Most fabrics in America are sold by the yard. In Canada and Europe, fabrics are measured by metres (see metric conversion table). Most fabric stores sell in increments of yards, 1/4 yard (9"), 1/2 yard (18"), 3/4 yard (24"), etc. Some fabric stores also sell "fat quarters," which are 18"x22" pieces, pre-cut and arranged by color.
Selvedge:
Cotton fabrics are usually 44/45" wide or 59/60" wide. When they are printed, each side is "Finished" with a "selvedge." The selvedge usually has the name of the textile company, a copyright logo, and (sometimes) the name of the fabric collection. When you find fabric you like, be sure to check the selvedge so that you can ask for that fabric company by name in the future. As with other products, you'll find yourself looking for the samedesigners time and time again.
Another useful bit of information sometimes found on the selvedge is a color bar. The color bar will tell you how many screens (or colors) were used to print the fabrics, and it provides you with samples of the actual colors. This is a great help when you are trying to mix or match fabrics, or to find complimentary colors or prints, especially for quilting or home decorating projects.
Fabric Bolts:
If you are a home sewer, all the information you need about the fabric you purchase is on the "board end" label. Fabric is usually shipped to your fabric store "double and rolled", the fabric is folded in half, and then rolled on a cardboard bolt. Each bolt has a label with the style number of the fabric and care information. Here are some of the terms you are likely to see on a board end label.
Fiber Content:
The label will tell you what the fabric is made of, and, if it is a "blend" of fabrics, what the percentages are. Example: 50% cotton, 50% polyester.
Finish:
If the fabric has a special finish such as Chintz (Cranston's chintz finish is called "Cransheen") it will be noted on the label.
Care Instructions:
Specific care instructions are listed on each bolt. Style # and Fabric Name: You might want to jot these down, should you need more fabric from this particular fabric collection. The name of the manufacturer: Also important to note. As you expand your sewing, you'll soon find that you can count on certain manufacturers for consistent quality and style. Cranston Print Works divisions, for instance, include: VIP, Cranston Collections, Cranston Home Fashions and Cranston Apparel Fabrics.
Other Board End Notations:
Flame Retardant: Is the fabric suitable for children's sleepwear? Not unless the board-end specifies flame retardant finish!
Permanent Press: Some cottons are treated with a special finish to prevent wrinkling.
Pre-Shrunk: As cotton is known to shrink, some manufacturers "pre-shrink" their fabrics. You can do the same with regular cotton by washing it before using.
Which Fabrics Should I Buy?
It depends on your project! Here are some general pointers you should use when selecting your fabrics:
Allover Designs
Can be used in any direction (there is no "right side up" to worry about). Common allover designs are florals and geometrics.
Tossed Allovers
Have motifs that are "tossed" over a solid or patterned ground. These, too, can be used in any direction.
Packed Allovers
Can also be used in any direction. Because the design is "packed" together, you will see very little of the ground color. Packed allovers are sometimes good to use in place of solids because they are densely packed, they often "read" as textured lights or darks.
One-Way or Directional Designs
Designs ntended to be used in one direction only. In this sample, for instance, this pattern probably would be best used in a quilt block, where the motif would be placed right side up.
Craft Panels and Pillow Panels
We have a wide selection of craft and pillow panels in the Cranston Village. These are one yard or 1/2 yard panels with pre-printed craft designs and instructions printed along side the project. These panels will help you make wall hangings, pillows, stuffed toys, even folk art vests--all with a minimal effort. The panels are designed so that all you have to do is cut out the pieces, sew them together and add extra trims. It's fun and easy! "Pillow Panels" are usually printed squares that can be cut out and used for pillow fronts and backs. They come in a wonderful variety of patterns, in either 18" panels or 36" panels. 100% cotton is the fabric preferred by most quilters. It is easy to sew and press, and lies flat when pieced. You can read more about types of cotton in Beginner’s Guide to Fabrics.
Color and Color Coordinates:
You are about to begin your project, and are in your fabric store to buy fabric. Some quilters prefer to work with coordinated fabric groups, such as the ones produced by Quilting Treasures or Quilt Shop by Cranston. These 
groups are designed to include 4 or 5 different fabric designs, all color coordinated and created to be used with each other.
As you see, "Savannah" includes a stripe, a pillow panel, a large floral and two smaller floral allovers. The variety of scales and patterns makes mixing and matching easy!
If you with to do your own coordinating, there are some easy rules to follow. Remember how you learned to make colors in school? Turn to Experimenting with color for more information.
Continue on:
Quilting 103: Cutting and Making Templates
