Color Theory Part 2: Quilt Color Schemes
Quilt Color Schemes: 5 Inspiring Ways to Choose Fabric Colors with Confidence
Have you ever felt stuck picking fabrics for a quilt? Or second-guessed a fabric pull because something just felt off? You're not alone — and that’s exactly where color theory comes in.
This blog post is the second installment of my Color Theory for Quilters series. If you have’t yet, be sure to read:
Now, back to the post. We're diving into five tried-and-true color schemes for quilting that you can use to make confident, joyful choices in your next fabric pull. Whether you're looking for a calming palette or a bold and vibrant combination, the color wheel is here to help.
And, even if you’re a new at quilting just looking for some beginner quilt color ideas, the five color way formulas make it easy!
So, what is a color scheme in quilting? Let’s start with a quick definition. A color scheme is a planned combination of colors used to create a visually appealing and harmonious quilt design. Think of it as the foundation for your quilt's aesthetic.
1. Monochromatic Magic
First up, monochromatic quilts use one color in many shades and tints — think light blue to deep navy. They’re perfect for creating a cohesive, calm, and sophisticated look.
One of my favorite monochromatic quilts is my Desert Cove cover quilt, made entirely of oranges and peach tones. The variety of prints and saturation levels kept the design visually interesting while letting the color shine.
Do you see the bright, dark orange fabric? It’s a darker hue and a little more saturated that the other fabrics and that helps it stand out and adds some energy to the quilt.
TIP: Play with saturation and value shifts to avoid a flat look.
2. Analogous Quilting Color Palettes
Analogous color schemes use colors next to each other on the color wheel — like red, orange, and yellow. These palettes feel harmonious and are great for creating soothing transitions or ombré effects.
Quilts make with an analogous color scheme often have a feel of calmness to them.
In my recent Desert Cove quilt for baby Clara, I used pink, peach, and purple. These colors are adjacent to one another on the color wheel and they a happy, cozy vibe.
TIP: Let one hue dominate, and add light/dark variations to maintain balance.
3. Complementary & Split-Complementary Quilts
Complementary colors sit opposite on the color wheel — like pink and green or yellow and purple. They bring contrast and energy to your quilt. Split-complementary uses one color and the two adjacent to its opposite, creating softer tension.
My Clarendon quilt features a favorite combination of mine: pink and green. By playing with desaturation and value, I kept it lively without it feeling too loud.
Now, compare that quilt against my Granada Quilt that also uses a pink and green complementary color scheme; except this time the colors are less saturated. The muted colors have a calming effect.
TIP: Pick one color to lead and use the other for accents or borders.
4. Triadic & Tetradic Schemes for Bold Quilts
Ready to make a bold statement? Triadic (3 evenly spaced colors) and tetradic (4-color combinations with complementary pairs) schemes are vibrant, high-energy, and perfect for modern quilts.
My Tatum quilt features a tetradic scheme that pops thanks to unexpected pairings like yellow-green (gotta love Kona in Pickle!) against red-orange and red-violet.
TIP: Stick with one dominant color and use the others sparingly.
5. How to Choose the Right Scheme for your Quilt Project
When picking a color scheme, start by asking yourself some questions:
- Is this quilt a gift? If so, what colors would delight the recipient?
- Is it meant for display, everyday use, or a quilt show?
- What mood do I want the quilt to convey — playful, calm, modern, nostalgic?
Then, see which color scheme described above matches the feel you are looking for, and then start thinking about colors! We’ll discuss how to use prints in a future blog post, but for now, just think about balancing bold prints and simple, low volume prints.
If you’re uncertain about your choices, try color mockups using quilt pattern coloring pages or arrange your fabric pull on a design wall before committing.
Experiment: How to Practice Color Pulls
Use this blog post as a guide and then pull fabrics out of your stash and just play. See what feels right to you and which combinations you don’t like. Don't forget to snap pictures along the way.
And remember…you’re not making your last quilt. Don’t be afraid to try something new, pull out a fabric you rarely use, and have fun experimenting!
More of a visual person? Watch the companion video on YouTube!
Keep an eye out for Part 3 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!