
- Mix matte cotton with shiny silk and plush velvet.
- Skip rubber backed and very heavy upholstery fabric.
- Furnishing shops sometimes sell old swatch books cheaply.
- Save budget for lace, beads and silk threads.
Check the label
0 of 6 checked
Materials
| Fabric | Look | Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Silk dupioni | Slubbed sheen | Frays, back with interfacing |
| Velvet | Deep plush pile | Press from the back only |
| Brocade | Woven raised pattern | Thick at seams |
| Satin | High shine | Slippery to cut |
| Quilting cotton | Matte prints | Easiest to sew |
| Muslin | Plain base | Used as the foundation |
Ways to save
- Cut up old ties, blouses and evening wear.
- Check remnant bins and end of bolt tables.
- Swap scraps with a local quilting group.
- Buy fill a bag deals at fabric or thrift sales.
- Dye white lace and ribbon for new shades.
Care
- 1Wash or air out secondhand fabric before use.
- 2Press each piece flat on a suitable heat setting.
- 3Cut away seams, stains and worn spots.
- 4Sort pieces by color and texture in clear bags.
- 5Dry clean a finished silk and velvet quilt.
Common questions
- What is crazy fabric?
- Usually it means fabric for crazy quilts. These use odd shaped scraps with embroidery over the seams.
- Do I need a lot of fabric?
- No. Many small pieces in different textures matter more than large cuts.
- Can I mix silk and cotton?
- Yes. Sew them onto a muslin foundation so stretchy pieces stay stable.