Quilt Color Scheme and Fabric Selection

Choosing fabrics for quilts can be a fun experience, but so many times quilters are frustrated by this process. Just looking around a quilt shop can be daunting.

This page is full of ideas for choosing a quilt color scheme as well as choosing various fabrics for quilts. Many quilters will find this page very helpful if they become overwhelmed with fabrics and colors.

Selection of fabric and colors for a quilt can be tricky because it is important to balance the aesthetic, texture, and functionality all at once!

Why is choosing quilt colors and fabrics difficult?

One reason is that there are so many options. Fabric stores offer endless colors, patterns, and textures that it is easy to become overwhelmed.

Coordination of different shades and patterns without clashing takes practice.

Balancing color theory is another difficult thing to do, but it is so important. Understanding warm vs. cool tones, contrast and color harmony can be confusing.

There is a wonderful article below by Shannon from Shannon Fraser Designs. She shares some basic color theory principles to help with getting started when playing with color. 

It is important to have enough contrast for the design to stand out without it feeling chaotic. A quilt color wheel or a quilt color palette generator is helpful when thinking about balancing color theory.

Scroll down for access to a quilt color wheel or ColorKit’s free color palette generator.

Texture and weight differences can make it difficult to choose fabrics. Fabrics like cotton, flannel, and linen behave differently when sewn together. Mixing textures can affect how the quilt drapes and feels.

Too many bold or busy patterns can make a quilt look messy. Finding the right balance between solids, small prints and large designs is tricky.

Finally, beware that color changes in different light. A color might look different under natural light vs indoor lighting. What looks great in the store might feel off once it is home and in the sewing room.

If choosing fabrics and colors for making quilts is difficult for you, scroll down to see all of the helpful articles to get you started.

Once the fabric is in hand, check out our page on fabric preparation and cutting!