Quilt Fabric at JOANN: Quilting Cotton & Fabric Guide (2026)

Quilt fabric usually refers to tightly woven cotton fabric designed for patchwork quilting, quilt blocks, and sewing projects that require durability and precision. Quilting cotton became one of the most popular materials sold in the quilting section of joann fabrics stores, alongside quilt batting, quilt panels, and quilting supplies. These materials helped beginners and experienced quilters create blankets, home decor, and gifts.

As JOANN stores changed inventory and some locations closed, many people began searching online for quilt fabric joann by the yard, pre-quilted fabric, and quilting cotton bundles. This guide explains what quilt fabric is, the types available, how to choose quilting materials, pricing, project ideas, quilting tools, and where to buy quilt fabric today. By the end, you’ll understand how quilting fabric works and how to select the right materials for your next quilt projectWhether you are making a baby quilt, a patchwork throw, or a table runner, this guide has everything you need to get started.

Denim and quilting cotton are both found in the fabrics department used for sewing projects.

What Is Quilt Fabric

Quilt fabric is typically 100% cotton quilting cotton designed for patchwork sewing. Unlike apparel fabric, quilting cotton is woven tightly so quilt blocks hold their shape. This fabric is easy to cut with a rotary cutter and works well with quilting rulers and sewing machines.

Quilt fabric is often sold in fat quarters, jelly rolls, quilt panels, and fabric squares, which makes it easier to follow quilt patterns. Because quilting involves multiple layers — quilt top, batting, and backing — fabric stability is important. Quilting cotton provides durability without becoming too stiff.

Many quilters prefer cotton quilting fabric because it presses cleanly with an iron and creates crisp seams when piecing quilt blocks together.

What Is Quilt Fabric Used For

Quilt fabric is used for both quilting and sewing projects that require structured cotton material.

Common uses include:

patchwork quilts
baby quilts
quilt blocks
pillow covers
table runners
wall hangings
fabric baskets
placemats
tote bags

Softer materials like flannel fabric are sometimes combined with quilt fabric for blankets.

Types of Quilt Fabric

Quilt fabric is sold in several formats designed to simplify quilting projects and fabric selection. These formats help quilters maintain consistent measurements and create balanced quilt layouts.

Type	Thickness	Best Use
Quilting cotton	Lightweight	Patchwork quilts
Pre-quilted fabric	Thick	Blankets
Quilt panels	Lightweight	Beginner quilts
Fat quarters	Lightweight	Small projects
Cheater quilt fabric	Lightweight	Quick quilts
Jelly rolls	Lightweight	Strip quilts

Quilted cotton fabric

Quilted cotton fabric is the most common quilting material used in patchwork quilting. The tight cotton weave prevents stretching during piecing and keeps quilt blocks aligned. Quilting cotton is easy to press, cut, and sew, which makes it ideal for beginner quilting projects.

Pre quilted fabric

Pre-quilted fabric includes quilt batting stitched between two layers of fabric. This reduces the amount of quilting required and works well for blankets, quilted jackets, and home decor sewing projects.

Cheater quilt fabric joann

Cheater quilt fabric prints quilt block designs directly onto fabric. Instead of sewing many quilt squares together, the printed design creates the appearance of patchwork quilting.

Quilt panels

Quilt panels contain printed designs that can be turned into quilts with minimal cutting. Many beginner quilting projects start with quilt panels.

Jelly roll quilt fabric

A jelly roll is a bundle of pre-cut 2.5-inch fabric strips used in strip quilting and patchwork designs. Jelly rolls help quilters maintain consistent strip sizes and reduce cutting time.

Quilters often combine jelly rolls, fat quarters, and quilt kits to create coordinated quilting projects.

What Does Quilt Fabric Feel Like

Quilting cotton feels smooth, lightweight, and slightly crisp compared to muslin fabric. The tight weave helps quilt seams stay flat when pressing with an iron. This makes quilting cotton easier to sew than slippery fabrics or stretchy materials.

Pre-quilted fabric feels thicker because it includes quilt batting. Quilt backing fabric may feel softer depending on fiber content. Quilts made from cotton quilting fabric soften with washing while remaining durable.

How to Choose the Right Quilt Fabric

Choosing quilt fabric depends on the quilt pattern, project size, and experience level. Beginners usually start with quilting cotton because it is stable and easy to cut.

Look for fabric labeled quilt fabric by the yard or quilting cotton bundles. Matching the quilt top fabric weight with quilt backing helps quilts lay flat. Cotton batting is often recommended because it is breathable and beginner-friendly.

Baby quilts typically use lightweight quilting cotton and soft batting. For quilt backing fabric, choose something soft and wide enough to extend two to three inches beyond your quilt top on all sides.

