How to Choose Fabrics for Your Quilts

[@1smileykat4u]

I have been quilting for 3 years now. I am somewhat self-taught, having learned everything that I know through blogs & KZbin. This is the first video of yours that I have seen and, I must say, you are an excellent teacher! I have subscribed and I look forward to going back on your channel to see what all I've missed out on. And I also look forward to your new videos. Thanks again! - Katrina 😊

[@piecesofthepast]

What a lovely comment! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am certainly not a public speaker, but my passion is helping other sewists and fiber artists learn whatever I can pass on. Thank you for subbing, as well! You made my day!! ~Deborah

[@jeane.2722]

thx

[@joniburke8005]

This is my biggest problem choosing fabric that goes together.

[@mariewinters4272]

Thank you for the great refresher course, I loved it! It's amazing how sometimes we forget the basics especially taking pictures of the fabric as black and white before cutting up fabric then wondering why it's not working out 😊 Again great video!

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you so much! It was interesting to have to think about my process and put it into words. Glad you liked it! ~Deborah

[@patriciabrown6408]

I have to say this is an excellent video especially for new quilters. It’s so easy to pick fabrics we like without thinking how they will look together after they are cut up into small pieces. I really like the concept of taking photo in black and white, it really demonstrates how fabrics will work together having light, medium and dark. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Thank you.

[@piecesofthepast]

Thank you and thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@pdiaz1214]

I’ve just discovered you so I don’t know what video you are referring to as your last video that just went viral. I would like to see it. What is the title of that video? I discovered you with the video for storing your fabric. I really enjoyed it and will keep watching. Thx!

[@piecesofthepast]

Ah, I am sorry about the confusion. The video I was referring to was the Arkansas Crossroads. You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnPaeoZmjc96qrMsi=AprpYQ2tt4aqi8BF

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

Thank you so much🙏 your tutorial just popped up on my feed. The problem I gave is I have beautiful fabrics fat quarters bundles .jelly roll and lots of charm packs the problem is I never know what pattern to use to make this expensive fabric pop!!!! Have any suggestions maybe you have a video on this?❤🐦🙏

[@piecesofthepast]

Thanks for the wonderful comment! I will add your suggestion to my video list. In the meantime, find a pattern you really like the look of and try to ignore any colors. Just focus on the pattern. Then, study that pattern with your precuts in front of you. Is there a block that could be a focal block? There are just so many combinations that you could come up with, but it really takes time to study your pattern and fabrics to "hear" what they are telling you they want to become. I will surely make this topic into a video soon. Thanks so much for watching! ~Deborah

[@StacyRussell-ml8ky]

You described the dark and light concept the best I have seen on the videos. Thank you! Also, I am wondering if Calico is a good fabric to use for quilts. I would like to know more in that line of questioning - what different fabrics work well? Yes, 100 percent cotton but the names like Calico or Broadcloth or Muslin, etc. How are they good or not good?l Do they ravel a lot, or not, etc? Hope you understand my question/s.

[@piecesofthepast]

Hello and thanks for the comment. Yes, I do understand what you are saying and it sounds like great material (pun intended) for another quick video. Those are great questions! Calico works very well in quilts. It usually comes across as a solid color when you stand back from it a bit. So, if the background color of the calico is orange, you will see a solid orange (more or less) when you step back from it. Be sure to take a photo to get the contrast. I have put your ideas in my queue and will do a new video on them as soon as I can. Thanks for watching! ~Deborah

[@user-Tdunham132]

Good video. I think one other thing people need to think about is the size of the print. Especially when you cut it up. You could get dark pieces and light pieces that could mess up how your quilt comes out

[@piecesofthepast]

Totally agree!!! You can actually get several "looks" from one fabric, including using the wrong side, sometimes. Thanks for the comment and for watching! ~Deborah

[@joniburke8005]

So you don’t need to pay attention to the size of the design on the fabrics?

[@piecesofthepast]

That really depends on how big your piece is that you are cutting out. For example, if you have a blue and white print that is very large in scale, you could possibly cut blue squares or white squares from the same fabric. Or. half and half. The more important thing is the contrast between those patches you cut (that fabric) and the rest of the fabrics you are putting with it. I hope that makes sense. ~Deborah

[@Gale4health]

Thank you. That was very helpful!

[@piecesofthepast]

You're welcome! ~Deborah

[@ConstanceLClark]

Thanks a good refresher course for me

[@piecesofthepast]

Excellent! Stay tuned :-). ~Deborah

[@pyfairy]

❤ and another great video!!

[@piecesofthepast]

You're the best!