This is a print-driven comparison more than a solids comparison. Both brands live on their designer ecosystems. Riley Blake leans family-friendly and cheerful, Moda leans sophisticated and curated. The solids (Confetti Cottons vs Bella) are comparable in quality, so choose based on which designers and aesthetics speak to you.
| Feature | Riley Blake Designs | Moda Fabrics Bella Solids |
|---|---|---|
| Thread Count | 60x60 | 68x68 |
| Weight | 4.2 oz/sq yd | 4.0 oz/sq yd |
| Shrinkage | 3-5% | 3-5% |
| Color Range | 100+ | 300+ |
| Price Range | $10-13/yard | $8-11/yard |
This is a print-driven comparison more than a solids comparison. Both brands live on their designer ecosystems. Riley Blake leans family-friendly and cheerful, Moda leans sophisticated and curated. The solids (Confetti Cottons vs Bella) are comparable in quality, so choose based on which designers and aesthetics speak to you.
Riley Blake's Confetti Cottons and Moda's Bella Solids have similar weight profiles (4.0-4.2 oz/sq yd) and thread counts. Bella Solids have a marginally softer hand, while Confetti Cottons are slightly crisper — but the difference is minimal. Both press well, hold seams cleanly, and wash without significant issues. The solids are not the differentiator between these brands.
Bella Solids significantly outpace Confetti Cottons in color range — 300+ versus 100+. Riley Blake's curated selection covers the essentials well but lacks the depth for quilters who need very specific shade matching. Moda's broader range means you can almost always find the exact coordinate for your print fabric. For solids, Moda has a clear advantage.
Riley Blake's themed print collections and cheerful aesthetic are tailor-made for children's projects and gifts.
Moda's designer lineup (Zen Chic, BasicGrey, Vanessa Christenson) skews more contemporary and refined.
Riley Blake pioneered the sew-along model and their community engagement around new collections is unmatched.
With 3x the color range, Bella Solids offer far more options for solid fabric needs.
Riley Blake produces more holiday-themed collections per year than any other major quilting brand.
Riley Blake prints typically run $10-13/yard while Moda prints range from $10-14/yard. Bella Solids ($8-11/yard) are slightly cheaper than Confetti Cottons ($10-13/yard). Overall, Moda's solids are the better value, while print pricing is comparable between the two brands.
“I'm a Lori Holt girl, so Riley Blake is my home base. But when I need a big range of solids, I grab Bella. The brands play well together. — Instagram quilter”
“Moda's print quality is consistently a step above Riley Blake. The colors are richer and the designs more sophisticated. But Riley Blake is more fun. — Quilt shop owner”
“For teaching beginners, I use Riley Blake because the cheerful prints are encouraging and the Confetti Cottons are easy to work with. — Quilting teacher”
“I wish Riley Blake would expand Confetti Cottons to at least 200 colors. The fabric is good; they just need more options. — Quilting forum request”
Test Riley Blake Designs and Moda Fabrics Bella Solids color combinations side-by-side in QuiltLab's free swatch editor.