How To Choose Fabrics

Photo by K. Looney

One problem about the quilting process we hear and are confronted about often is how to decided on what fabric colors or styles to use in a project. Typically projects will call for a number of fabric patterns ranging from 3-8 various fabrics; we've even seen projects get up to 10 different fabrics, and sometimes more, and we know how overwhelming that can be. So how do we know when we have a working set of fabrics? Well, while creating a new project set we use these 3 steps to help decide:

1. Start With What You Know

Begin with at least one fabric you know you want to use. To make things really easy pick a multi-color pattern fabric that other set colors can easily be derived from, however you can just as easily make a set using a single color fabric when you have the right tools. When choosing your starting point, if you don't already have one, you might want to consider a theme to work with. For example, you could have a holiday, place, or hobby themed quilt. Really anything is possible. Once you've decided on your first fabric(s) it's time to think of step 2.

2. Use Color Matching Tools

There are only two tools you'll need on your quest for fabrics - the pocket color wheel and a ruby beholder - which can be purchased at almost any quilt or craft store.

Warm Color Theme
Photo by K. Looney

-The Pocket Color Wheel will allow you to see what colors to look for when you've decided on a color or theme. This wheel allows you to see analogous colors (e.g. blue, green, and yellow) which are any three colors next to each other on the wheel and complimentary colors (e.g. purple and yellow) which are colors opposite each other on the wheel, while also being able to see warm color themes (e.g. red, orange, yellow) and cool color themes (e.g. deep purple, blue, and green).
When creating a set that uses complimentary colors it is wisest to use those colors sparingly to really make them really pop while still simultaneously emphasizing the main fabrics.

- A Ruby Beholder helps sort fabrics by eliminating a set's fabric hues which allows you to see the tone of the color, meaning how light or dark it is. This is particularly helpful when looking at watercolor design fabrics which are notoriously subtle. Even though this is a good tool to bring out initially it is more effective when you've reached step 3.

3. Lay The Fabrics Together

Once you've collected what you think could be your color set then you've reached step 3. Now it's time to lay your fabrics together. Typically we arranging the fabrics by either alternating between solid and pattern fabrics or creating a rainbow with solid only sets. At this point your Ruby Beholder will be the biggest help in determining if the tones in your set are fluid.
When looking at a potential set here are some ideas to consider:

- If you've chosen two or more fabrics that are patterned then is the style of those pattern shapes analogous/complimentary?

- If you have multiple pattern fabrics that are do work together but it seems chaotic then try adding one or more solids and/or removing one of the patterned fabrics to smooth it out.

- If you feel like a fabric just isn't working but can't place why then consider putting it aside or removing it if possible. Sometimes even if you like a fabric it just may not work with the set you really want.


Over time after you've worked with bringing together color sets the process of deciding begins to come as if naturally. But no matter how many times you've done it or how good you think you might be it's okay to still get a second opinion.



Keep on quilting,
K&L