Bella Solids VS Kona Cottons

[helenfields]

My LQS carries a wide variety of Kona so that is what I use and have no criticism of it. I’ve bought a full bolt of ivory (get discount) as I use it a lot. Love the ruby for my red, and espresso, and black. It’s nice to know the colours are always available if you didn’t get enough to complete a project. Thanks for looking at the comparisons. Good topic.

[Craftnquiltbyrona]

As I carry Kona at Craft N Quilt, there is a difference the back side (wrong) of the fabric is a little rougher than the right side (top) due to the weave. The top is smoother. It’s not really a problem as you stated the fabric is emerged in the dye process so it is the same on both sides. Great video!

[fernlamberson]

Bella is my favorite. Kona color looks deeper. Thanks for the informative on solids. And the tip for putting the color and designer on selvedge. 🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄🎁🎄

[susanonealsmith]

Very informative, thank you! I've always wondered about the difference between the two, being a newish (2 years) quilter, and this helped! Thanks again!🧵

[michelleswistak]

I use kona because it is usually a couple of bucks cheaper. Save where you can.

[deborahprairiestitcher]

I use both of these fabric lines and agree with your assessment. I also think Kona frays more although I still use it. Happy Thanksgiving

[barbarabaker]

Great video and very useful information. I have wondered if there is a difference between the fabrics myself. I have some Riley Black solids - wonder how they starch up. Your idea of purchasing different amounts of fabric to keep up with which one is which is brilliant!

[jtumbleweed]

On the video the Kona looked more black than the Bella. Have never used Bella.

[sweettennesseelife]

Very informative video. Thank you for the side by side.

[jackiejlw]

Black is a great color for showing difference in color density but also a light colored fabric like a baby pink or blue or even cream is useful because I find that those tend to look more transparent when off the bolt (single ply). I was really disappointed by the pale blue Kona that I bought and when I used it the color just faded out completely in bright lighting.

[septemberbaby]

Kona tends to fray .. a lot. Bella frays very little. Even with heavy starching, Kona frays. For that reason, In my quilts, I mainly use Bella.

[jennystrahley]

Great topic and video! I have used both Kona and Bella solids, and I will agree that Bella is a little softer, but I almost always use Kona. I generally purchase my go-to colors (black, white, bone, snow) from Joanne's because I can order a bolt with a %-off coupon when it's not on sale. I have also ordered from Missouri Star because they offer discount with a 10 yard bolt, and because they have all Kona colors on their website. I haven't noticed a difference in Kona fabrics between the 2 stores, whether it was a bolt or yardage purchase.

[barbarachase]

I have always used Kona but have been curious about Bella. I have the same question as one of your other viewers… Is the Kona sold at Joannes the same as that sold in a quilt store. I have heard mixed answers so not really sure which is true. Probably a good test would to be order one of each in the same color like you did. I always enjoy your informative videos! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving❤

[terribishop]

I recently fell in love with Paintbrush studio fabrics solids they're luscious. I preferred Bella over Kona.

[jrivera]

Thanks for this video. I came here looking for info re: whether there is an wrong or right side of Kona fabric. I learned that and more! 😊

[connieolson]

I like Bella, but I use either but I do not mix. What do you like best for quilts?

[あきなるえ]

I’m a bit late to your video, but I agree with your description of both brands. Moda is thinner (I love Moda vintage collections like Bliss for instance, but I was surprised at how see-through their fabric is. I think it’s important to take that Into account when choosing your batting’s colour as well.) As for the “wrong side”, there’s actually a certain hard-to-see sheen to the back of the Kona (I wouldn’t know about Bella yet. But I did mix the sides up in a quilt once and afterwards I could see the difference). In your video, we can see the difference in undertone very well between the two brands. Kona is on the brown side and looks richer, deeper, whereas Bella is on the blue-ish, cooler side. In the end, I would use one or the other depending on the colour I need.

[peggersf]

I prefer the Bella. I starch my fabric and for me Bella is nicer to starch. Have a happy and fun filled Thanksgiving.

[tonigould]

Very interesting and informative - I seldom use solid colors as I just don't find them as interesting as prints, and the prints work so well in scrappy-style quilts (which are mostly what I make). But occasionally I do find a need for solids, and your info will come in handy. Thanks!

[connieking]

I bought the Kona booklet of colors. I have never been sorry. I have trouble with colors if buying on line. This way I cans know exactly what I am getting.