Got QUILTING COTTON? Make GARMENT SEWING Magic Happen!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Hi friends, for those of you telling me you like content based on self drafted patterns (I had this type of content a few years ago), there is a reason why I moved away from that. I know there is some interest, of course, but if I keep making content that does poorly on the KZbin algorithm…KZbin views this as my content being of “poor quality” as per the audience response. This in turn hurts the performance of my channel as YT recommends my videos less overall to new viewers. It’s a complex thing and over 6 years I’ve had to make decisions about the content to help the channel grow. This is not a hobby channel for me, it’s my livelihood. I hope this explains it a little. I’ve put a lot of thought into my content and I can’t possibly cover all there is to sewing. I do my best to create the best content I can to provide a very practical and helpful space for you 😊.

[@pavlal.4552]

I understand, but have to say that's awful on KZbin's part, not your of course.

[@nancywilliams7833]

Such good ideas. I have few choices for local shopping of fabric other than quilting cotton. For some reason, the powers that be think all of us are quilters or want to be quilters so that's all they offer in my area. While I'm not going to draft my own patterns from scratch, it's good to see ideas to change up patterns I already have. I always enjoy your videos because you have lots of good ideas.

[@m.b.ortega544]

I love how you personalize and make your outfits prettier by using cotton on the inside. Thank you for doing this informative video! I love working with and wearing cotton.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I love doing that. They are custom made even with those details and it makes me happy.

[@cherylberry5982]

I agree

[@bethk1402]

Thank you for this very helpful video! I am glad to be able to find past content and am interested that the algorithm only offered me this video today. I started hunting on exactly this topic yesterday. I just subscribed to your channel and will be interested in watching more of your content. Thanks again!

[@rosemaryobrien4698]

I began watching you when you were making things without commercial patterns. I was very impressed. Truly diy projects. I wondered why you stopped and seem to promote commercial pattern sewing now. This video explains why. Please consider posting the diy type occasionally at least. Many would enjoy them.

[@lynnshepard7485]

I love making piping from quilting cotton! Stripes and tartan prints, especially as holidays approach, can really jazz up kids’ solid garments.

[@marathorne6821]

I would love to see you make self-drafted clothing! I shall see whether I can find the early videos you talk about. And I love cotton fabric, although I am fussy about how it feels - some cottons are much softer and smoother than others... Thank you for all your wonderful content, Karina 🙏

[@kckazcoll1]

I love watching self-drafted pattern content! The Closet Historian does it and I find it is such a great learning resource. Thank you for this, Karina :)

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I think it’s because over time she’s found the audience for that. I found out that here, those videos do very poorly. It’s a lot of work and repeated less interest showed me to incorporate this style only occasionally.

[@karinbaird2499]

Me too. I will watch this content before any other. J Stern has self drafting content too.

[@karinbaird2499]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles You are such a great creator I will watch any content you make. I also buy the patterns using your link. Love from Sweden 💐

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I know there is some interest, of course but if I keep making content that does poorly on the algorithm, KZbin views this as my content being of “poor quality” as per the audience response. This in turn hurts the performance of my channel as YT recommends my videos less overall to new viewers. It’s a complex thing and over 6 years I’ve had to make decisions about the content to help the channel grow. This is not a hobby channel for me, it’s my livelihood. I hope this explains it a little.

[@kckazcoll1]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles I understand

[@bettyfletcher6489]

Oh my goodness ! Thanks so much, I'm a quilter, I have a lot of cotton fabric. I was always scared to sew clothes with the cotton, not really knowing. I wanted clothes , but not sure. I will be making some blouses now. Trying to learn to sew clothes. I love your show. I have learned so much . Thanks again

[@lynnshepard7485]

I’ve been making the Helen’s Closet Gilbert Top out of soft quilting cotton. They turn out lovely! When I make the tie version, I do need to draft my own facing for the front ties.

[@deb.m.7458]

Karina, thank you for sharing your methodology. You’ve shown us that they can also be dressy casual. Love the fashion clips. I remember the makes from when your family lived in Bolivia. Sewing classics can be timeless.

[@qormi1000]

Thank you Karina. Loved this video because I am a woven sewer.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It’s my first love :) woven 🥰

[@user-jz9ce9wz1o]

So much good info, I need to watch this one again

[@karenschreckengast5908]

Love tour garments. When I sewed for my girls all I had was cotton. I still love to sew with it. I haven't done it in a long time. You have out a fire in me. Happy sewing your channel and you are so talented.

