Choosing the Right Fabric, The Right Color, and The Right Pattern - Dare to Be Different

So you’ve decided to start a project and may feel overwhelmed with the fact that you are taking on such a big task. Don’t be discouraged, scared, or apprehensive—dare to be different when different suits you. Because there are so many different types, colors, and textures of fabrics available, the job of choosing the right fabric in the right color, for the right pattern can cause you to agonize. It need not be so difficult. As you peruse the different types and colors of fabrics, ask yourself and break down the types of fabric into categories, then sub-categories such as the type of project, how the fabric will drape or hang, care instructions, softness and feel and the color. You will also want to keep in mind that often times it pays to invest in a high quality fabric. After all, you will be putting a lot of time and energy into the project and you want it to be a success.

Choosing the Fabric

The goal when designing and making a project is typically to showcase your work. Think about the theme of your project. Is it seasonal, for a baby or child, for your home or work, to give as a gift, or to keep for you? Choosing the perfect fabric and colors can make an otherwise ordinary pattern or project sing. Think of choosing your fabric and design for your project much like choosing the clothes or outfit that you wear for any particular day. Once you have the main part of your attire, you can then complement with jewelry and shoes to change the effect from dressy to casual in just a few minutes. The same rule applies when choosing fabric for a quilt or other project. Decide on the main focus and use of the item then choose fabrics that will complement it. The overall effect is what matters. Don’t judge fabrics up close—lay them out together and take a step back to get the finishing touch or outcome. Using a different variety of scales (large, medium, small) and values (light, medium, and dark) can bring a project to life. Don’t try to perfectly match colors, textures, and designs—dare to be different, as often the unexpected makes an eyesore in your eyes a real score to someone else!

Choosing the Color and Pattern

Most often, it is the value that does the work but the color that gets the credit when working on a project such as a quilt. The right values and scales put together (size, light, medium, & dark) make the difference and will make the finished product sparkle and resonate. Another great way to choose a color and pattern for your project is to draw the object on computer or graph paper and then color it in with colored pencils or markers until you get the look you desire. You may notice that dark, cool colors seem to recede while the light, warm colors advance toward you.

With today’s trends and fashions rapidly changing, the trendy thing may be to wear bright red and coordinate with a dark blue or purple. The thing that can change the appearance of a fabric from a distance is the interaction of two different colors. Many colors from the color spectrum will affect each other to give the effect that you are looking for. For example, two colors such as red and green look completely different up close but, from a distance may look stylish and daring to match perfectly with today’s trends.

So, worry no more over choosing the right fabric or color. Mix the colors, the values, and the scales to give a bit of visual interest to your project. Sprinkle with contrasting colors to bring interest to a monochromatic color scheme. Mix stripes with a plain pattern or with a dotted theme – dare to be different when different suits you.

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