Moda Fabrics vs Robert Kaufman — Which Quilting Cotton Brand Is Better?

Moda Fabrics vs Robert Kaufman — Which Quilting Cotton Brand Is Better?

Moda and Robert Kaufman are the two most dominant quilting cotton brands in North America — and the debate between them is one of the longest-running in the quilting community. Here’s an honest comparison of both brands so you can decide which belongs in your stash.

Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Comparison

Brand Comparison

Factor Moda Fabrics Robert Kaufman
Headquartered Dallas, TX (USA) Moda Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Thread count Standard quilting cotton Often higher thread count RK
Print variety Extensive — seasonal collections Both Extensive — wide range
Solids line Bella Solids — 300+ colors Moda Kona Cotton — 300+ colors RK
Designer collaborations Very strong — top quilt designers Moda Strong — different designer roster
Hand feel Soft, standard quilting cotton Often slightly tighter weave RK
Shrinkage Standard 2–3% pre-wash Standard 2–3% pre-wash Tie
▶ Our VerdictThis genuinely comes down to personal preference — both are excellent quality quilting cottons. Moda has the edge on designer collections and seasonal variety; Robert Kaufman has a slight edge on fabric density and their Kona Cotton solids are considered a gold standard. Most serious quilters buy both freely depending on the specific collection.

Bella Solids vs Kona Cotton

Feature Moda Bella Solids Robert Kaufman Kona
Colors available 300+ Tie 300+
Fabric weight Medium Slightly heavier Kona
Show quilt use Very common Very common Tie
Color accuracy Excellent Excellent Tie
Shrinkage consistency Very consistent Very consistent Tie

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kona Cotton or Bella Solids better for quilts?

Both are excellent and widely used in show quilts and professional work. Kona Cotton is often cited as slightly denser and having better hand for hand quilting. Bella Solids are prized for their extensive, accurate color range. The “better” choice is largely a matter of personal feel preference.

Do Moda and Robert Kaufman fabrics shrink the same amount?

Both shrink approximately 2–3% on first washing — standard for premium quilting cottons. Pre-washing before cutting and sewing is recommended for precise work, though many quilters skip pre-washing and allow the quilt to shrink together on first wash for the antique crinkle effect.

Which brand has more designer collections?

Moda has an extremely extensive designer roster with multiple seasonal collection releases per year. Robert Kaufman also has strong designer collaborations but Moda’s scale of designer releases is larger overall.

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