[@antiquesewist423]

This was very helpful! I love the variety of prints available in cotton and want to use them more in garments

[@SamanthaMadison197]

This is so helpful! I love how you not only give specific pattern recommendations, but also ideas for types of patterns which work best with quilting cotton, and the effects of using it on parts of the garment e.g. puffy sleeves. I feel better informed about how to choose patterns for quilting cotton based on my own personal preferences.

[@michellestrange4716]

I would definitely be interested in video's of self drafting

[@jenthulhu]

Ah! I've always wondered about this topic! Yay! Thank you, Karina!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You're so welcome!

[@samanthaschasteen7903]

I love your tip for using cotton for facings and pocket linings!

[@tanjowil9743]

I have just found your channel and it is very useful to me, thank you very much, you are very clever.

[@karinbaird2499]

I love self drafting content❤️❤️❤️

[@katespencer4038]

I have made several shirts out of quilting cottons

[@Andyscrap]

Oh yes please😁 I would love it if you could make any one of the Simplicity jacket patterns, plrease. As much as I love all the Indi patterns you normally do, I don't have any of them and cannot afford them but I could get a simillar jacket pattern to the Simplicity ones and we are having a cold wet summer start here in South Africa. Its always great to see what you plan to sew next. Hope you have a great day.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I don’t have access to Simplicity patterns here at all. I have a handful that were sent to me by friends. The size range is limited also, so that’s why I don’t feature them too much here.

[@nancywilliams7833]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Have you considered that using indi patterns might be a reason why viewership is not growing? You have great teaching videos, but I don't like to download and put together my patterns and then how to store them. Nobody does a better job of quality teaching than you.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

@@nancywilliams7833 I’m very happy with how the channel is doing. I have felt quite dissatisfied with big 5 patterns…. It’s hard for me to get them and they become discontinued (making the effort of making a video - void). Another reason- big 5 patterns do not have an affiliate program like some indie patterns do and I need to make an income because it’s a lot of work to do what I do. It’s not all about viewership that goes into making an income. It’s rather complex. I’m not in the USA, I can print patterns at home and that is what I do. I know my content is not for everyone and I’m 100% ok with that.

[@kimbailey1754]

I’ll watch anything you make, Karina. That said, I totally get it with the algorithms dictating what content is worthwhile to you to spend your time producing.

[@helenhamilton9473]

Thank you for passing on your experiences with cottons and all the recommendations. it was great to see some of the photos from the early days too!

[@jmanonmakes]

Such great information here. Thank you so much!

[@connienash3666]

Great video, Karina! During hot weather I enjoy wearing button front shirts and blouses made from a good quality cotton and I have found a pattern that fits me well with only the usual adjustments and have made three shirts from it so far. Your advice on sleeve ease and some shaping with darts is so helpful. I'm with you as I don't like plaids or checks unless they are very small, such as a gingham check. With large checks I look like a lumberjack!

[@julierode-hickey4932]

I completely understand getting tired of a fBric that you once got a great deal on!

[@eduardachi2571]

HI KARINA i am very happy about this topic i am a quilter and have so much beautiful quilting cotton🥰

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yay! I was thinking if you! You’ve mentioned this before 😀

[@stillstitchin]

Thanks for a great episode! I love sewing with cotton and I love wearing it. I inherited my Mom’s quilting scrap stash, but I’m not a quilter. I’ll look at some of those small pieces differently, now, and use them inside garments. 😊

[@tonihayes4064]

Very imformative!

[@oscar6443]

“Wow” what a lot of good ideas and information on quilting cotton … it’s not a fabric that I go for, but you have really got me thinking that I’m going to give quilting cotton a go. Thank You

[@judithmonroe8602]

Thanks for this awesome video on sewing with quilting cotton. I live about a mile from a JOANN Where there is a massive amount of quilting cotton! Now I know what to do with it! Thank you so much!

[@denisedorsey2889]

Just keep in mind her first point. The quality varies quite a bit. I nearly gave up sewing garments at the beginning of my sewing journey because I bought quilting cotton from Joann and I hated the results. That said, I recently bought some Liberty cotton there and oh my, worth every penny. You can feel the difference on the bolt. It’s smooth and finely woven. Enjoy your sewing!😊

[@kathiethompson6719]

I like drafting, but I do understand your viewpoint and how drafting might affect your channel. Thank you for showing what you do in the pattern hacks. I enjoy it all. I live in north Texas and it gets very hot in the summer. 100% cotton breathes so well and that's what I like to use, along with linen, which I am using more now. Rayon is cool, too. Speaking of quilting stash...oh, my, I have a lot since I was quilting for about 20 years, and still do, but now I am returning to garment sewing for clothes that will fit.

