1) Start with Pre-Cuts or Curated Bundles
If picking fabrics totally stresses you out, grab a curated bundle or pre-cut set. These collections are pulled together by designers who know what works, so you’ll get a cohesive look without the guesswork.
2) Pick One Collection as Your Anchor (The 80/20 Rule)
Let one fabric line do most of the heavy lifting. Choose your favorite collection for about 80% of your prints, then sprinkle in a few extras for personality. It keeps everything coordinated but still gives you room to play.
3) Stick to a Color Scheme or Theme
Narrow it down early—do you want your quilt to feel beachy, autumnal, or maybe super modern? Pick a specific color palette or theme and let that guide your choices. It’s way easier to say no to random fabrics this way.
4) Mix Collections from the Same Designer
Designers often use the same colors across multiple collections. You can mix and match fabrics from one designer and still get a unified look, with just enough variety to keep things interesting.
5) Experiment with Backgrounds: Scrappy, Low-Volume, or Dark
Backgrounds set the mood. Try a patchwork of low-volume prints for a soft, textured effect, or go bold with a dramatic dark background. A scrappy background can make your quilt feel playful and unique.
6) Don’t Underestimate Borders and Bindings
Borders and bindings are like the frame on a painting. A clever border can pull your whole design together, and a bold binding can add just the right finishing touch.
7) Play with Contrast: Color, Scale, and a “Zinger” Fabric
Contrast is what makes a quilt pop. Mix up your values and print sizes, and always add one “zinger” fabric—a wild card that stands out and brings energy to the mix.
8) Add Some Solids
Solids are the secret weapon for letting your prints shine. Toss a few into the mix to give your eye a place to rest and to help balance busy patterns.
9) Take Photos of Your Layout
Snap pictures as you arrange your fabrics. Sometimes what works in person looks different on camera, and a quick photo can help you spot what’s missing or what stands out a little too much.
10) Keep an Inspiration File
Whenever you see a fabric combo or a color story you love, save it! Whether it’s a Pinterest board, a folder of screenshots, or a literal box of magazine clippings, having an inspiration file makes future fabric shopping so much easier.
Choosing fabric should feel like the fun part—not the overwhelming part. Trust your instincts, try new things, and enjoy the process.