The fabrics, patterns, and designs available to experiment with in quilting are endless. Quilting is a very old sewing art, where many fabrics and patterns have a historical background, such as the "log cabin" pattern and the fabric called "The Battle of Bull Run." Quilts were made of whatever fabric was available at the time, including scraps of wool, flannel, and cotton.

Today, you can find good quality fabrics at Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart, and Jo-Ann's Fabrics, or go to shops that specialize in quilting fabrics. At these stores, check the fabric for quality-feel and look at it carefully for thread count to be sure the fabric is sturdy. The cheaper fabrics often are not of the quality you want when putting time and money into the making of a quilt. Traditional quilts are made of 100% cotton fabric, thread, and, at one time, batting, though that has changed. Cotton fabric is easier to use than some other fabrics, but many different fabrics can be used. The costs can vary from about $2.00 to $8.00 or more. Less pricey fabrics, as long as they are good quality, make quilts that can be just as beautiful as those made from more unique, expensive fabrics. Watch for fabric sales to save on the materials you will need.

If you become a more advanced seamstress or quilter and require more options, the stock of fabrics online is nearly endless. Online stores can supply very large varieties of designs and fabric. Some are more expensive, but many are very reasonable, though they all have the added cost of shipping. Again, watch for sales. If you are looking for a theme, such as animals, flowers, nautical, fruits, vegetables, baby designs, etc., and cannot find them locally, then online is the place to look. Imagination is all you need to find the fabric and make the quilt of your dreams.