How to Choose Fabric To Make A Quilt

So, you want to make a quilt, but are having trouble choosing fabric? Fabric choices for quilts really all boil down to a personal preference. However, there are a few simple guidelines to follow when selecting your fabric.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 100% cotton. Make sure that no matter what fabric you choose, it is 100% cotton fabric. Pure cotton fabric makes a better quilt, lasts longer and is less likely to suffer from major color bleeding and resizing.

2. 
   A simple baby quilt

   What's the occasion? It is important when picking your quilt fabric to keep in mind what the quilt is for. If it is a baby quilt, you will want to be sure to choose fabrics that are suitable. This does not mean you need to choose fabrics that are of children oriented prints, but it does mean you should keep the palette suitable for a baby. Likewise, if it is a quilt for a newly married couple, you will want to be sure to choose fabrics that appeal to the couple.

3. 
   Dinner for 4 quilt block

   What's the layout? Before you can really choose your quilting fabric, you will need to choose your quilt block pattern. This is important because the block pattern you choose will determine how many different colors of fabric are needed and how they interact with each other. In the example image, there are 2 main colors for the block, with just a slight touch of a contrasting color.

4. 
   Tan is light, Green is medium and blue is darker.

   So, now you have your quilt block chosen and you know what you're making the quilt for. It is time to have fun! Choosing the fabric to make a quilt from is one of my favorite parts of quilting. Generally speaking, your fabric choices should consist of a light, medium and dark print. They should coordinate nicely so they compliment each other. The fabrics do not have to be the same print in different colors, but they should have a similar theme and feel, such as floral or dots.

5. Now purchase your beautiful fabrics and take them home! With the right fabric choices, you will soon create a beautiful quilt to be enjoyed for years to come!

Tips & Warnings

• Always pre-wash fabric with mild soap before cutting and piecing. This helps eliminate bleeding and reduces resizing later.
• Quilts should have a fair amount of contrast to bring them to life. If you're not sure what colors are contrasting and coordinating, pick up an inexpensive color wheel to keep handy.

Resources

• Calculated Industries Quilter's FabriCalc
• Stash Buster Quilts

[PhiMcRee]

on 3/17/2009 If you're planning to make some quilts for Christmas, probably should get started. I am a terrible procrastinator...Need to make a baby quilt by June and have done nothing more than buy and wash the fabric :)

[FrazzledNanny]

on 3/16/2009 Great tips. I plan to make some quilts for Christmas. 5*