Whether it is spring, fall or any other time of year, choosing the perfect colors for your next quilting project can be a daunting task. One of the most unique aspects of quilting, from applique to the log cabin block, is the diverse color combinations that blend to create a flawless masterpiece.
However, if you’ve been in a quilting or fabric shop lately, you understand that the choices are literally endless. Don’t be discouraged; choosing the perfect colors for the upcoming season, or simply the next project, is easier than you might think. Experienced quilters point towards three key factors to consider when choosing your next color scheme.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the color wheel. Yes, recall ROYGBIV! Understand the varieties of color, their gradients, shades and how colors relate to one another. There are many online resources that can help you do just that.
Next, consider color value. To make a quilt visually appealing, it is crucial to understand how bright or dark two colors may appear next to one another. In other words, does that fuchsia really blend perfectly with your favorite forest green, or would soft lavender better complement the overall image? Although there is really no right answer to this question, an experienced quilting eye understands the importance of blending and shaping design through color.
Finally, know your color trends. From popular seasonal colors to traditional color schemes, “mood” shades or modern undertones, do your research! Quilting colors, much like clothing, fade in and out of style. Halloween pieces are not limited to every imaginable shade of orange. Likewise, don’t limit your own creativity. Think about incorporating browns, golds, reds, and maybe, just maybe, you can even find a way to sneak in that favorite forest green.