Color Theory for Quilters: How to Confidently Choose Fabric for Your Next Quilt

I am so excited to bring you the first of a multi-part blog series all about fabric selection! The number one question I get asked about my quilting is how I come up with my fabric pulls and a lot of that has to do with color theory. 

When I first began quilting, my fabric choices were largely based on intuition. I’d grab whatever caught my eye and dive right in, experimenting and learning along the way. Over time, I began to see patterns in what worked and what didn’t (trust me, I’ve had my share of fabric combo fails!). Since this is something I get asked about, I’ve been working on how articulate why some fabric combinations are amazing while others fall flat. 

Guess what friends – its color theory! And while we’re at it - let’s face it — fabric is an investment (now more than ever). And if you’ve ever found yourself nervously hovering over your fabric stash, unsure about which colors to pair, you’re not alone! Understanding the color wheel can transform that hesitation into confidence, making your fabric pulls exciting instead of overwhelming. 

In this post, we’re talking about how the color wheel can be your best friend in quilting, helping you create beautiful combinations with ease. 

What is the Color Wheel?

We all know that magical moment when a fabric combination just sings. Maybe it’s pink and green, or perhaps it’s a soft blend of blues. That spark isn’t just a fluke — there’s real color science behind why certain combinations feel so good. Understanding that science through the color wheel gives you the tools to not just replicate those happy accidents but to create them intentionally.

The best part? Color theory isn’t about following rigid rules. It’s about giving yourself a framework so you can play, experiment, and build a stash that excites you. Knowing how colors interact helps you step beyond your comfort zone, building richer, more varied palettes that still feel like you.

And here’s a little secret: you’ve probably been using color theory more than you realize. Have you ever noticed those handy little color dots on the selvage of your fabric? Those are built-in clues to help you coordinate fabrics effortlessly! Designers use color theory to build cohesive collections, and you can use it too.

Want to play around with a color wheel?  Adobe offers a free, interactive color wheel:  https://color.adobe.com/create/color-wheel

Understanding Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors

Before we go deeper, let’s get to know the basics. The color wheel is made up of three types of colors:

Primary Colors

These are your foundational hues: red, blue, and yellow. You can’t mix other colors to create these.  They’re the building blocks.

Secondary Colors

When you mix two primary colors together, you get secondary colors:

• Red + Yellow = Orange
• Yellow + Blue = Green
• Blue + Red = Purple
  

Simple, right? These are often the bright, cheerful shades that bring energy to a quilt.

Tertiary Colors

Now we’re getting fancy! Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color. Think of beautiful blends like:

• Red-orange
• Yellow-green
• Blue-violet
  

Tertiary colors give your quilt depth and nuance, allowing for sophisticated fabric pulls that feel layered and intentional.

For example, take a look at the quilts below.  Both quilts are a rainbow fabric pull; however the one on the left uses only primary and secondary colors while the one on the right incorporates tertiary colors.  Notice how those added colors change the feel of the quilt.

Warm vs. Cool Colors: Setting the Mood

Color isn’t just about harmony — it’s about emotion. Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) bring energy and coziness. Cool colors (blues, greens, purples) create calm and relaxation. Think about the mood you want your quilt to evoke, and use warm or cool colors to guide your palette.

For example, a cozy autumn quilt might lean into warm golds and burnt oranges, while a serene beach-inspired design could feature cool aquas and sandy taupes.

Tips for Quilters: Making the Color Wheel Work for You

• Trust Your Gut… Then Back It Up with Theory: Your instincts are valuable! If you love a color combo, use the color wheel to understand why it works and build from there.
• Build a Colorful Stash: Understanding the color wheel helps you confidently purchase fabrics outside your comfort zone, knowing they’ll have a place in future projects.
• Use Those Selvage Clues: Fabric designers have already done a lot of the heavy lifting for you. Let those color swatches guide your choices.

Understanding Hue, Value, and Saturation

To really level up your color confidence, it's important to go beyond the color wheel and understand three key properties of color: hue, value, and saturation. These might sound like fancy design terms, but I promise, they’re simple — and super helpful when you’re planning a quilt.

Hue: The Basic Building Block

Hue is just the pure color itself (think red, blue, green, purple). It’s what we usually mean when we talk about “color.” When you start pulling fabrics for a quilt, identifying the hue helps you decide which colors to include and how they'll interact. For example, are you working with warm hues (like golds and reds) or cool hues (like aquas and greens)? That simple choice sets the tone for your entire project.

Value: Light to Dark Contrast

Value refers to how light or dark a color is. This is a game-changer in quilting because value creates contrast and depth. A quilt with all medium-value fabrics can feel a little flat — but throw in some light and dark values, and suddenly your blocks have dimension and pop.

Try this tip: Take a photo of your fabric pull and put a black and white filter on the pictures.  You’ll instantly see if the values are too similar or if you’ve got a nice mix!

Saturation: Bright vs. Muted

Saturation is all about intensity; how bold or muted a color is. A fully saturated color is bright and vivid (like neon pink), while a desaturated color is more toned down or earthy (like dusty rose). Think about the mood you're trying to create. High saturation = energetic. Low saturation = calm and cozy.  For me, personally, I tend to work with low saturation fabrics.

Want a quilt that feels modern and sophisticated? Try pairing high-saturation prints with low-saturation neutrals for contrast and interest.

Why Color Theory Matters in Quilting

When you understand hue, value, and saturation, you can start making intentional choices — not just relying on instinct (though that’s important too!). You’ll be able to answer questions like:

• Why does this block feel too “blendy”? → You may need more value contrast.
• Why is this quilt feeling loud? → Try softening the saturation or balancing it with neutrals.
• Why do these fabrics feel off together? → Maybe the hues don’t align with your color scheme.
  

Whether you’re choosing fabrics for a bold modern quilt or a soft vintage-inspired one, hue, value, and saturation are tools that will help you craft the exact look and feel you’re going for.

Simple Quilt Exercises to Practice Color Theory

To really make the color wheel your go-to tool, try one of these simple homework ideas:

1. Fabric Sort: Pull fabrics from your stash and arrange them in color wheel order. This visual exercise can reveal gaps in your collection and helps to inspire new combinations.
   
2. Color Wheel Quilt Block: Design a simple block using primary, secondary, and tertiary colors to see how they interact.
   
3. Warm & Cool Study: Create two small sample blocks.  Sew one using only warm colors, and one with only cool colors.  Then see how the mood shifts between the two.  Are you drawn more to one over the other?
   

By understanding the color wheel, you’re not just learning theory — you’re building a skill that will serve you in every quilt you make. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s confidence, joy, and the thrill of seeing your creative vision come to life.

More of a visual person?  Check out the companion video on YouTube!

Keep an eye out for Part 2 of this series!  We’ll be taking all about different types of color schemes to consider when starting a new quilt.

Until then…Happy quilting!

xoxo, Jenni 🧡