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All About
Fabric Art Prints
Selecting the right fabrics is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of quilting. Whether you’re wondering how to coordinate colors, how much fabric to buy, or whether premium materials are worth the investment, this guide brings together the most common questions quilters ask. Explore expert tips, practical advice, and helpful insights to make confident, creative decisions for every project.
What are fabric art prints and how are they used in quilting?
Fabric art prints are high-quality printed panels featuring detailed artwork, often derived from original illustrations or paintings. McKenna’s fabric art prints are created using images of her original work, so you can clearly see her original stitch lines and embellishments. Quilters use them as focal points, centerpieces, or storytelling elements within a quilt design. They can be framed with patchwork borders, incorporated into larger blocks, or used as stand-alone art quilts. You can even turn them into home decor such as pillows, table runners, wall hanging to add them to a tote bag!
Are fabric art prints washable and colorfast?
Most fabric art prints are professionally produced on colorfast quilting cotton. They are generally safe for gentle washing, but hand-washing or using a delicate cycle is recommended to preserve vibrancy. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Can I stitch directly through a fabric art print?
Yes. You can quilt or appliqué directly through fabric art prints just as you would with standard quilting cotton. The print surface is designed to be sewn through without damaging the artwork.
How do I incorporate printed fabric panels into a quilt design?
You can border the panel with coordinating fabrics, build patchwork blocks around it, or use the print as the centerpiece of a wall hanging. Many quilters design around the artwork’s colors, motifs, and themes to create a cohesive finished quilt.
What sizes do most fabric art prints come in?
Fabric art prints are available in a range of sizes—from small postcard-sized images to large, full-panel artworks. McKenna offers art prints in 8”, 10” and 12” squares as well as a variety of larger sizes all the way up to full quilt art prints! Each product listing will specify exact dimensions and what seam allowance is included.
Can fabric prints be framed or used as standalone décor?
Absolutely. Fabric art prints can be stretched on canvas frames, displayed in embroidery hoops, mounted on foam board, or quilted into small wall hangings. They work well both in quilts and as independent decorative pieces.
Are fabric prints suitable for both beginners and advanced quilters?
Yes. Beginners appreciate the ready-made artwork that simplifies design decisions, while advanced quilters enjoy using the prints as foundations for intricate borders, thread painting, embroidery, embellishing or other specialty techniques.
How do I coordinate fabric art prints with the rest of my quilt fabrics?
Match your supporting fabrics to the main colors and tones in the print. Look for complementary hues, value contrasts, and textures that enhance the artwork. Many designers release coordinating fabric lines specifically for their art prints.
Are prints digitally produced or screen printed?
​Most modern fabric art prints are digitally printed, which allows for high-resolution detail, rich color gradients, and precise reproduction of original artwork. Some specialty manufacturers may offer screen-printed options, but digital printing is the standard.
Will the colors in a fabric art print fade over time?
With proper care, fading is minimal. Using gentle detergents, avoiding prolonged direct sunlight, and following care instructions will help maintain long-term color vibrancy.
How much seam allowance does an art print have?
Fabric art prints typically include extra background space around the artwork to allow for seam allowances. The exact amount varies, but most provide ample room for trimming and piecing without cutting into the printed image. Be sure to check the product description for more information.
Can you see McKenna’s original stitch lines on the art print?
Yes. All of McKenna’s fabric art prints include visible stitch lines captured from the original stitched artwork. These lines add texture, depth, and realism to the printed panel. You can also see any of the embellishments that may have been added to the original quilt!
Are the art prints created from McKenna's original designs?
Yes. Each fabric art print is derived directly from McKenna’s original fabric-based illustrations and collage work, preserving the detail and style of her hand-crafted designs.
Can I add embellishments to an art print?
Absolutely. You can add beads, embroidery, metallic threads, couching, crystals, or dimensional appliqué to personalize and enhance the artwork. The print serves as an excellent base for creative embellishment.
Can art prints be used in other types of crafts?
Yes. Fabric art prints work beautifully in collage, tote bags, pillows, home décor projects, mixed-media art, and textile crafts of all kinds.
How do I quilt a fabric art print?
You can free-motion quilt along the lines of the artwork, echo-quilt around the shapes, or create an all-over quilting design. Quilting adds texture and dimension without obscuring the printed imagery.
What is the thread count of the fabric art prints?
Most fabric art prints are produced on high-quality quilting cotton with a standard thread count similar to premium quilting fabrics—dense enough for durability while remaining easy to sew.
What type of material are the art prints made of?
Fabric art prints are typically made from 100% premium cotton specifically treated for digital printing. This ensures sharp image reproduction, rich color saturation, and a smooth sewing experience.