The best fabric for quilting and crafts is usually a medium-weight woven cotton: it's easy to cut accurately, holds a crease when pressed, and stays stable when stitched. But different projects – from patchwork quilts to felt toys, bunting and cushions – each have their own ideal fabric. This guide covers the most popular choices.
Best fabric for quilting and patchwork
- 100% craft cotton – the quilter's favourite. It's stable, easy to cut with a rotary cutter, presses crisply and comes in plains and prints that are easy to coordinate.
- Cotton poplin – a smooth, tightly woven cotton that's lovely for quilt tops and backings, with a huge range of Rose & Hubble prints.
- Polycotton – a budget-friendly blend that's easy to care for and creases less. Great for children's quilts, practice projects and bunting.
Tip: keep the fabrics in one quilt similar in weight and fibre so they wash and wear evenly.
Best fabric for cushions
For cushion covers, choose fabric with a bit more body. Cotton and linen canvas prints, tapestry and plush velvet all make hard-wearing, stylish cushions. Our printed cushion panels are a quick way to make a finished cushion front with no pattern matching needed.
Best fabric for soft toys and kids' crafts
- Craft felt – doesn't fray when cut, so it's perfect for appliqué, toys, decorations and school projects. Baize felt is also used for card and poker tables.
- Polar and cuddle fleece – soft, warm and non-fraying, ideal for blankets, soft toys and no-sew fleece projects.
- Faux fur – for teddy bears, costumes, animal ears and tails, and cosy throws.
Best fabric for bunting
Cotton and polycotton are the classic choices for bunting because they're light, colourful and easy to cut into triangles. For outdoor bunting that needs to survive a shower, oilcloth/PVC or ripstop are good options.
Seasonal crafts
Planning ahead for the holidays? Our Christmas fabric range includes festive polycottons and cottons for stockings, table runners, advent calendars and gifts, and our Halloween fabric is perfect for costumes and spooky décor.
Rustic and natural crafts
Hessian (jute burlap) brings a natural, rustic texture to wedding décor, table runners, plant wraps and gift sacks. Cotton muslin is great for dyeing, stamping and lightweight craft projects.
How much fabric do I need for a quilt?
It depends on the quilt size and design, so follow your pattern. Remember to allow separately for the quilt top, the backing (which should be a little larger than the top on all sides) and the binding. Buying your backing in one continuous length avoids extra seams – and because we cut from the roll in one length wherever possible, that's easy to do.
Quilting and craft tips
- Pre-wash cottons if your finished project will be washed, especially strong colours.
- Use a rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat for accurate patchwork pieces.
- Press seams as you go for sharper, flatter results.
Buy craft and quilting fabric by the metre
Shop craft cotton, polycotton, felt and fleece, or grab a bargain in our £1 fabrics. Orders placed before 10pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day. Schools, clubs and craft businesses can ask about wholesale prices.
