How to Coordinate Polka Dot and Stripes

Patterns are lively when mixed together.

Whether you are creating a hip outfit, sewing a new blanket or matching fabrics for interior décor, you can coordinate polka dots and stripes. Patterns are playful and add interest to a room or outfit if they are matched properly, regardless of whether the patterns are typically contrasting. The biggest challenge of harmonizing polka dots and stripes is the color matching; therefore, look to the color wheel for assistance.

Instructions

1. Choose colors that synchronize with each other, instead of compete with one another, for the best results. Gather your fabrics and pull a similar color from each pattern, such as a blue or green. The color does not need to be the same but it does need to be within the same color family. If there are no coordinating colors, then choose a vibrant color and a neutral one.

2. Pick a busy fabric and a calming fabric. If the stripes are vibrant and full of color, then choose a polka dot pattern with one color that coordinates well with one or all the stripe colors. The same goes with different shades of polka dots and same color stripes.

3. Keep the sizing of the fabrics complementary, such as large stripes and small polka dots. You do not want to put small stripes and small polka dots together or vice versa.

4. Go monochromatic with the color scheme. Shades of blue stripes and one shade of blue polka dots are instantly complementary and coordinate well together.

5. Pairing clothing with stripes and polka dots is trendy and fashion-forward. Choose a wide stripe skirt with a tiny polka dot blouse, or pair a stripe dress shirt with a polka dot tie. The combination choices are endless when it comes to clothing selections.

6. Mix and match polka dots and stripes for living room furniture. Choose a striped pattern for a side chair and polka dot fabrics for accent pillows. Another way to mix fabrics together is to sew a polka dot baby blanket with a striped edging.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to colors of the same color family, choose colors that are complementary to each other.

• Avoid patterns that are so tiny that you cannot distinguish the pattern.

References

• Katie O'Chicago: Polka Dots and Stripes: Coordinating Patterns
• Necktie Aficionado: How to Match A Necktie
• Style Agents: Mixing and Matching Patterns