The Quilter's Favorite Fabric: Benartex

Author : Noelle Theresa Capili

Every quilter knows that the foundation of a masterpiece lies in the quality of the fabric or thread that they use. At Birdsong Quilting, we have seen countless trends come and go, but one consistent name remains at the top, unbothered by the ever-changing environment of quilting: Benartex. 

Since its founding in the 80s, Benartex has evolved from a specialty textile supplier into one of the biggest names in the quilting world. The company was born out of genuine love when its founder, Selim Benardete—known as “The Quilter’s Friend”—fell in love with the community when he visited numerous quilting shows. In recent times, Benartex is celebrated for its 100% cotton prints and its ability to bridge the gap between two different worlds: the timeless elegance of traditional quilts and the bold, experimental flair of modern quilts. 

The Benartex Secret

Benartex fabrics are known for their high thread count and silky smooth finish. This isn’t just about luxury; it’s about performance. 

When you are quilting, you need a fabric that can withstand repeated handling, seam ripping, and the rigors of a domestic or longarm machine. And because of these challenges, Benartex cotton offers:

• Structural Integrity
      -  The tight weave prevents excessive fraying.
  
  
• Color Saturation
      -  Their printing process ensures that deep reds and vibrant blues stay bold, even after multiple washes.
  
  
• Consistency
      -  Whether you are buying a Fat Quarter or a Full Bolt, the quality remains the same across the entire collection. 

A Pillar of Traditional Quilting

For those who love the “tried and true” methods, Benartex is a treasure trove of inspiration. Traditional quilting often relies on symmetry, detailed patchwork, and a sense of historical storytelling. 

Benartex has the Traditions collection that is specifically curated for traditional quilters. This collection has delicate florals, classic Civil War reproductions, and paisley prints as designs of the fabric. These fabrics are made to look at home in a heritage-style home quilt that will be passed down from generation to generation. 

Pioneering the Modern Quilt Movement

Modern quilting has taken the quilting world by storm, and a lot of quilters are jumping into this trend. Modern quilting’s style focuses on negative space, minimalism, and bold, graphic pops of color. Benartex has seen this trend beforehand and ultimately created the Contempo and the Modern Quilt Studio divisions. 

Modern Quilters also often look for these types of fabrics:

• High-contrast Solids
      -  The Benartex Superior Solids line provides a massive collection of colors that serves as the perfect backdrop for piecing.
• Graphic Prints
      -  From the urban-inspired designs of Contempo studio to the vibrant, watercolor-esque prints of Modern Quilt Studio, these fabrics are the rule breakers of the quilting world. 
• Unique Textures
      -  The Whisper Weave line offers a low-volume, modern substitute to traditional neutrals, adding depth to “negative space” without cluttering the design. 

Benartex ensures that their collection always includes something for the quilter who wants to push boundaries of what a quilt should “look” like. 

The Best of Both Worlds: Modern Traditionalism

Today, the most exciting trend in the quilting community is the “Modern Traditionalism.” This is where the quilters take a classic block and give it a modern makeover through scale or color. 

Benartex is the ideal partner for this type of style. You can take a classic floral print from their collection, and you can pair it with a neon-bright solid fabric. Or, you might take a traditional floral border and use it as a bold, asymmetric accent in a minimalist wall hanging. Because Benartex organizes their fabric collections into different studios, it is incredibly easy to mix and match textures to create a look that is uniquely yours. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the fabric you choose matters. Benartex has earned its place as a favorite because they truly understand the heart of every quilter. They offer the reliability needed for complex construction and the artistic variety needed for creative expression. 

At Birdsong Quilting, we are proud to stock a curated selection of different Benartex textiles. We believe that quilting is more than a hobby; it is a way to wrap the people we love in comfort and art. When you choose a fabric that is made with the same level of care, the result is always spectacular. 

Ready to start your next project? Browse our Benartex collection and find the perfect print to spark your imagination!