A gorgeous quilt does not necessarily depend on bold patterns alone. As stunning as the bright florals, complex geometric patterns, and other motifs might look at first glance, it is usually the subtle fabrics that make an entire pattern come together. Such fabrics are called blenders because of their ability to subtly change the entire look of the quilt.
Well, the blenders can be extremely useful for quilters who have a tough time mixing and matching the colors in their quilts.
Why Subtle Fabrics Can Make a Big Difference
Quilting can be described as the process of balancing visually. When multiple strong prints come together in the design, the overall design may seem to be cluttered. A tonal or textured fabric provides the eyes with some place to rest.
The blenders play an important role in such cases. Even though they appear to be very simple fabrics when seen from a distance, upon closer observation, one sees small dots, strokes, textures, or even tonal changes. In fact, they serve much better than mere background fabrics.
Find the Right Color Connection
Selecting a blender is not just a matter of finding a fabric to coordinate with something else. Take into account the colors you currently have in your quilt top and see if there is a coordinating color.
For instance, a soft green blender will work with botanicals and deep solid colors, and a cream tone will balance a collection of brightly colored fabrics. Try placing a few fabrics side by side before cutting, and take a step back. What looks great in small pieces might end up being too busy when looking at it as a whole quilt.
Know The Versatility of Cotton
A good quality cotton blend fabric is often one of the most versatile fabrics that should be part of any quilter’s fabric stash. Cotton is easy to work with, press, sew, and mix with other materials used in quilting.
The fabric can be used for:
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Sashing and borders
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Background blocks
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Binding
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Accents in patchwork quilts
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Appliqué work
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Scrappy quilts
The versatility of this material makes it possible to use the same fabric for more than one purpose.
How Blenders Help Complex Patterns Shine
There are times when a quilt is made up of many little pieces or fabric collections. For such designs, blender fabric for quilts can offer the separation required for readability.
Suppose you have a quilt that is comprised of many different floral patterns. The use of a tonal fabric between some of the blocks will serve to differentiate them without making an abrupt division. Blenders can also enhance the geometrical designs in a block. Using a little contrasting tonal fabric will make it stand out while harmonizing with other parts of the quilt.
Create Movement Without Adding More Prints
Texture does not always require a complicated design. The use of a simple directional texture or a tonal texture will allow for movement and yet remain visually calm.
Using a textured blender along with a larger feature print is a good way to start your design. Repeat the same blender in a different part of the quilt. It is important to remember that you do not have to draw attention to every single piece of fabric. Each piece must be part of the whole composition.
Let Your Fabric Choices Tell the Story
It is this experimental nature of quilting that makes it all the more interesting. How many bold prints, solids, or blenders should be incorporated in each quilt? There is no definite formula for the same.
Platinum So N Sews gives the quilters a chance to discover fabrics that enable them to make their ideas stand out. Whatever the stage in the journey of quilting, fabric choices are going to help you achieve that. Are you ready to choose those perfect complementary fabrics for your next quilting idea? Come visit Platinum So N Sews and explore our range of fabrics!