Creating great quilts starts with understanding Color Value. This can be challenging for beginners, but it’s easier than you think. This tutorial teaches us to use simple tools like a cell phone to get color value correct on all of your future quilts. Soon, you will no longer be a beginner quilter.
Psst. Grab a beverage and take a break. This post is longer than most, but I think you will enjoy it 🙂
If you are around me much you may notice that I’ve been chattering on and on about quilting. Blame it on QuiltCon. When I took a class on finding Color Value in a Quilt with Cheryl Arkison I went from interested-in-the-subject to completely-obsessed-about-the-subject.
It’s like I have this modern-quilty-thing buzzing around in my head and the buzzing is so loud I can’t think of anything else. And, I have to work through it and explore the whole topic of modern quilts. And, I’m motivated because I have a ton (literally, I think it would actually weigh a ton) of fabric scraps that I want to turn into something. Like quilts ~ particularly, modern quilts.
The two things that have always stalled me with regards to quilting revolve around color.
First, when I walk into any quilting fabric store, I am completely overwhelmed by sensory overload. There are so many styles and colors that I don’t know where to start. I usually purchase a few fat quarters and leave. My creative juices have literally slammed shut. Talk about frustrating.
Secondly, I have no idea what is going to look good. I may have a quilt pattern in my hand that says, “Purchase so many yards of this, that, and the other thing.” But, I don’t know what those things are. So, quilting has remained a huge mystery to me.
And I know it all starts with understanding color and color value. Which is what I set out to learn at QuiltCon. And, I’m happy to say, that I feel like I can begin to move forward with making a few quilts.
And, that’s where I start today. I am going to share with you how this quilt came about.
When I signed up for Cheryl’s class we had a list of things to bring. For our fabric we were told to bring:
36 different 7’’x 7’’ squares
36-72 scrappy strips of fabric, minimum 7’’ and up to 13’’ long, 2-3’’ wide
The fabrics should be a blend of lights, mediums, and darks.
I used my Accuquilt* 8 x 8 cutting die and strip cutting die to make my squares (which were larger than everyone elses) and strips. (*affiliate)
Why did I choose these colors and where did I get my fabric. I went straight to my scrap bins. I chose these colors because there were enough large pieces to cut out the squares and enough long pieces to cut out the strips. No science, training, or talent went into these color choices. And that put me at a bit of a disadvantage because many of my colors were just too similar in value.
The first thing we did was separate our colors out by what we saw as lights, mediums, and darks. With my color palette, this was really difficult. These fabrics were not distinct, but I think that helped me train my brain around the whole issue.
After that, we started putting lights and darks together. You can see how this could be a problem. It is really hard to tell to tell what is actually light and what is actually dark. If I had used black, tan, and white it would’ve been much easier.
Looking at these two side-by-side examples below you can see what I’m talking about. In the sample on the left you see what would be a light/dark blend because so much of the light in the diamond circles stands out next to the overall darkness of the fabric next to it.
In the sample on the right you see the same diamond circle fabric paired with something of lighter value, creating a dark/light blend. This time the diamond circles become the dark value fabric and the striped fabric is the light value fabric.
I was really trying to work this out. Cheryl had us take photos with our cell phones and then convert the pictures to black and white. Guess what. You can instantly see the color value differences.
After doing the value tests we were told to pair our lights/darks, sew them together, and create half-square triangles. From there we began putting the HST’s (that’s half square triangles for you non-quilters out there) on the design wall and then moving them around to create our designs.
Notice Bestie’s sample to the left. See how her darks really stand out while mine are more subtle. If you step back you can really notice the darker stripe in my quilt. It’s not overpowering, but it’s there.
Now comes the putting it together part. Without the design wall I would’ve never remembered what went where. However, I was able to manage to get some of it done in class. Once I got home I continued working on the quilt. This is the design I went with. It is supposed to be a modified version of the traditional design Flying Geese. The ‘geese’ are on the right.
Instead, it looks more like a backward ‘check’ mark. You know, the kind that left-handed teachers would make with a red pen on your math papers. To really see it you need to step back from the screen.
You can see that my fabric color choices were not significantly light, medium, dark. However, there is enough difference to make them still work out to be that way.
I also found out that fat quarter bundles, charm packs, etc. tend to be mostly medium value fabrics. That’s something to think about when you’re trying to create a lot of contrast. No wonder I’ve struggled with this for so long.
