Color Wheel Techniques

Selecting colors for a quilt can leave me stumped for hours. The fewer color choices I have, the easier it is to make a decision. Sure, I can select matching colors and colors that do not clash with each other for clothing, but when it comes to quilts...that is my weak area.

About Quilting gives some helpful tips on the color wheel and choosing color combinations. Deciding on your quilt theme and choosing the color scheme for it greatly depends on what look you are trying to achieve. Keep the color wheel in mind when selecting color combinations.

Monocramatic quilts are basically one color quilts. But don't think that just selecting one color can make a boring quilt....imagine the possibilities in blues, reds, greens or purples??!!

Monochromatic, or one color, quilts don't have to be boring. Pull in dark
shades of your chosen color, tints and tones. Add neutrals for a restful
backdrop.

Analogous quilts are created with colors that are beside each other on the color wheel.

Analogous is a complicated sounding name for quilts made from colors that
are side by side on the color wheel. Analogous colors look good together because
their color roots are similar.

Complementary colors are colors located directly opposite from each other on the color wheel. These colors are the hardest to assemble together and need to be used in small quantities.

Red and green
Red-violet and yellow-green
Red-orange and blue-green

Remember there are no "bad" combinations or mistakes in quiltmaking. Trying new color combinations could result in your favorite quilt you have ever made! :)