A lot of my students ask me about choosing fabrics. They get lost when they approach a quilt shop and don’t know where to begin. This blog will be about choosing fabric textures. Many of you know this formula I use when choosing my fabrics, for some of you this is new information.
I DO NOT choose all the same fabric textures, such as all batiks, all pin dots, all flowers, all plaids. I like to use many different fabric textures to add variety to my piecing.
Here is a little guide to what I choose…
Plaids… Printed or woven.
Plaids are really nice to even cut slightly off grain. Some people think they must line up in a block, I think they are charming if the DON’T!
Stripes… Both woven and printed.
Again, a lot of my students shy away from stripes thinking they MUST line up. They don’t!
Geometrics… These are sometimes called shirting prints.
I do love using these geometrics! They are simple, but sometimes simple is best!
Paisley & Large Floral prints are great to use even in tiny places!
Paisleys and large florals create interest in your quilt. I don’t usually “fussy cut” them, either, or center them. I like them to look like they are just “peeking out” of a patch.
Tiny Floral Prints
Tiny floral prints are useful, too! Notice I don’t use high contrast.
Ferns & Vines take your eye from one patch to another.
My favorite textures are ferns and vines. They create movement in your quilt.
Conversation prints are fun!
I love using conversation prints. They also create interest.
Solid prints read as a solid.
I use solid prints instead of solids. They have more visual texture and interest.
Next time I’ll write about what I don’t use and why. I hope this helps you the next time you go fabric shopping!