So, now on to the quilting portion of my quilt. I made a few rookie mistakes.
Rookie Mistake #1 – I used a solid piece of fabric for my backing. Every little crooked line, every skipped stitch, every pucker shows.
Rookie Mistake #2 – I ended up quilting the whole thing (quite badly I might add) and then ripping out all of the stitches. My sewing machine was giving me grief on this (it is now in for repairs) and I had tons of skipped stitches ~ which helped with the ripping out of stitches.
Rookie Mistake #3 – I quilted along the design I had created, but a little too closely. This caused the quilt to be a little stiff. I was wanting to quilt the lighter value areas densely and the darker value areas with a light stippling. I thought this would make the darker areas stand out more. In the end I used my walking foot and quilted along the ‘backwards check mark’ hoping to make it stand out like a subtle version of Flying Geese.
Rookie Mistake #4 – My backing wasn’t quite as tightly pinned as it should’ve been and there are some messy spots. Because of Rookie Mistake #1, these mistakes are pretty noticeable. #usemorepins
Let’s be honest, here. Pin basting can be one of the biggest challenges to finishing a quilt. It usually requires a large area and the moving of furniture. Well, I know a better way and you’re going to love it. I’ve created a two-minute video that demonstrates a simplified way to baste your quilt.
All of these remedial mistakes aside, I really like my quilt. Once washed, most of the mistakes barely show (unless I’m wearing my glasses). And now for the best part. I spent zero dollars making this quilt (unless you count the cost of QuiltCon and the classes). I was determined to use fabrics from my stash. I had a piece of batting that fit perfectly, and I used a piece of muslin-ish Kona fabric that I had on hand for my backing (see Rookie Mistake #1).
Here’s the finished product in color and b & w. Do you notice the color value in the quilt? Can you see how understanding color value helped create the design (albeit, not a great design).
Throughout this process I have come to realize that:
#1 – I can easily become obsessed about something.
#2 – This obsession usually costs me money.
#3 – I can’t help myself.
Which now has me lurking down the path called…I’m thinking about buying another sewing machine.
After all of my quilting drama, on a whim I began researching new machines (it’s a sickness, I know) that might help me quilt better. A while back I remembered Kimberly at Fat Quarter Shop mentioning her Juki and how much she loved it for quilting. Hmm. What’s with this Juki machine?
I called my friend Caroline in Florida because she has been raving about her Juki TL2010Q*. She is fairly new to quilting and we have similar sewing styles. She only had good things to say about the machine. (*affiliate)
Then I started reading about others who were in love with this machine. I came across this video from Leah Day. In the video she explains exactly why she chose this machine for piecing and free motion quilting.
While not completely sold, I am willing to investigate further. When I get my Bernina 640 back from the shop, I am going to carefully consider the differences. The Juki seems like a great in-between solution for someone who can’t afford doesn’t want a long arm quilting machine right now. The Juki retails for $900-$1,000 while sit-down long arm machines cost $5,000+. I will probably have to sell my Bernina 240 and my Bernina Stitch Regulator if I want to buy the Juki.
In the meantime, I’ve been practicing free motion quilting on the Bernina 240 using Crafty’s Class: Free Motion Quilting a Sampler*. It’s going pretty well, too. (*affiliate)
I’m starting to think that I could really master the art of color value and then begin tackling free motion quilting.
To learn more about color in quilts I recommend this Craftsy Class: Color Play for Quilters. (affiliate)
P.S. If you love this post, please share it on Pinterest and Facebook. It would mean the world to me.
Mari says
March 30, 2015 at 10:01 amI really enjoyed this post. Lots of good and valuable information and you made me laugh. Now that’s a great combination. It is so so refreshing to read quilting information when the poster is not afraid to point out the mistakes and lessons learned. To me, that is priceless information as I too am a brand new quilter.
I love your quilt – the pattern and colors. Great post.
Gail Nelson says
March 30, 2015 at 11:58 amGreat article, cool how the black and white photo makes it easier to see the colour value. I have made lots of quilts and if they turn out looking really good it is because someone else helped me pick out the colours!
Peggy says
March 30, 2015 at 5:08 pmWonderful post and your quilt is beautiful! I may get brave and buy some fabric now.
Barb says
March 31, 2015 at 9:40 amLeslie, I’ve been quilting for years and still struggle with color choices. But I’m going to try the photo idea. I’ve also seen the rose-colored glasses (Ha!) for sale but don’t think I wanna go that far just yet. I don’t even know if they really help. And I think your quilt is beautiful. Love the colors.
