A Beginner’s Guide to Quilt Fabrics

Picking out fabric for a quilt should be the fun part, but let’s be real—it can get confusing fast. There’s a dizzying range of fabrics out there, each with its own quirks, feel, and best uses. If you’re staring down a rainbow wall of bolts or scrolling through endless online options, you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular quilting fabrics to help you find the perfect match for your next project:

Quilting Cotton
This is the classic—pretty much the gold standard for most quilts. Quilting cotton is a medium-weight, tightly woven fabric that’s easy to cut, press, and sew, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned quilters. It holds its shape well, resists stretching, and comes in an overwhelming variety of prints, solids, and designer collections. Most quilting cottons are 100% cotton, which makes them breathable and comfortable. Whether you want florals, geometrics, or funky modern designs, chances are you’ll find them in quilting cotton. Because it’s so stable and reliable, it’s great for piecing, appliqué, and even for quilt backings.

Batik
Batik fabrics are a little different from your typical printed cottons. They’re made using a special wax-resist dyeing technique—basically, wax is applied to the fabric to create patterns, then the fabric is dyed, and the process is repeated for multiple colors. The result is a fabric with complex, richly colored, and often slightly abstract designs. Batiks are usually made from high-quality cotton with a tighter weave than standard quilting cotton, which makes them less likely to fray and very crisp to work with. The color goes all the way through the fabric, so both sides look great. Batik quilts tend to have a sophisticated, hand-crafted look that really stands out.

Woven
Woven fabrics—like ginghams, plaids, and stripes—are made by weaving together different colored threads instead of printing on top of a solid base. This gives them a soft, lightweight texture and a bit of extra depth. Wovens can add visual interest and a cozy, rustic feel to your quilt. They’re perfect for when you want something a little more old-fashioned or homespun. Keep in mind that because of their looser weave, woven fabrics can fray more easily, so handle them gently and consider using a little extra seam allowance or pre-stabilizing the edges.

Flannel
Flannel is all about softness and warmth. It’s made from cotton or a cotton blend that’s been brushed to create a fuzzy surface on one or both sides. Flannel quilts are incredibly cozy—perfect for winter throws, baby blankets, or anything you want to snuggle with. Because flannel is thicker and has a tendency to stretch or shift, it can be a bit trickier to sew than regular quilting cotton. Pre-washing is a must, since flannel can shrink quite a bit. Use sharp pins and a walking foot on your sewing machine to keep layers from shifting. The end result is always worth the extra effort.

Linen
Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant and is known for its cool, airy feel and natural texture. Quilts made with linen tend to look relaxed and elegant, with a subtle sheen that cotton can’t quite replicate. Linen is strong and durable, but it does wrinkle easily and has a looser weave, which can make it harder to handle. Some quilters blend linen with cotton or use it just for accents to get the best of both worlds. Linen gets softer with every wash, and its breathability makes it a great choice for summer quilts or lightweight throws.

Minky
Minky is a super plush, ultra-soft polyester fabric that’s often used on the backs of quilts, especially for babies or anyone who loves a little extra luxury. It comes in solids and prints and sometimes even has embossed designs for extra texture. Sewing with minky can be a challenge—it’s slippery, stretchy, and likes to shed little fuzzies everywhere. To make things easier, use lots of pins or clips, sew slowly, and consider using a walking foot. When finished, a minky-backed quilt feels like a high-end plush toy—totally irresistible for snuggling.

Rayon
Rayon isn’t as common in traditional quilting, but it’s prized for its beautiful drape and silky feel. Made from wood pulp, rayon feels almost like a cross between cotton and silk. It’s lightweight and flows beautifully, which makes it great for adding softness to your quilt top or for decorative elements. Be aware that rayon can be slippery and prone to fraying, so it’s not the easiest fabric for beginners. It’s also less durable than cotton, so it’s best used in small doses or in quilts that won’t see heavy use.

Canvas
Canvas is the workhorse of the fabric world—heavy, sturdy, and built to last. It’s made from thick cotton or cotton blends and is often used for utility quilts, picnic blankets, or projects that need to take a beating. Because canvas is stiffer and bulkier than regular quilting cotton, it can be harder to sew and may require heavier needles and thread. But if you want a quilt that can handle being dragged around, thrown in the car, or used outdoors, canvas is the way to go. Over time, it softens up and develops character.

Muslin
Muslin is the humble, no-frills fabric that quietly holds the quilt world together. It’s an unbleached or white cotton fabric that comes in different weights and levels of softness. Muslin is super affordable, making it a popular choice for backing quilts, practicing new techniques, or creating foundation pieces. Some quilters even love the simple, vintage look of a muslin quilt top. While basic, muslin is strong and gets softer with every wash. It’s also easy to dye or paint if you want to experiment.

With these basics in mind, you’ll have an easier time picking out fabrics that work for your style, skill level, and the kind of quilt you want to make. Dive in, experiment, and don’t be afraid to mix things up!