Choosing complementary quilt colors depend upon the quilt design, pattern and where it will be used. You don't need a color wheel to choose appropriate coordinating colors. A quilt should blend into the decor of its surroundings. Varying shades of one color can be used with neutral shades complementing the design. Use warm colors, which are the dominant colors in a quilt, to depict emotional elements, such as love, friendship and warmth. Cool colors, including pastels, are relaxing colors positively used for nature-themed quilts. Create a quilt pattern rod to help you choose complementary fabric colors for your quilting project.
Obtain paint chips or paint sample cards from a home improvement store. Most home improvement stores give these out for free. Choose colors you are considering for your quilting project. If you are unsure as to where you should begin, choose a dominant color in the room the quilt will go in and use that as your dominant quilt color.
2
Poke holes in one end of the paint sample cards using a hole punch.
3
Slide paper reinforcement rings through the holes in the paint cards.
4
Obtain a curtain rod. A small rod will do, as you won't want to use anything heavy. Place two pegs or C-hooks into a bulletin board or a wall. Space the pegs out so that each end of the curtain rod can be placed on a peg or within a C-hook and hung evenly.
5
Slide the paint sample cards onto the curtain rod and place the rod onto the pegs. Arrange the cards according to your quilt design, creating a complementary color scheme. The rod will allow you to line up your choices side-by-side, enabling you to visualize the finished quilt.
6
Hang the fabric swatches you are considering in the same fashion, allowing you to examine the swatches for visual blending. Colors, textures and designs of the swatches can be chosen while they are displayed on your rod.
Tips & Warnings
Fabrics colors should be chosen with small designs such as floral.
Avoid large patterns if your blocks are pieced together in small patches.
Choose a simple block pattern if you are a beginner.
Radiant star quilts, with their patterns of eight-pointed stars, lend themselves to both simple and complex color schemes. Many quilting stores stock...
