Originally Posted by labbyrobinson
Originally Posted by Berta48
Originally Posted by May in Jersey
Originally Posted by Berta48
Ok I am brand new to quilting. What is focus fabric? Is that the fabric that goes between the blockS?That is what I am thinking anyway?
Focus fabric is the fabric you build your quilt around. Then you pick other fabrics, lights and darks, to go with it in your blocks, and if you want to put strips of fabrics between the blocks that is called sashing.
Instructor for my first quilt class said to buy 3 yards of a fabric so you would have enough for a future quilt as the focus fabric and border. I try to get 3.5 in case of cutting mistakes and to have enough for binding.
Creams and off whites are what I use the most as lights or background fabrics, so if I find some I like on sale I try to buy at least 5 to 6 yards, enough for 2 quilts. May in Jersey
I'm sorry but I don't quite understand what you mean build the quilt around? If you make a block and put sashing what else is there?Besides the borders and binding and backing?
Essentially, she is telling you that the "blocks" which you applique or use as background are your "focus fabric". Generally you want it to be a neutral color. I tend to use white on white. white on cream or white on light beige in my blocks. You want it to be neutral in order to bring out the color in your quilt, along with the sashing and borders. If you are doing piecing, then you don't need to worry about the blocks, but will probably need a focus fabric as a framework behind it. The quilt in my profile pic has a muslin focus fabric if that helps you.
SO in other words the focus fabric is the fabric you make the blocks out of? I use white when I am doing embroidery on a wall hanging or table runner.I have yet to make a quilt or throw.I di just recieve my Christmas present in the mail today the Accuquilt Go.SO I am ready to start trying to make some quilts.
Thanks for the quick reply :thumbup: