Background Builder - Your Guide To Better Backgrounds
Backgrounds are more than the space between blocks! A background is an integral part of your project, and determines what people will see first. Whether you use a solid to blend your backgrounds so that the design pops, or let the low volume fabric between your pieces sing a scrappy tune, we've gathered some essentials that will inspire you to experiment!
Solids
Solids are a wonderful and simple way to accentuate busy blocks! When your blocks have lots of colors, or the complex design has you wanting to show it off, pick a solid that will give your quilt the contrast it needs to let the blocks stand out!
TIP: Don't be afraid of color: a blue can work just as well as black, or a yellow just like a white!
Tone On Tone
Tone on Tone fabrics are prints that match the color of the fabric it's printed on! These subtle fabrics come in light and dark variations, and are perfect for adding a little texture to simple quilt designs.
TIP: Texture breaks up space and makes it more interesting to look at. Mix and match similar colors of tone on tone for an extra surprise!
Low Volume
Low volume fabrics are subtle prints with very low contrast between their color and their design, creating the illusion of a solid color at a distance. While many may consider low volume to be intimidating, we think it's a great way to shake up a quilt!
TIP: Low volume prints are a wonderful contrast to solid, saturated colors! If you have big areas of deep color, consider using subtle prints to create interesting blocks.
Linens & Wovens
Last but not least, create a real difference in texture with linen, muslin, or woven fabric! These substrates are created differently than normal cotton quilting fabric, and while they may FEEL different, they sew up just as nicely!
TIP: Use these fabrics as you would a solid or tone on tone print! While they may look no different than an all cotton quilt, the change in fiber will delight your fingers.
