When I go to the fabric store, sometimes I totally get overwhelmed with all the colors, styles, designs and patterns. I mean, there is a lot there! So much to take in. What actually is on the fabric bolt and how do we read it?
For the most part, I go off of looking, touching and hauling around more bolts than I really have plans on cutting a piece and buying.
I have to wheel it around in the cart to get to know it……sometimes it enjoys it’s ride all the way to the cutting counter and sometimes it gets replaced. gasp!

Not matter what though, besides the gut feeling and love bugs for the fabric– you kind of need to pay attention to the end of the bolt.
This is where you’ll find out if it’s REALLY what you are looking for. Just because you love it, doesn’t mean that you should get it!
I know. It’s hard. But that’s the truth.

Today, let’s go over together and remind ourselves what the end of the fabric bolt can tell us! It’s kind of a lot!
What’s on the Fabric Bolt ~
- Fabric Company: this one shows Cloud 9 Fabrics. This is the large company that is producing the fabric.
- Amount on Bolt: this numbers shows how much the bolt came with when it was new. Sometimes you can buy the whole bolt still wrapped from the store. This number will tell you how much is on the un-opened bolt
- Fabric Type: This will let you know the content of the fabric. Is is cotton, organic, quilting cotton, poly blend. This is where you check to find out if it’s really what you are looking for.
- Width of Fabric: Not all fabric is the same width. Depending on your pattern you might find yourself with a lot of fabric leftover or you don’t have enough! This number will help you decide how much of it you need for the pattern you have in mind.
- Care Instructions: This will let you know what you can do with the fabric. Is it washable? Dry clean only?
- Price per yard: I don’t know about you, but this is probably the spot I look first. How much is it going to be for one yard of this super fantastic and perfect for my project fabric? This is where you’ll find out if you are REALLY love the fabric or if you’ll pass for now.

Are there other good info on the bolt? Oh totally!
- Point of Manufacture: where it was printed and shipped from
- Fabric Designer: this would be the pattern designer name– who would be designing for the larger name on the bolt
- Fabric Line: this is helpful when you need to find more yardage!
I’m sure there is more, but right now, I just can’t think of it. Feel free to add what you see on your bolts in the comments!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which is the right side of fabric on a bolt?
The fabric that is folded on the bolt is folded in a way that the wrong side of the fabric are together. The right side of the fabric is facing out – so you can see all the beautiful colors and prints!
What information is on a bolt of fabric?
The look of bolt ends vary by manufacturer and some have less information than others. But the basics are always there: Width, Content, and Price.
What does a bolt of fabric look like?
Generally speaking, one bolt represents a strip of cloth 100 yards (91.44 meters) long, but the width varies according to the fabric. Cotton bolts are traditionally 42 inches (1.067 meters) wide and wool bolts are usually 60 inches (1.524 meters) wide.
How much is on a bolt of fabric?
Fabric by the Bolt is sold 120 yards – a quantity of 1 means 1 bolt or 120 yards.
Should I always cut the selvage off?
In quilting, the standard advice is to trim the selvage when beginning a project, and for good reason. To produce an edge that is stable and doesn’t fray, the weave of the selvage is much tighter than the fabric itself.
More Fabric Bolt Resources

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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Feel for softness and thickness, the for 100% cotton, then price!