[@patriciaferrito9245]

I use quilting cottons for bags and purses. For garments, I use them for contrast collars and cuffs on button down shirts. There is an expensive shirt designer here in the US that makes shirts and blouses like that and I copy it. I love batiks, so I will use it for the under collar and inside cuffs on a plain shirt. Great video- we have to learn to work with what we have available. You do a great job of that.

[@deliaramirez6044]

I am a quilter. I've always made my own clothes. But I taught myself to quilt ☺️

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

That is awesome!

[@deliaramirez6044]

Watching your KZbin videos are so great. Thank you for doing them. I'm never too old to learn.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Growing up, my clothes were made from the cheapest fabric available, mostly low quality cottons. Horrible to iron...would use vinegar solution to get creases out. I wish I had your tips in the '50's and 60's, I wouldn't have spent my childhood smelling like a salad. 🤣🤣🤣

[@jgsawka]

Quilting cotton isn't a fabric that I would have considered before. Thanks for the info and suggestions for this fabric use.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Glad to help :)

[@stephaniepaterson6340]

Love this! I would also love to see how you made that diamond cut out at the back of your top, it was beautiful ❤

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

How to sew this COOL back detail hack. Free PDF pattern (Angela Kane). Pinned into reality. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqDSg6l8ms6UgNE

[@seaside2001]

Karina if you can, try some Liberty fabric or Art Gallery fabric. Nothing better than Liberty. The Koscce style looks so nice on you. Quilting cottons are very nice for summer shirts. You can be a bit bolder with prints in the summer I think. Really enjoyed looking back on your quilting cotton makes.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

There’s is no way I can purchase those brands here. I can’t buy from overseas either because the post is so unreliable now.

[@rhodamurphy2097]

This video was very enjoyable. You explained everything clearly, and the fashions you showed were amazing.

[@pavlal.4552]

Thank you so much Karina, I have seen so many beautiful quilting cotton fabric, but except for the skirts and dresses for my girls I have never used it for anything else. I'll purchase some next time I'm shopping for fabric ☺️✨

[@kelley4086]

I love using quilting cotton for all in one sleeve garments. Love the video!

[@crisreneemakes7178]

I am mainly a quilter but have not used quilting cotton much for garments. That being said I would someday like to make a patchwork quilted jacket. Maybe even make from the buckets of scraps.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

That sounds like a lot of fun work 😀

[@helenwood3199]

I like pattern drafting videos. Maybe you could occasionally do some.

[@janet6114]

I appreciated this thoughtful video. So many great tips. Quilting cotton can work.

[@lynnmoroz4358]

Thanks for sharing this Katrina! I live in an area where quilting cottons abound and the fashion fabrics are not as available. I can purchase those fabrics on line but shipping and import fees can be expensive so this video is very helpful.

[@judykski4916]

Thanks for some great pointers on using quilting cotton in garment sewing. You make a lot of very valid observations about how to work around the stiffness you have to deal with. I have a LOT of quilt shops in the area I live so unless I order online, I have to be able to find ways to work with this type of cotton. We have a store called Paula's Fine Fabrics that USE to be a garment fabric and heirloom stitchery store. It now carries a majority of quilting cottons because of the resurgence in quilting. Bummer, but that is how she makes money.

[@sewlovemydogs]

Sorry I meant to say how much I enjoyed this video. I’ve always avoided quilting fabric for garments, but I can see how you’ve success used it and look forward to your future makes and plan to give them a try. The lovely floral fabric is exceptionally beautiful, I’ve never seen anything like it in quilting fabric

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I agree it was a rarity :) That’s why I’ve been patient to find the prints I like.

[@zibergirl2]

Wonderful tips on using quilting cotton, and where to NOT use them. Thanks for sharing! You certainly have inspired me!

[@ireneparker8253]

You are so right about the prints. But, I love the feel of the quilting cotton as a garment. I just made a Harmony blouse with a cherry print. I used black cotton spandex for the sleeves. To be comfortable with the closer fit. They also tone down the print a bit. I love it. But, it is bright.

