5 Things You’re Doing Wrong When Coordinating Fabrics
We’ve all been there: you have this amazing vision in mind for your next quilting project, but when you’re done with it, something is just… not right! Coordinating fabrics is not an easy task. While a good instinct is definitely a big plus, matching quilting materials also takes years of practice and study. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you speed up that process!
In this article, we’ll go through the 5 biggest mistakes you’re making without realizing when coordinating your fabrics. Whether you’re visiting the fabric store or selecting from your own stash, these pro tips I’ve gathered from 10+ years of experience will transform your final results!
And a little spoiler alert: I’ve saved the best hack for last, so keep reading…
Mistake 1: Not Picking Your Quilt’s Endgame
Different projects require different types of fabrics. If you select the wrong fabric for your project, you might end up with a result that somehow doesn’t feel right. Even if the colors and patterns seem to look good together.
Before getting your fabrics, think about what the quilt will be used for and the time of year it will be needed. For example, if you are making a cozy blanket for your grandbaby, you will need different fabrics than if you are making a Christmas decorative blanket for your living room.
Mistake 2: Not Mixing Different Size Prints
Different fabric patterns and scales can complement or compete with one another, affecting the overall look of your project. To avoid this mistake, you'll need to learn how to balance the different proportions of your fabric choices.
Start by choosing a main fabric pattern with a larger scale. Then, pick other fabrics with smaller patterns to complement it. Mixing prints with different scales and proportions will add depth and interest to your quilt.
Pro Tip:
Include solid fabrics in your designs to create some breathing room and achieve a more well-proportioned result.
Mistake 3: Not Having Fun With Patterns
Mixing and matching different designs adds a dynamic feel to your quilt. But, as we’ve seen, it can be a tricky thing to do. So most quilting beginners decide to stand clear of that challenge and work only with similar patterns. This leads up to projects that feel flat and unbalanced.
Try mixing solids, stripes, and prints to create a more interesting look. Don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild and see what combinations you can come up with!
Mistake 4: Not Acing the Color Combo
This probably goes without saying but choosing the right color scheme can literally make or break your quilting project. While most quilters are aware of this fact, what some may not know is that there are safer methods for selecting a color palette than relying solely on personal taste or intuition.
I have two favorite methods for this. The first one is to use a color wheel to choose complementary or analogous colors that go well together. This takes the guesswork out of choosing colors and ensures a cohesive look. Another way is to start with one fabric that you love and choose a second fabric that highlights a particular color in the first one. This can help create a unified color scheme and make the quilt more visually interesting.
Mistake 5: Not Checking The Light
Colors can look very different depending on the lighting conditions, and this is especially true for fabrics. What looks amazing in the store might look completely different in your bedroom.
To avoid this mistake, it's a good idea to check your fabric under different lights.
Pro Tip:
Take your fabric outside to see how it looks in natural light and during the day. Place it under artificial light to see how it will look at night.
Get Perfect Fabric Coordinations With The Mrs. Quilty Box
Let's face it, even after years of experience, matching fabrics can still be a headache. But fear not, because I'm here to share my biggest tip for ensuring your quilts always look coordinated, interesting, and absolutely gorgeous.
The Mrs. Quilty Box is a monthly subscription that delivers a selection of 16 pieces of matching fabrics especially coordinated by quilting pros. I’m talking about:
✔️ Premium 100% cotton fabric for a fraction of the price.
✔️ Colorful and interesting patterns coordinated to match perfectly.
✔️ Exclusive designs you won’t find anywhere else.
But that’s not all! In every box, you’ll also find:
✔️ Instructions and full-size templates for fun and short projects.
✔️ Magazine with the latest trends, tons of inspiration and pro tips.
✔️ Surprise quilting gifts!
I’m already on my 4th box, and I can confidently say: this is a game-changer! The short projects are so fun to do and my fabrics stash has never been better.
If you want to make sure your projects always turn out perfect, give Mrs. Quilty a try!
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