Do the “across the room” test
You might love the swatch, but what will it look like from across the room? When you’re in a store, step back an isle and look at your combination further back–it’s amazing what a little space or a different angle helps you see. Shopping online is a little more challenging–you just can’t do that with a little swatch. But at Minted.com, they’ve really done a great job of giving you that ability with different views. You can see the fabric up close, view a whole yard, and even see it hanging across the room so you’ll really get a feel for what you’re getting–no surprises! I adore this feature; I wish all online fabric stores had it.
I like to mix a geometric with a “wow” fabric and one that’s a bit more natural. In this combination, I went with a small geometric yellow print contrasted with the visually strong whales. And then I added in the feathers that have a definite pattern but have a little bit of motion to them. I could have substituted the feathers for a floral and it would have given a similar feel.
Ask yourself, “What feeling do I get with this fabric combination?” It’s taken some time for me, but I know I want my home to feel fresh, so when I looked at my choices I made sure they felt fresh and alive together. I made a few tweaks initially until I found this combination, and it just felt like “home.”
If you saw my post yesterday about sewing swimsuits for the blog tour but aren't…
In fact, sewing swimsuits can be downright fun! I made my first swimsuits last year.…
3 Ways to Style a Wood Watch I don't know about you, but lately I'm…
Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite holidays so this time of year gets me feeling…
If I were to describe my signature style, I'd say it was clean classic pieces…
This website uses cookies.
View Comments
Great tips! I especially love the ideas of mixing scale and texture. Fun textures on pillows are perfect for snuggling up to! :)
Thanks Lauren! I totally agree!
My sister in law just re-did her living room pillows and valances. And she spent just over $100. This would be an awesome give away to win. I was so jealous of how fresh her house was looking!
It's amazing what a few yards of fabric can do for updating a space. Good luck!
Love your colors. Thank you for the tips. I have difficulty figuring color combinations.
Wow! I had no idea Minted had fabric! Now I want even MORE things from there haha! They have such a fabulous selection of fun stuff that you can't find anywhere else. Those pillows are awesome, Lisa!
I didn't know Minted sells fabric! Too cool.
I was just making some onesies last night and had a heckuva time pairing fabrics, but I don't really have a process. It's interesting to read about yours.
I stumbled on it, and was instantly hooked. It's a really high quality fabric too, which I was excited about. I think we all have some sort of process but we don't necessarily stop to define what that process is. It was revealing to start picking apart what I do since I do it mostly subconsciously.
I think my biggest struggle with choosing prints comes from not knowing which scales to put together. I love the basketweave you put with the others, and it really makes them all work together well! I'll have to try a few different things and see what I can come up with. Thanks for a great article!
Thanks Veronica! Yes, scaling is important but not always easy to get right. Good luck!
Thank you! Hopefully I can get my patterns to look as good as yours!
Aww, thanks!
I have recently started reteaching myself to sew and have been able to complete one project. I had noticed when facing all those rows of fabric it can be a bit intimidating, especially when i decided to take on a few window projects. So far i have the plans but the scaling seemed so foreign to me. Im glad i found your 9 Tips For Choosing Fabric Combinations before making any purchases. Next time I go shopping I will feel more confident that my home wont look like a circus tent. LOL :) Thank you for the awesome tips!
I'm so glad I was able to help you feel more confident in choosing! Good luck, and happy sewing!