[@JenniferKokoski]

Quilting cotton is great for making a line skirts. Especially tiered skirts. The reason it's so good is because it holds structure, the skirt will be naturally poofy and does not require a petticoat to give that effect.

[@wattle2394]

so helpful, thank you. I like quilting cotton too. love your recommendations and tips!

[@rosannesews]

Another enjoyable episode! One of my favourite dresses was a fitted sheath dress I made from Liberty quilting cotton. Thanks for the ideas for using it inside garments - I always enjoy lateral thinking. Cheers Rosanne 😊

[@cherylberry5982]

Hi Karina. I really appreciate this video so much. I’ve been a quilter for over 35 years and I kind of lost my enthusiasm for for quilting and instead have come to be reinvigorated with making clothes for myself again due directly to watching your videos. Although I do watch other makers I always look forward to anything you share. It’s always useful to me. I have som much quilting cotton that I could outfit a family for years. I will be making not of the patterns and styles you recommend because I totally agree with you and have experienced what you’re taking about. Thanks again and keep the good work. I look so forward to what I’ll see next. 💕

[@ann-elisefryen6364]

Thanks for the insp. Love using cotton in shirts/tops. Have just drafted a bodies-block with a friend,watching your video from 2017, so useful as as reference. I'm also one enjoying your self-drafting and hacks - those are my fav. :-)

[@sandrapacino2607]

Loving these types of videos….so much info. Thank you.

[@Emily-jt4tw]

I love making summer dresses with quilting cotton since they're nice and cool and don't wrinkle too much. I sometimes do use poly cotton since that's much, much more common than 100% cotton and doesn't wrinkle much, but most of it is 80/20, so it's not too scratchy. If your local stores have the Artensanato line by Dholer, their quilting cotton is pretty nice and not too stiff. Most of the prints are better for kids or pajamas (or things for the home), but sometimes they do have nice things for button down shirts or dresses.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’ll look for that brand of cottons . Thanks for the tip!,

[@dlwrules]

Thank you. This was a very helpful video for me. ❤

[@suepopoff3159]

I love your videos, I am so happy I found your u tube! I am struggling with fashion sewing, and you are so very helpful! Thank you, I will keep watching.Greetings from Canada🇨🇦

[@bronwynmorrison]

I often make my work scrub tops with cotton so I have different ones than everyone else. I'm on the hunt for a summer dress pattern. Haven't found one I love, something basic without buttons. I think I might have to try the big 4 for one, I haven't seen one in indie so far I want.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I know indies have more knit styles than woven.

[@sd1212yt]

I love your channel. Perfect timing as I purchased a piece of quilting cotton last week because I was wondering how it would work as a sleeveless top. I love watching your videos and trying the patterns after I watch. It’s nice to see the pattern made and modeled before I make it. Thank you

[@Aurora-uh9nk]

I love yr channel content Karina, especially the sew alongs/tutorials. I always listen carefully to yr recommendations for patterns and fabric choices/preferences for certain garments. I love cotton for the long hot summers . Thank you 🙏

[@cathykieser53]

So helpful, I have a new look at cotton. I used to be a quilter, and hate to get rid of the stash, now I got better ways to use it. I would be interested in what you use for lining? Thank you so much!!! Happy Sewing

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Another lighter weight cotton or a basic poly satin.

[@sherrislaven5425]

Hi Karina, thank you for all your content. I appreciate the effort you put into all your videos. I always learn something. ❤

[@amysheridan4496]

Thanks Karina! Great ideas and information 😊

[@lindanorris7240]

Thank you for the tips and hack ideas.

[@Saladmama57]

You always give great tips which I incorporate into my sewing projects. ❤😊

[@suzannehill3795]

So helpful thank_you

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Love this video. One of the things I really need to pay attention to is the fabrics I select to go with some patterns.

[@lindaladner5880]

Excellent information. I am a quilter as well as a clothing sewist, so I have a lot of beautiful quilting cottons. Sometimes I buy it to make clothing and then chicken out when trying to select a pattern. Your recommendations will be very helpful.

[@karlab9557]

As always, really great tips! I have used quilting cotton for shirts and a lined skirt, and some sheath dresses, when I have found some classic prints I really like. Your examples are lovely!