Alison Christoffersen says
April 28, 2015 at 9:55 amI learned that once you have the fabric spread out as best as you can (light to dark) walk away. When you come back stare at the fabric until your eyesight goes a little blurry and the dark colors jump out at you. It works for me maybe it will help.
teresa says
March 31, 2015 at 10:06 pmThis was a fantastic post and I don’t even quilt. Not too long at all!
Jo says
April 1, 2015 at 3:07 amThanks a lot for all these advices, very useful. Hugs from Italy, and happy quilting!!!
Sharon Rowe says
April 1, 2015 at 4:44 amI would love to learn how to quilt!
Nicole says
April 1, 2015 at 7:02 amThis is such a great post with so much helpful information. I LOVE the quilt and I am right there with you on your three pointed list of realizations! I stalk sewing machines online everyday!
Linda says
April 6, 2015 at 2:54 amGreat post with lots of information and humour.
BTW next time use the spray adhesive to baste your quilt layers together. I find it has improved my machine quilting – but I’m still learning and practicing.
And I really like the quilt you produced. I can see how the colour values worked.
Jennifer Dawn says
April 8, 2015 at 2:52 pmThis is fantastic, and that quilt is gorgeous! Just wanted to let you know that I’m sharing it at our weekly link party! http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2015/04/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-135.html
Shelor says
April 10, 2015 at 7:10 amGreat post–especially for those of us terrified of color combinations!
Carole @ From My Carolina Home says
April 10, 2015 at 8:16 amThis post is an excellent overview of value, looks like you learned a lot!! We all made the same rookie mistakes at one time or another, LOL, now yours are all behind you! Welcome to the insanity that is quilting!
Michele Timms says
April 10, 2015 at 7:36 pmYour post is most informative, thank you!! With much of what you said, I saw myself saying, doing similarly. I am going to experiment using your tips on a mini quilt… We shall see how it goes!! I also have a book by Cheryl Arkison and will scour the pages for more tips!!
Christine S says
April 12, 2015 at 10:56 amLove this and your quilt! I struggle with color choice and tend to stick to lines for making quilts. I really wanna break out of that!
Create With Joy says
April 12, 2015 at 2:47 pmLeslie, thanks for sharing your awesome tutorial and beautiful quilt with us at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!
I’m delighted to share that you are one of our Featured Guests at this week’s party – #171!
Have an awesome week!
Joni says
April 12, 2015 at 4:35 pmBeautiful quilt! I love that the light/dk/mediums are so close in value. Subtle and Classy. I love how you shared your rookie mistakes, they are valuable lessons and I’m keeping your post forever. I have a Bernina 640e that I piece on and
use it for some small quilting, it is a real workhorse! I also have a Juki TL2010Q and it is fantastic to fmq on. I love the extra throat space for the larger quilts. Keep on Stitching and Inspiring us!
karen says
April 14, 2015 at 4:56 pmAnother great sewing machine for quilting is the Brother PQ1500S. It is very similar to the Juki you mentioned but retails for about $300-500 less. Keep it in mind to do your comparisons. I have the Brother and it is the love of my life.
Michelle says
April 15, 2015 at 12:00 pmI really enjoyed your post. I have wanted to make a values quilt for some time. I learned a lot from reading your post and appreciate the time you took to create it. And I also really like your quilt. I think a softer contrast can create a very soft and soothing quilt. I use bright and bold fabrics a lot and, I’ve come to really appreciate a softer quilt as well.
Michelle
Elaine says
April 19, 2015 at 1:21 amDear Leslie
Thank you so much for this article, I can so relate to your opening – that you couldn’t combine colours well. I have stood in fabric emporiums, surrounded by beautiful fabric & just not known what’s to start: I have either : bought a stack of the wrong things- which have remained untouched, or left disappointed that I just ‘don’t get it & never will’! Your article has me hopeful, with just the right inspiration to start me buzzing around my ever growing stash, to see what I can picture together.
Many thanks
Elaine
Linda Dutch says
April 23, 2015 at 12:07 amLovely quilt… the colour values are beautifully subtle, which is nice for a change! Thanx for sharing about your learning processes here. It’s never easy for me, but I love that “combining colours & choosing fabrics” stage the best!
