How to Pick Fabrics for Your Next Quilt

If you're a quilter, you know that fabric is basically like candy. You can't just have one fat quarter or resist those beautiful yard cuts, right? But as fun as it is to fill your fabric stash, choosing the right fabric for your next quilt is a whole other adventure. After all, picking fabric isn't just about pretty prints or soft cotton; it's about how it all comes together to make a quilt that you (or your lucky recipient) will treasure for years.

The Purpose of Your Quilt: Why It Matters

First things first: What’s the purpose of your quilt? Is it a cozy lap quilt to snuggle up with while binge-watching your favorite shows? Or maybe it's a baby quilt, destined to be drooled on and loved to pieces (literally). Or perhaps you're making a show-stopping wall hanging to showcase your quilting prowess. 

Knowing the quilt’s purpose helps guide your fabric choices. A bed quilt that’s going to be used daily needs durable fabrics, while a display piece gives you a little more freedom to go wild with delicate, luxurious options. You also want to think about care—if you're making a gift for someone who tosses everything in the wash (you know who you are), you might want to steer clear of fabrics that require hand-washing or special care. Durability and easy-care fabrics are your best friends when you're crafting a quilt that’s going to see some heavy use.

The Magic of Color Theory

Now that you know what your quilt is for, it’s time to dive into color. Quilters love color, but sometimes choosing a palette feels like stepping into a rabbit hole (except instead of Wonderland, it's a rainbow vortex). Understanding basic color theory can save you from the chaos.

If you're playing it safe, you can’t go wrong with a monochromatic or analogous color scheme. But if you're feeling daring, complementary colors—those that sit opposite each other on the color wheel—can create eye-catching contrasts. Balancing light, medium, and dark tones is key to giving your quilt depth and dimension. And here’s a pro tip: If you squint at your fabric and can't tell where one color ends and the other begins, you might want to up the contrast!

Still not sure? Grab a color wheel. This little tool can be a lifesaver when you're trying to find harmonious colors.

Tilda Sanctuary

Patterns and Prints: The Great Debate

Ah, patterns and prints—the quilter’s candy aisle. It can be tough to choose between all the florals, geometrics, and novelty fabrics calling your name. But there’s an art to mixing prints. You’ll want to think about scale—pairing large patterns with small prints creates balance and keeps your quilt from feeling too busy. Don’t forget about solids or blenders, which act like palette cleansers for your quilt. They help tone down bolder prints and allow the more intricate parts of your design to shine.

But let’s be real, sometimes you just want to throw a bunch of florals together and call it a day. And guess what? That’s okay too! As long as you love it, that’s what matters.

Quality Over Quantity 

One of the best things about quilting is the feel of high-quality fabric between your fingers. When you're at the quilt shop, don’t be afraid to give those bolts a little feel (and maybe a little squeeze). You want fabric that feels smooth and has a good weight—something that’s going to hold up well after piecing and quilting.

And about pre-washing... it’s one of those quilting debates. Some quilters swear by it, others don’t bother. If you're working with vibrant or dark colors, it’s worth the extra step to check for colorfastness, unless you want to learn the hard way that red fabric likes to bleed. 

Auditioning Your Fabrics

Here’s a fun (and slightly obsessive) step in fabric selection: the fabric audition. Lay out your fabric choices together and step back to see how they play with one another. If something feels off, try the “squint test.”  Squinting helps you see contrast, which can reveal if your colors are blending into each other too much. And don't forget the magic of your phone’s camera! Snap a photo and switch to black and white—this lets you focus purely on contrast without the distraction of color.

Pawsitivity Quilt Pattern

Trust Your Gut (And Your Personal Style)

At the end of the day, quilting is all about creativity and joy. So don’t overthink it! Trust your instincts and pick fabrics that make you happy. Sure, there’s “color theory” and “rules” (yawn), but sometimes breaking the rules is half the fun. If you love a bold print or a strange color combination, go for it! Your quilt, your style.

Where to Get Your Fabric Fix

Speaking of fabric, you know where to find the good stuff, right? Local quilt shops are like treasure troves where you can see, feel, and swoon over every bolt. Here at Piece by Piece Quilt Shop, we’ve got a wide selection to get your creative juices flowing.

If you're feeling adventurous, explore designers like Kaffe Fassett for bold, colorful prints, or dive into the quirky world of Ruby Star Society. And for those times when you want something more classic and elegant, Tilda and their intricate designs are hard to resist.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing fabric for your next quilt doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned quilter, the process should be as enjoyable as the quilting itself. Remember, the fabric you pick is the foundation of your masterpiece—so have fun, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to take risks!

Happy fabric hunting, and don’t forget to share your fabric picks with us on social media @piecebypiecequiltshop. You can always find new inspiration and fabric treasures at Piece by Piece, both in-store and online.