Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Conversational Threads

best fabrics to make bead spread

svnoble | Posted in Quilting and Home Decor on

Hi, I’m new member, but long time drapery sewer.  I have been trying to find a bedspread that has some taste – sadly all I am finding at retailers is comforters, these are to big to fit into standard washers.  So I plan on sewing a simple bedspread and am looking for advice on fabric choices for spread itself and the lining / backing.  I have a cat – so fabric has to be durable and something that can be placed in a washer and dryer.  I plan not to use a quit batting as this will make it to bulky to fit in our apartment buildings standard size washing machines.

 

Welcome all advice,

Replies

  1. mygaley | | #1

    Have you thought of making a pillowcase-type duvet cover and putting a really lightweight fleece or cotton blanket inside it, tying the tops together. Then each part could be separated for laundering (and your cat would really love how soft it is). Did you know that commercial washaterias have extra-size washers and dryers that can handle big comforters? Chose one that has a helpful attendant and perhaps you'll be as pleased as I have been. It's been a long time since I thought using sheets for decorating was as economical as fabric by the yard, but this might suit your "style" eye. I'm sure you know you can buy one extra flat sheet and make all the pillowcases and shams you want. By the way, I buy king sheets and covers for my queen bed, queen for the standard beds, etc., because you have better drape with thick mattresses. Galey

  2. FyberSpace | | #2

    I used a wonderful cotton chenille. Since I have a multitude of cats, I can guarantee you that it washes up beautifully and EVERYTHING comes out of it. It is king size with very long sides, and it fits in my regular sized washer and dryer. I loved it so much I bought the entire bolt!

    1. svnoble | | #3

      Thank you for the heads up on Cotton Chenille - that sound like the cats meow... LOL

      I was going to use two flat  king-size 400 count Egyptian cotton bed sheets - one solid, one patterned if I could not find anything else.  But would rather have something where I can custom fit top with box pleated draped sides - going to floor.

      Again, thanks for the great advice - keep stitching,

      Scott

  3. Teaf5 | | #4

    For duvet covers and bedspreads, I use drapery fabrics for the top and a solid color flat king sheet for the backing. I prewash everything before sewing. For our king size bed, I buy two lengths of the decorator fabric, split one of them lengthwise, and sew those panels on either side of a full-width piece so that the center of the bed is smooth and seamless. I cover the two length-wise seams with coordinating trim. Decorator fabric usually has more textural, color, and pattern interest than sheets, and it holds up well in washing.

    I match the sheets & pillowcases to the backing sheet of the comforter and make shams or accent pillows out of the decorator fabric or trimmed with it. Likewise, the valance in the room or pillows on side chairs can be made of the decorator fabric or a coordinating decorator fabric. Since I look for sales, I can completely change a room for a fraction of the cost of one pre-made bedspread!

    1. svnoble | | #5

      Wow, what a great tip Teal5 - joining this group was a great move on my part.  I work with drapery fabric all the time - but the fabric I normally used is best dry-cleaned and does not stand-up well to repeated washings.  But at the price - this is a great suggestion as I can find inexpensive drapery fabric on clearance at a local fabric store and as you say - whip up a new look in a weekend.  <!----><!----><!---->

      Again thanks, keep on stitching<!----><!---->

      Scott<!----><!---->

       

      1. Teaf5 | | #8

        The fabric I use is the cotton based, printed motif kind like Waverly and Hoffman make. I've made chef's aprons and tablecloths out of it, washing and drying many, many times without losing color, shape, or beauty. It is often on sale for $3/yard at Joann's, and is only 1.98 per yard flat fold at a decorator fabric outlet nearby. My king-size coverlet took 5.5 yards for the top, and the clearance king sheet for the backing cost $10 on clearance, so my gorgeous bedspread cost me less than $20.

        1. krin | | #9

          Hi... I am new to the group..

          Home decor sewing is right up my alley, as we do sew for customers and also teach classes.

          We like to recommend using microfiber fabrics living with our pets. My partner Claudia told me about lightweight fabric she is using for a duvet cover.  It sounds great!

          Microfiber can be washed and dried and lasts a long time.

          We wouldn't make everything out of the same fabric, we usually mix and match colors and fabric.

          Now this adds more to your choices

  4. nursewing | | #6

    I also have kitties & they go wherever they please. SO when choosing a bedspread I purchased a very nice" mattelesse" that I stick in washer & dryer all the time. Good Luck

    nursewing

    1. svnoble | | #7

      Thank you wor great heads up on another fabric.  so many choices - it should be easy to get this project underway on  long-weekend

This post is archived.

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Conversational Threads

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More