Quilting Fabrics: Endless Choices
July 27, 2008 Quilting Material
The fabric of a quilt gives endless choices in creating quilting designs. Fabrics can be of different color, texture, and design, and when interjected into an actual quilting pattern then the fabric pieces are what make the quilt what it is. Seasoned quilters know exactly how to find and choose fabric pieces to create the exact theme, or style they are looking for. These decisions are based a great deal on the knowledge of colors and how they both blend and contrast. In addition, it’s important to understand fabrics and which are durable and which are not as durable.
Quilting Fabric – Learning the Basics
At the heart of every quilt is the fabric with which it is created. The fabric will be the biggest item a quilter needs to purchase. Learning how to select the best quilting fabric for your piece is an essential part of the creative process. From the various colors chosen, to the type of fabric used, each choice will be the force that pulls the whole design together. If you learn to select the best combinations, you will be creating quilts that will not only be beautiful but will last for generations. When choosing quilting fabric, the first thing to learn will be how to use the color wheel and then how to coordinate your colors and fabric designs together.
Color and Feel
A color wheel is a great instrument to familiarize yourself with choosing quilting fabric. The color wheel will help you to become familiar with colors as they relate to other colors. There are two types of colors: primary colors and secondary colors. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. When these three colors are blended together, you will get the other colors. For instance, red and blue mixed together will create purple, and yellow and blue will create green and so on. Secondary colors are made up of green, orange, and violet. When you are looking at a color wheel, the secondary colors are located in between the primary colors. They are the basic colors that you will mix together to form other hues. Having an understanding of how these colors relate to each other is the basis for creating pleasing quilting fabric designs.
When choosing the type of quilting fabric that you will use, you will want to take into consideration the use for the quilt that you are creating. What will the quilt be used for? How often will it need to be laundered? And this is an important next step. The quilting fabric you select will of necessity need to be the highest quality you can find. Cotton quilting fabric is a great place to start. This fabric is easy to wash, comes in a multitude of colors and designs, and is very easy to care for. Cotton quilting fabric is fairly easy to sew with. Other fabrics may be difficult to stitch together. Cotton quilting fabric is the best selection to create a lasting and beautiful design. You can also mix different types of fabrics for a one-of-a-kind unique feel and texture. Just be selective when mixing fabrics because of the stitching needed to connect them together. Some fabrics may tear easily and while others are more sturdy and will last a long time.
The Right Combinations
Whatever your choice may be for your quilt design, it is vitally important that you know how to select the right colors. And it is equally important to choose the right quilting fabric to enhance your design. Knowing what colors blend and contrast with one other will ensure that your design will flow smoothly. The correct mix of fabrics will have a lasting effect on the durability of the quilt. Not only will it hold up better through the years, but it will determine the needed care that is required to maintain the piece. Remember, most people who purchase a quilt do so based on the color that is used, the design of the piece, and the quilting fabric used.