[@nancypollard4531]

I used to quilt a lot and I have quite a few fat quarters. Now I use them for little things like pin cushions and baby hats and pockets for my jeans. They are also great for binding seams if I really find a nice quality quilting cotton that I just love, I find that if I cut it on the bias, I can make beautiful blouses out of it. For example, nothing more luxurious than a liberty print blouse.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I hope to one day try out Liberty. It’s just not sold here at all.

[@debe8890]

You always have to greatest ideas. I love watching your videos. Also I think some of those plaid fat quarters will make cute bias binding.

[@amierikke6225]

I’ve made several Melanie blouses out of quilting cotton. It’s a great pattern, quick and Love Notions has lots of guidance for new sewists. One issue with quilting cotton is it’s usually not as wide as fashion cloth, so it may take more yards, depending on what’s being sewn.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I guess it’s a regional thing too. In South America, all fabric is about 54-56” wide. It’s a standard and if it were narrower, people would feel scammed 😀. I know 45” fabric is common in the USA.

[@margaretsebert9325]

Enjoy your posts and watch them every time. I would like to see self drafting videos especially sleeves. Big arms. Also, what fabric do you like for lining?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

For lining it depends on the main fabric. For cotton, I look for a lighter cotton or a rayon. Also silky poly lining works too.

[@eliseville]

Love your styling! Now that you are so much better ESTABLISHED, please, please PLEASE try again with a weekly or monthly SELF-DRAFTING tutorial. So many of us would watch them, it wouldn’t hurt your channel & could even expand your viewership❤️

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I have proven over and over that videos that do poorly so affect my channel. It’s just not that easy, so even a monthly one would be a stretch.

[@herminehahn1220]

Hi, excellent video. I save the novelty prints for aprons. People love fun aprons and you can match them to people's personalities. Can you cut quilting fabrics on the bias for extra flexibility say for pyjamas?🙏

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Bias won’t made them too flexible. They still won’t drape and they could easily deform. I wouldn’t use bias as a tool unless the pattern was drafted that way.

[@herminehahn1220]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedlesThanks, that's good to know .

[@gorgo1945]

Hi Karina, This episode is very helpful - as always. I have some material that I feel is just a little too light weight for a summer jacket. If I line it with a "stiffer" quilting cotton would this work do you think? Would it give the outer fabric the "body" it needs to look nice? Thank you for showing us how to broaden our thinking of our use of fabrics. Im really going to take your ideas of pockets, bias binding and internal facings to us up a mountain of quilting cotton I have - so inspirational, thank you again Karina. xx

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I don’t think I’d ever use a heavier fabric for lining. Remember lining is meant to have horizontal and vertical ease, compared to the main. That difference will show through light outer fabric. What I’d do it interface the main fabric to add the body it’s lacking and keep the lining light.

[@gorgo1945]

Thank you Karina!! xx@@LiftingPinsandNeedles

[@nancyb6585]

May I ask what fabric you used to line your green dress? Thank you for another wonder video!❤

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I used a very lightweight rayon fabric inside. Nice and soft.

[@dlg1603]

What is the name of the sleveless shirtdress pattern with gathers that you turned into pleats? Love the style and even more that you can use a quilting cotton.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Alder shirt dress from grainline studio. I put the names of the patterns on the screen :)

[@NancySchober]

Thank you. That was very informative. Do you ever use wax prints?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’ve only very used it once. This fabric is not sold here at all.

[@TheWanderingSewist]

💐

[@rebeccatromel4763]

What are you using as a lining with your quilting cotton? Do you line with muslin?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I never use actual muslin. I’ve used poly satin or rayon as lining.

[@sewlovemydogs]

Karina do you have the name of the skirt you made for your mum with the flounce at the back, if so could you please le% me know what it is.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It’s self drafted. There is no pattern for it but I’m considering doing a tutorial as it’s gotten a lot of interest :)

[@sewlovemydogs]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles it’s so feminine and flattering.

[@marilynhardman5239]

Thank you for sharing, you give many wonderful tips in your videos. You are telling us many of the hints my mother taught me when I was a teenager. Well done young lady! 💐

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I don't make garments out of quilting cotton because where I live it's double or more of the cost of garment cottons. I'm not saying it isn't worth the price, just that it doesn't fit my budget.

[@chelvybraggs2243]

Can I make wearing garment from it?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Please watch the video. I go over using it for clothes in detail.

[@peeshyholland433]

I’ve never learned about all the different fabrics and what they are for. This video was very informative about the cottons and what they are used for. Thank you.