Sharon says
May 25, 2015 at 7:17 amLove your quilt colours. I’m just starting to gather fabric to do my first quilt – other than baby ones and wondering what you mean by fat quarters being medium weight – are they the weight I want? thanks,
Leslie says
May 25, 2015 at 7:34 amFat quarters usually are made up of medium value fabrics – which are not specifically light or dark.
Cynthia says
December 1, 2015 at 2:16 pmI love your quilt! Looks like a “grab a good book and go out on the front porch” kind of quilt. Beautiful!
Rosana Naveas says
January 12, 2016 at 7:24 amLeslie:
A great tutorial. I think your mistakes help me a full! I’m a beginner quilter and I’m so happy finding your post! Thanks a lot!
Michelle says
January 19, 2016 at 12:14 amI love your quilt and I had a weekend of workshops with Cheryl on Values and Improve last year. I would love to take a couple more of her classes.
Value makes such a difference and when I look at earlier quilts that did not quite work, I know know it is because of value not colour.
Carolyn says
January 30, 2016 at 8:29 pmThank you for this post, it makes total sense. This is probably why I’m never thrilled with my quilt finishes, I’m colour and value challenged it seems. Armed with your shared knowledge, I’m willing to try again.
Linda says
February 23, 2016 at 5:43 pmI like the complete quilt. Very calm and restful
Charlotte says
March 6, 2016 at 3:01 pmI love colour too and I’ve learned a lot by looking at colour palettes that other people have put together, or playing with colour tools on the web.
Claire says
July 11, 2016 at 12:35 amYour choice of fabrics and colours looks to me as though you could teach the class!
I love your quilt, it’s beautiful, fresh, modern and professional. Well done you .
Sherry Armour says
October 11, 2016 at 12:23 pmI have been new to quilting for the last 10+years. Your post has been the most helpful explanation I have ever seen or heard. Thank you so much for posting this and making available your other tips. I am looking forward to following your site.
Deb M says
October 14, 2016 at 6:49 amGreat post, thank you! It helps to reinforce what I’m finally beginning to understand. My husband has a great eye for color and design so I’ve relied on him to help with fabric selection. Now I’m trying to make my own selections (but I still value his input).
Julie says
November 10, 2016 at 12:16 pmThe reason it looks like a backward check mark is because you sewed the far right strip upside down. All the squares in the left 4 columns are sewed top left to bottom right. The far right column is sewed top left to bottom left. Had you flipped it end for end, it’d been all in the same angle : sewed top left to bottom right
Leslie says
November 10, 2016 at 5:00 pmRookie Mistake #5
Judi Kettering says
December 15, 2016 at 2:47 pmHi Leslie,
I am having the exact problem with color value and the use of charm packs….I can’t make it look right and have just been winging it! I am now going to try your method, but I have one question…for now. If you buy charm packs and they tend to have the same color value as you suggest, do you buy another fabric to add to the quilt with the needed contrast or do you buy a few more fabrics to provide that contrast?
Thanks, Judi
Leslie says
December 16, 2016 at 9:16 amYes and no. I like to buy the 10″ square layer cakes and then cut them into charm sizes if needed.
Christine says
May 3, 2017 at 9:51 pmThank You so much for writing this I am new to quilting. I have not made an actual quilt yet, I find myself making small projects and table runners, wall hangings. I guess I am scared to try an ACTUAL QUILT.. This article is a great inspiration to me to start. Between reading this article and other groups I now joined I think I am getting ready to TRY!!
Thanks,
Christine
Denise says
November 3, 2017 at 11:09 amThank you for the very clear post on color values, well done. Also, I have a Juki 2010 and I love it. When I first started quilting my own tops I purchased a Hinterberg frame, it was a nice setup for my Juki. Be warned though, if you ever put the Juki on a frame and quilt that way it soon wont be enough. I am now the proud owner of a Gammill with a 12′ frame. The only room the frame would fit in besides my bedroom or living room is my office and only with the door removed. So I now share my daily work space with a quilt frame and each time I leave or enter the room I have to suck it up and turn sideways. No more running into the room to answer the telephone.
Ms Sam Nicholson says
December 13, 2018 at 6:04 amThank you. Stunning quilt!!! Those “mistakes” you talk about is what makes your quilt unique! When I taught myself how to quilt using books I would complain about same things as you do. My mother told me about it being unique. Ever since I don’t agonize over being so petfect!