As quilters, we get lots of practice mixing different print fabrics, along with combining solids and prints. But what about mixing different types of fabrics? It can add amazing texture, depth and visual interest, and also opens doors for fun upcycling. So if you’re keen to have a go, let’s have a look at some tips and tricks that will get you started.
HOW TO MIX FABRIC TYPES FOR PATCHWORK
Consider the weights of fabrics: Blend lighter fabrics like cotton or silk with heavier ones such as denim or corduroy. Mixing these can add a visual interest to your patchwork. Mix different textures: Cotton, flannel, linen or even velvet have a different tactile texture, and mixing these can really add some more depth to the patchwork.
Using different fabrics together does mean we need to consider the different attributes of the fabrics and make sure that we treat them slightly differently than we would a quilting cotton. Below are some tips for working with velvet and
