Where should I start, I have no idea which fabric to choose. . .are you saying these comments to yourself when it comes to starting a new project? Did you find a quilt pattern you’re just dying to make, but don't know what fabric to use? And, then you wonder if your quilt will look like the picture. First of all, select your main fabric with lots of color. This focus fabric is calling out, "Take me home!" Now, that is a fabric you love! From the many colors within this print, you can pull other fabric colors. On the selvage of the fabric is also a printing of color dots. They represent the colors printed so you can use the dots as a guide to match other fabric colors. The first rule is to find a main fabric that has many colors and pick some from within the fabric print.

When choosing your fabrics for your quilt, you should use a formula to showcase several print scales, such as 15% small, 70% medium, and 15% large. By doing this your quilt will have visual texture and excitement. If your quilt only displays small scale prints it will be lacking variety and would look all the same. Or on the opposite end, if your full size quilt only displays large prints, your eye would be continually hopping from one print to the next. Having variety in your print scales is much more esthetically pleasing.

If you find it really stressful to select fabrics that coordinate, try selecting fabrics that belong in the same fabric line. All the guess work is done for you and all the colors work together. Once again, apply rule number one and find a focus print to act as your main fabric!

Another pointer is to try to avoid solid colors as they often pop off your quilt. When using tone on tone fabrics or marble prints, they may read as a solid color. Walk across the room and see for yourself.

Now, the last comment I’d like to make is to look at the fabric weave and weight of the fabric. Does it feel stiff like it has a lot of sizing or color dye? Don’t buy it! Or is it a thin weave, where you can see through the fabric? Don’t buy it! Feel the fabric before buying. The price you pay doesn’t guarantee a quality piece of fabric. I have found some bargain fabrics that felt great and some that I wouldn’t even give away. The quilt you make is only as good as the worst piece of fabric you have in it. So, it's a good idea to be choosey in the quality of fabric you make your quilts out of.