Beginner Tips for Using Quilt Fabric

Quilting requires accurate cutting and consistent seam allowance.

Helpful tips:

use a rotary cutter and cutting mat
press seams after sewing
use quilting rulers
keep seam allowance consistent
start with simple quilt blocks
use cotton thread

A walking foot attachment helps feed multiple quilt layers evenly through a sewing machine during quilting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing different fabric weights in one quilt top can cause uneven quilting stitches. Skipping pressing between seams often causes quilt blocks to misalign.

Using stretchy fabric instead of quilting cotton can distort quilt squares during sewing.

Price Range and Budget Considerations

Quilt Fabric Type	Price per yard	Difficulty
Quilting cotton	$6–$12	Easy
Pre-quilted fabric	$12–$20	Medium
Quilt panels	$8–$15	Easy
Batting	$10–$25	Medium

Buying quilt fabric online often provides more pattern choices.

Project Ideas Using Quilt Fabric

Quilt fabric is used in many sewing projects beyond traditional quilts.

Examples:

baby quilts
patchwork blankets
pillow covers
tote bags
table runners
placemats
quilted jackets

Scrap quilting cotton is commonly reused in craft projects.

Quilt Fabric vs Other Materials

Fabric	Durability	Flexibility	Best Use
Quilt fabric	Medium	Medium	Quilts
Cotton fabric	Medium	Medium	Sewing
Flannel fabric	Soft	High	Blankets
Muslin fabric	Light	High	Practice sewing

Quilt fabric is stronger than muslin but softer than heavy fabrics like denim or canvas.

Quilt Fabric at JOANN

JOANN stores traditionally carried quilting cotton, quilt panels, and quilt batting in the quilting department. Customers often purchased fat quarters, quilt squares, and quilt kits for patchwork projects.

Many stores also offered quilting classes where beginners learned patchwork quilting and machine quilting techniques. Customers frequently searched for locations using the joann fabrics near me page.

Where to Buy Quilt Fabric Now

Today, quilt fabric is widely available online through some of the best quilting fabric stores online. Amazon offers quilting cotton bundles, quilt batting, jelly rolls, quilt kits, and pre-quilted fabric.

Michaels carries quilting cotton prints and quilt panels for beginner quilting projects. Hobby Lobby sells pre-quilted fabric, quilt batting, and quilting cotton commonly used in patchwork quilts.

How to Use Quilt Fabric

Basic quilting steps:

Cut quilt squares
Sew quilt blocks
Assemble quilt top
Add batting
Attach backing
Quilt layers together
Bind edges

This layered construction is called the quilt sandwich.

Binding is a strip of fabric sewn around the quilt edge to cover raw layers and secure the quilt together.

Large quilts are sometimes finished using longarm quilting machines, which quilt large fabric surfaces more easily than home machines.

Care and Maintenance

Wash quilts in cold water on a gentle cycle to protect the fabric and batting inside. Hot water can shrink cotton quilting fabric and cause the quilt layers to pucker. Turning the quilt inside out before washing helps preserve printed fabric colors.

Dry quilts on low heat and remove them slightly damp to finish air drying flat. High heat damages cotton batting and can cause uneven shrinkage between quilt layers. Store finished quilts folded in a cotton pillowcase rather than plastic bags — cotton breathes and prevents moisture buildup that causes yellowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is quilt fabric made from?

Most quilt fabric is 100% cotton quilting cotton. Cotton is preferred because it is breathable, easy to press, and holds its shape during patchwork piecing.

What is quilting cotton fabric?

A tightly woven cotton used for patchwork quilts. The tight weave keeps quilt blocks stable during sewing and pressing

What is pre quilted fabric?

Pre-quilted fabric has batting already stitched between two fabric layers. It saves time because you skip the quilting step and can sew directly into finished projects like blankets or jackets.

Can beginners use quilt fabric?

Yes, quilting cotton is one of the most beginner friendly fabrics available. It cuts cleanly, presses easily, and does not stretch during sewing.

What is quilt batting?

Batting is the middle layer of a quilt sandwich, sitting between the quilt top and backing. Cotton batting is breathable and beginner friendly. Polyester batting is loftier and warmer.

What is quilt backing fabric?

The bottom fabric layer of a quilt. It should be soft, wide enough to extend beyond the quilt top on all sides, and similar in weight to the quilt top fabric.

What is cheater quilt fabric?

Cheater quilt fabric is printed with quilt block designs so it looks like patchwork without sewing individual pieces together. It is a popular shortcut for beginners.

What is a walking foot used for in quilting?

A walking foot helps feed multiple quilt layers through your sewing machine evenly. It prevents the layers from shifting while you quilt them together, which is especially useful when working with thick batting.