Choosing fabrics can be the hardest — and most exciting — part of quilting. The right mix of colors and textures can make your pattern come alive. Here’s how to get it just right:
1. Start with One Fabric You Love
Find that one fabric that makes your heart skip a beat — maybe a floral, a stripe, or a soft solid. Use it as your anchor, and build your palette around it.
2. Play with Light and Dark
Good contrast brings your quilt to life. Pair lighter shades with deeper tones so your design doesn’t look flat. A simple trick: squint your eyes at your fabrics — if they all blend together, add something darker or brighter.
3. Mix Patterns with Purpose
Combine large prints, small prints, and solids for balance. Too many bold prints can overwhelm, while too many solids can feel plain. Think of it like a conversation — every fabric should have a voice, but no one should shout.
4. Trust the Color Wheel
If you’re unsure, look to color families that naturally complement each other — soft blues and golds, sage and blush, mustard and cream. Nature is always a great teacher when it comes to color harmony.
5. Lay It Out Before You Sew
Always audition your fabrics before cutting. Spread them out in natural light and snap a photo — sometimes you’ll spot combinations that work (or don’t!) much better on screen.
Pro tip: Keep a small “fabric journal.” Save swatches of combos you love for future projects.
