Thread: How do you choose fabric for OBW

Any suggestions as to picking out fabric for making the OBW.
What should one avoid as well as what to go for.
Thanks.

I would go for a larger print in a 12 to 16 inch repeat. You will get more ideas I am sure

A large scale print in colours that you like, I hated the fabric for my first OBW but I liked the colours in it.

I don't like too many different colours as it makes the pattern too busy, but I have seen ones that do work, so personal preference there.

if you can get hold of a small hinged mirror to look at your fabrics it will help to choose.
http://fiberfantasies.files.wordpres...kalmirror4.jpg

Originally Posted by woody

A large scale print in colours that you like, I hated the fabric for my first OBW but I liked the colours in it.

I don't like too many different colours as it makes the pattern too busy, but I have seen ones that do work, so personal preference there.

if you can get hold of a small hinged mirror to look at your fabrics it will help to choose.
http://fiberfantasies.files.wordpres...kalmirror4.jpg

Thank you very much, this information is most helpful. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by Up North

I would go for a larger print in a 12 to 16 inch repeat. You will get more ideas I am sure

Thank you Donna!

I just picked this one up yesterday on the sale rack with the intention of making an OBW. Wouldn't you know it, I can't find my hinged mirror anywhere to audition it to make sure it will work (and my only hand-helds are tiny and have big frames). The repeat is 11.5". It has a lot of colors in it, but the colors are "thin" and there is quite a bit of background. I think it will make some weird and interesting patterns.

Anyone see an OBW in here?

Originally Posted by DogHouseMom

I just picked this one up yesterday on the sale rack with the intention of making an OBW. Wouldn't you know it, I can't find my hinged mirror anywhere to audition it to make sure it will work (and my only hand-helds are tiny and have big frames). The repeat is 11.5". It has a lot of colors in it, but the colors are "thin" and there is quite a bit of background. I think it will make some weird and interesting patterns.

When you make your quilt do post a picture, I bet it will be really stunning.

Super suggestion! Thanks!

The bigger the repeat, the greater number and variety of blocks you will get. Don't go below 12". Avoid fabrics with very widely spaced features, i.e. too much background colour, and also avoid straight lines. The OBW books all give good info and hints on how to choose fabrics too.

Originally Posted by Katrine

The bigger the repeat, the greater number and variety of blocks you will get. Don't go below 12". Avoid fabrics with very widely spaced features, i.e. too much background colour, and also avoid straight lines. The OBW books all give good info and hints on how to choose fabrics too.

Absolutely right. :-D You can find all the book information here http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual_section_list.jsp
read the topic heading for OBWs, Stack n Whack etc...