Best fabric by the yard for sewing

Start with a 100% cotton quilting solid. It's the most forgiving fabric to learn on: it presses flat, doesn't slip under the needle, and works for quilts, bags, home projects and simple garments. Kona Cotton and Bella Solids are the two names sewists trust most for consistent weight and colour, and the Singer cut-by-the-yard cottons are the same idea in prints.

Who the others suit:

• Prints (butterflies, vintage trailers, camo): fun for kids' projects, tote bags and appliqué — check the print scale before cutting.
• Poly-cotton blends: cheapest and crease-resistant, fine for linings, muslins and practice pieces, but it can pill and doesn't press as crisply.
• Laminated cotton: wipes clean, so it's for lunch bags and bibs, not garments.

Buy a little extra for pre-washing and matching the print repeat.