Liberty Emily Belle Quilting Cotton: Sewing and Care Guide

By Les Tissées – Curated Fashion Fabrics | Published: 2026-11-05

Category: Anleitungen

Learn how to sew and care for Liberty Fabrics Emily Belle quilting cotton, from pre-washing to finishing, with practical steps and checkpoints.

Quick answer

Pre-wash Liberty Emily Belle quilting cotton in cool water, sew with a fine needle and short stitch length, and always wash the finished project gently to preserve the print. The steps below walk you through each stage.

Why Emily Belle behaves differently from other quilting cottons

Liberty’s Lasenby quilting cotton is a 100% cotton cloth at 150 gsm, which gives it a slightly lighter hand than many standard quilting cottons. That makes it a pleasure for piecing and garments, but it also means you should handle it with a bit more care when pressing and washing.

The Emily Belle print is a floral design, and like most Liberty prints, the colors are rich. Pre-washing is not just about shrinkage; it also helps set the dyes and remove any factory finishes that could affect stitch quality.

Tana lawn vs quilting cotton: what to know before you buy

If you have sewn with Liberty Tana Lawn before, you might expect a similar silky, lightweight fabric. Tana Lawn is a finely woven cotton lawn, while Lasenby quilting cotton is a bit more substantial and has a matte finish. Both are high quality, but they serve different purposes.

For quilting, bag making, and structured garments, the quilting cotton is the better choice because it holds a crease and has less drape. For flowing dresses and blouses, Tana Lawn is usually preferred. Keep this in mind when planning your project.

Step-by-step sewing and care

Pre-wash and dry: Unfold the fabric and machine wash in cool water on a gentle cycle with a color catcher. Tumble dry low or hang to dry. Expect 3–5% shrinkage. Skipping pre-washing can cause uneven shrinkage later; always pre-treat before cutting.
Press with care: Press the fabric while slightly damp using a medium-hot iron. Avoid stretching the bias edges. Pressing before cutting improves accuracy; use a pressing cloth if you are concerned about scorching.
Choose the right needle and thread: Use a new 70/10 or 80/12 universal needle and a 50-weight cotton thread. For piecing, a shorter stitch length (2.0–2.2 mm) works well. A dull needle can cause skipped stitches and pulls; change it at the start of each project.
Test stitch and adjust: Sew a test seam on a scrap to check tension and stitch length. The fabric should feed smoothly without puckering. Always test on a scrap; different threads and machines may require slight adjustments.
Sew with a scant 1/4-inch seam: For quilting, use a scant 1/4-inch seam allowance and press seams open or to one side as your pattern directs. Consistent seam allowances are key to accurate piecing; measure your seam after sewing a few strips.
Finish edges and wash finished project: Finish raw edges with a zigzag or overlock stitch. Wash the finished item in cool water on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry. Avoid hot water and high heat drying to prevent fading and shrinkage; test any stain removers on a hidden area first.

Fabric facts

Liberty Fabrics Emily Belle Caterpillar | Quilting Cotton: Liberty Fabrics Emily Belle Caterpillar | Quilting Cotton is 100% cotton, 150 gsm / 4.4 oz/yd2, and 110 cm / 43" wide. The mid-weight cotton is easy to sew and press, while the 43-inch width means you may need more yardage for larger projects.
Liberty Fabrics Emily Belle Caterpillar | Quilting Cotton