Quilt Fabrics

Stash of Quilt Fabrics

Every quilter has one. It's one of the tell-tale signs you are a quilter, along with not being able to pass by any fabric store without going in.

Buy The Best

To best collect fabrics for quilts, buy the best fabrics you can afford. We've repaired a number of quilts over the years that would have lasted longer if they had been made out of better fabrics.

Although it's tempting to use less expensive fabrics in your first quilt, splurge. Even if you make several quilts later, your first handmade quilt will always be extra special.

How Much to Buy

If you don't have a specific quilt project in mind, get at least one yard. Quilt fat quarters are enticing but you don't want to have to go back later hoping for a few extra inches to finish a project. One yard may also give you enough to exchange at your local quilter's guild meetings.

Match Fabric Tones

When I'm matching fabrics, I take fabric swatches with me so that I can easily match up fabric textures and tones.

If you are just starting, get paint sample cards from your local hardware store to make sure you have the right colors.

Use the Color Wheel

I keep a basic color wheel on my planning board. It helps inspire me when I am pulling fabrics together.

Visit Your Garden

Walk through your garden and notice how nature uses colors. Some of the best color combinations are right in your back yard. Notice what pops and what blends and use those colors in your quilt design.

Have a Quilt Design In Mind

When shopping for fabrics, it's best to have a quilt pattern in mind, that way you will have exact yardage measurements you need to find. Not that you won't be tempted to pick up other fabrics you can't live without, I know I do!

                                                     Charlotte