Mama Quilt’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fabrics for Your Quilt.

Quilting is an art that requires careful attention to detail, and choosing the right fabrics is a crucial part of the process. Mama Quilt has been quilting for decades, and over the years she has learned a lot about choosing the perfect fabrics for her quilts. In this guide, we’ll share Mama Quilt’s tips for selecting the best fabrics for your next quilting project.

1. Consider the Purpose of Your Quilt

Before you start selecting fabrics, it’s important to think about the purpose of your quilt. Will it be a cozy throw for your living room, a baby quilt for a new arrival, or a bedspread for your bedroom? The intended use of your quilt will affect the type of fabrics you choose. For example, if you’re making a baby quilt, you’ll want to choose fabrics that are soft, durable, and machine-washable.

2. Choose a Color Scheme

One of the most important aspects of choosing fabrics for a quilt is selecting a color scheme. A well-chosen color scheme can make your quilt truly stand out. Mama Quilt recommends selecting fabrics that complement each other and create a cohesive look. You can choose fabrics in a monochromatic scheme (shades of the same color), complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel), or analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel). The key is to choose colors that work well together and create a harmonious look.

3. Consider the Scale of the Fabrics

When selecting fabrics for a quilt, it’s important to consider the scale of the patterns. Large-scale prints can be overwhelming if used too often in a quilt, while small-scale prints can be too busy if used too frequently. Mama Quilt recommends choosing a mix of fabrics with different scales to create visual interest in your quilt. A good rule of thumb is to choose one large-scale print, one medium-scale print, and one small-scale print for every nine fabrics in your quilt.

4. Think About Texture

Texture is another important aspect of selecting fabrics for a quilt. Adding different textures to your quilt can create visual interest and give it a unique look. Mama Quilt recommends selecting fabrics with a mix of textures, such as cotton, flannel, silk, and velvet. You can also consider using fabrics with different finishes, such as shiny or matte.

5. Consider the Durability of Your Fabrics

Quilts are meant to be used and loved, so it’s important to choose fabrics that are durable and can stand up to frequent use. Mama Quilt recommends choosing fabrics that are made from natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, or silk. These fabrics are durable, breathable, and easy to care for. Avoid using synthetic fabrics, which can be less durable and can melt or burn easily.

6. Test Your Fabrics

Before you start cutting your fabrics, it’s a good idea to test them to ensure that they won’t bleed or shrink. Mama Quilt recommends washing and drying your fabrics before you start quilting to remove any sizing or dirt. You can also test your fabrics by wetting a small swatch and rubbing it on a piece of white fabric to see if any color transfers.

In conclusion, choosing the perfect fabrics for your quilt requires careful consideration of several factors, including the purpose of your quilt, the color scheme, the scale of the fabrics, texture, and durability. By following Mama Quilt’s tips, you can select fabrics that will create a beautiful and long-lasting quilt. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of selecting fabrics for your quilt, and soon you’ll have a masterpiece that you can cherish for years to come.