Using different patterns, textures and colors of sewing fabrics adds personality and with a little study and practice, the art of combining fabrics can be easily learned.
You can develop a theme for a room by combining patterned and textured fabrics that share a common color motif. When a fabric is patterned, its design motif is large enough or has enough color contrast for the eye to distinguish it from the background. When the pattern is subtle or indistinguishable from the background, it is more textured than patterned. Geometric prints, florals, stripes, solids and textured fabrics work together to set the mood and atmosphere for a room.
Consider how sewing fabrics will look from a distance as well as close up.
Patterns in the same room should have a common element such as texture, color, or design motif. A room should have one dominant pattern that is supplemented by smaller patterns, stripes, plaids or textured cloth. The supplemental patterns must coordinate with and enhance the dominant pattern. Repetition of a certain pattern creates unity, whereas excessive use of different patterns is overwhelming. Many home decorating fabrics are designed as part of a coordinating group, with several different patterns that work beautifully together.
When shopping for home sewing fabric, look at large pieces in natural and flourescent lighting. If possible, take home swatches and place them around the room for a few days to see how they look and how you respond to them. When purchasing, buy the necessary yardage from one bolt to eliminate possible variations caused by different dye lots.
When combining patterned fabrics, consider scale. If one print is boldly designed with sharp contrasts and large motifs, the other fabrics should relate in color tone and scale.
Solid or very subdued printed sewing fabrics tend to be formal in feeling, and these fabrics generally have a calming effect.
Mixing a solid-colored fabric with one or two patterned fabrics is the easiest way to combine fabrics satisfactorily. Usually, fabrics are formal or informal. It is important to determine the mood of a room and furnish it with sewing fabrics accordingly.
Submitted by: Loretta Crowder
© 2011, Loretta. All rights reserved.
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