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All About Fabric Kits
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 is included in a typical quilt fabric kit?
A typical quilt fabric kit includes all the fabrics needed to complete the quilt top. They usually include background fabric, and all of the fabrics for the appliqués - or all of the fabrics for the piecing. Some kits also include borders and binding fabric, but what’s included varies by brand—always check the product listing for specifics.
How do I know if a fabric kit includes borders, binding and backing?
Every kit should list its included materials. If borders, binding, or backing are part of the kit, they will be clearly stated. If they are not mentioned, assume they are not included. Many quilt kits only provide the fabrics needed for the quilt top, leaving borders and backing as optional add-ons.
Are the fabrics in kits prewashed or should I wash them myself?
The fabrics in McKenna’s kits are not prewashed. Because her quilts are meant to be wall hangings, prewashing is not necessary. If the kit is for a usable quilt, then prewashing is up to the quilter. Prewashing is generally avoided because it can shrink pieces unevenly and affect color matching. If you prefer to prewash, do so carefully and expect slight variation in size—especially with small cuts.
How do I choose the right fabric kit for my skill level?
Look at the project complexity rather than the kit itself. Simple patchwork kits are great for beginners, while kits with intricate appliqué or detailed piecing are better for intermediate or advanced quilters. Product descriptions usually mention difficulty levels or recommended experience. In addition, all of McKenna’s designs will include highly detailed instructions, making even a complex quilt possible to complete for a beginner. Plus, her customer service is always available to help should you have trouble.
Do fabric kits include instructions or only the materials?
McKenna’s fabric kits will almost always include the pattern. However, some designers may not include the instructions. Always check the product description for details and review the listing to confirm what’s included.
How much extra fabric do kits generally provide for mistakes?
McKenna’s fabric kits for an applique design will include a fair amount of extra material for most of the fabrics in the kit. Because most of the fabrics only require a small amount (ex: 4” x 6” piece) but a full width of fabric piece is provided, there is a lot of room for correcting any mistakes that may happen. However, some pieces will not have as much extra material - ie: background or border fabrics. When creating a more traditional style pieced quilt, there will not be as much of a margin for error. This type of kit is not designed to include significant “wiggle room,” so careful cutting is important. If you want additional fabric for test blocks or practice, consider purchasing extra yardage.
What’s the difference between curated fabric bundles and full quilt kits?
Curated fabric bundles are collections of coordinating fabrics chosen for color or theme—fat quarters, half yards, or yardage bundles. They may not be tailored to a specific project or be meant to complete a full design. Full quilt kits, on the other hand, include the exact fabrics required to complete a specific pattern, cut to the amounts needed.
Are fabric kits coordinated by designers or shop staff?
All of McKenna’s kits are assembled using the specific fabrics she’s chosen to use in her designs. However, other designers or shops may have fabric kits that are created directly by the designers themselves, or by knowledgeable shop staff who curate fabric selections that complement the design. Product listings usually identify which type you’re purchasing.
Can I substitute fabrics in a kit without affecting the final design?
You can, but substitutions may change the overall look. Designers often choose fabrics for specific color values, shading, or texture effects. If you swap fabrics, try to maintain the same lightness/darkness and general tone to preserve the intended visual impact.
Are traditional fabric kits more cost-effective?
Traditional kits can be more cost-effective than buying individual fabrics separately, especially when they include a wide range of colors or specialty prints. Kits also eliminate the guesswork of selecting materials, which can save both time and money. They also allow you to add any leftover fabrics to your stash!
Can I do needle turn on one of McKenna’s traditional fabric kits?
Yes—traditional McKenna Ryan fabric kits usually work well for needle-turn appliqué because the fabrics are not pre-fused. You would need to trace and cut each applique piece with the added seam allowance required to make the shapes large enough to needle-turn and then hand-appliqué the pieces using your preferred method.
Can I buy a traditional fabric kit without the pattern if I already own it?
McKenna typically does not sell traditional fabric kits without the pattern. However, some stores offer “fabric-only kits” for quilters who already own the pattern. Availability depends on licensing and the specific designer, so check the product description or contact the shop directly.
Do traditional fabric kits come with a fabric key?
Most traditional fabric kits include a fabric key, color chart, or legend that helps you identify which fabric corresponds to each part of the pattern. If a key is not included, the pattern itself may provide fabric swatches or labeling instructions. McKenna provides a swatch sheet for almost all of her quilts. They can be found on her website under Help & Tips, or you can contact her customer service and ask for a copy.
How do I identify the fabrics in my kit?
Fabric kits usually bundle fabrics in groups corresponding to sections of the pattern. Use the included fabric key or color guide to match each piece to the pattern’s requirements. If your kit doesn’t provide labels, separate fabrics by color and compare them directly to the pattern diagrams.
Do fabric kits include substitute fabrics?
Yes, sometimes. If a fabric is discontinued or out of stock, manufacturers may include a close substitute that maintains the color, value, and style of the original. McKenna will carefully chose each substitutes in her kits so the overall design remains faithful to the pattern.