Can You Sew Clothing with Quilting Cotton?

I have committed many sewing crimes. Many of them involved using quilting cotton to sew clothes. In all instances, quilting cotton was innocent. 

It was my fault. On all accounts.

Quilting cotton was the most readily-available fabric when I started sewing—when Joann was my main source of materials. But I can’t blame Joann. How could I resist all the amazing designs that are only found in the dizzying world of quilting cottons? 

Cats? Yes! Skulls? Also yes! Bunnies, hearts, bugs, zombies? YES! YES! YES! YES!

But blaming quilting cotton for my sewing crimes would be victim blaming. As a sewist, it is up to me to make decisions about which fabric works best with any given pattern—a responsibility I take very seriously these days. 

I have learned that even though quilting cotton is not made for garment sewing (that’s why it is called quilting), it can definitely be used to create beautiful and functional clothing as long as you use it with the right project. 

What is Quilting Cotton?

You must think I’m pulling your leg, right? The name is the exact description of this fabric: A cotton fabric designed specifically to be used in quilts.

Let’s go a little deeper. Quilting cotton is a tightly woven fabric made of cotton. It is very durable, stable (think no shifting when you are cutting, pinning, and sewing it), and structured, holding its shape really well. Cotton holds color well, making it a great choice for all the colorful designs associated with modern quilts.

Quilting cotton is heavier and thicker than other cotton fabrics more suitable for garment sewing like voile, batiste, or chambray. It has little drape and can sometimes feel rough against the skin.

The Problems with Quilting Cotton

The main problem with quilting cotton is that it is not meant for sewing clothes. It’s in its name.

Quilting cotton has no drape. Its heavier, thicker nature gives quilting cotton shape and durability. If your intention is to sew a flowy garment—let’s say, a spring dress with lots of gathering—you will be disappointed.

Another problem with quilting cotton is its tendency to get wrinkly. This is not particular to quilting cotton as all cotton fabrics wrinkle easily. If you are a fan of cotton, you’ll become friends with ironing very quickly.

Finally, quilting cotton of lesser quality can fade quickly. Quilts don’t get washed as often as garments do, so your beautiful designs can start looking a bit anemic after one too many washes.

Quilting Cotton and Garment Sewing: Pros

If quilting cotton is so bad, why do sewists (and I) keep on coming back?

The #1 reason why sewists fall in love with quilting cotton in the first place is the designs. The options are endless. It’s hard not to be tempted by all the colors and motifs—even when you know you cannot get any drape out of it.

Quilting cotton is also really easy to source. If you’ve been to a big-box crafts and fabric store, you’ll notice that quilting cotton reigns almost supreme. Most neighborhood fabric stores also rely heavily on quilting cotton to stock their shelves. Quilting cotton is there when you need a fabric the most.

Working with quilting cotton is really easy because it is very stable. The fabric behaves well in all stages of sewing, from cutting to pressing. It is—in my opinion—the best fabric for beginner sewists for this reason.

Have I mentioned how cute the prints are?

How to Be Successful with Quilting Cotton

Information is power. Now that you know what to expect, you can make informed decisions.

The right pattern is your number one predictor of success when sewing with quilting cotton. Choose garments that are more structured. Avoid any pattern with lots of volume. Big flowy dresses, garments with lots of gathering, and anything with too many frills will not look good in quilting cotton.

Before you purchase the pattern, take a look at the list of recommended fabrics. Linen, poplin, broadcloth, and muslin have a similar weight to quilting cotton. 

Here is a list of projects that will work well with quilting cotton:

• A-line skirts
• Aprons
• Fit-and-flare dresses
• Pajama shorts and pants
• Smocks
• Tote bags

Quilting Cotton and the Budding Sewist

The characteristics that make quilting cotton bad for some garment sewing are the same that make it the best fabric for beginner sewists. It is a stable fabric that makes cutting, pinning, sewing, and pressing really easy. First projects like pillow cases, tote bags, napkins, and gathered skirts are perfect for quilting cotton.

Even though high-end quilting cotton can be very expensive, sewists can find lots of options that are very affordable. This is great because practice makes perfect, and you don’t want to spend big bucks when you are practicing (and making mistakes).

Quilting Cotton and the Alt/Goth Sewist

Will I sound like a broken record if I talk about the adorable prints again? No other fabric caters to alt/goths like quilting cotton does. When I say you can find any kind of design, I wasn’t kidding. Enter a Google search for alt/goth/punk/metal/steampunk prints, and you will find it. I have a cut of Kiss (the band)-inspired quilting cotton that I bought to make something for a friend. This stuff is magic!

Quilting Cotton and Me

The number of Halloween designs is mind blowing, and I’m here for all of it! Some of my favorite garments were made with quilting cotton straight out of Joann. I still have yards of amazing fabric, and I am always on the lookout for patterns that I can use with them.

So… Can You Sew Clothes with Quilting Cotton?

I did not say there was going to be a test after this post, but after reading it, you should be able to answer this questions with a resounding YES. And if you are looking for a fun quilting cotton project, enroll in my free mini-course The Gathered Skirt. See you in class!