I saw a program at my local quilt guild and the subject was black and white quilts from Kay Cross books. she has wrote 4 books on this subject and she always uses a third color called a zinger. What do you think about this? Do you think it is better to use a touch of a third color? I want to make a blk and cream quilt and do I need that third color? Thanks

It's always a personal preferance. Two-color quilts are beautiful.
Carol B

I have seen many blk & wht's that were beautiful. I don't think you need a third color.

I think it's totally up to you. I personally like both. I love black and white quilts but I also love black and white with a pop of color. It usually depends on what mood I'm in at the time. I really really like putting pink with black and white! That's my favorite!

red or yellow is mine :)

It's your quilt!! (from a neighbor in Prescott Valley)

I've made one with a small amount of red as a zinger. Just finishing up one that has large orange read stars with black and white strips.

I made a black, white and hint of red quilt... looks lovely... am about to make another black, white, lime and maybe orange... haven't decided on the orange yet... have to have a hard think about it.

Its your quilt..Do it as you like..Remember YOU are in charge of color...

Thanks everyone. The pink or lime green does sound nice. I will go with my mood. I have a to finish up two more before I start this one. Don't have to, but want to. I am in charge!!! Right on. Thanks girls

black and white can be very stark. I think I'd soften it with gray, and add some color, too.

I did this too but didn't want too much of a zinger so I chose a dark red black.

How about doing your quilt in black and white as planned and just use your "zinger" color for the binding?

I just finished piecing a black and white quilt, but decided it needed some thing, so I put in some bright yellow, it looks really good, I will post picture of it soon

I like to add a zinger too. My faves are bright pink or lime green~

love your black and white quilt. your dog is cute too.

bet that looks good.

I think it is beautiful. I made mine with red added,and that di pop it.

My sister always tells me "It is my quilt,and I can do anything I want". thats what I do

I don't think it's a necessity to use a 3rd color - but it sure does add a touch of zing to the quilt....which surprised me. I sent a bunch of black and white FQs to someone to make a quilt for charity...and added just for grins a red FQ. Wow - that made the quilt really stand out - just one simple red FQ. Who knew.

That quilt is beautiful,my sister would love it

I agree, the black and white does look good, but a bright color for a zinger really pops out at you

It's your quilt, goes by your rules, if you want it or not.

Personally, I want a zinger in mine. But I like the idea of a zinger binding. That way it would zing front and back.

Hi, Check out my Avatar. It was the first bl./wh. with a touch of dark red. Made another and sold it. nunnyJo

I think a zinger adds a touch of color to a black/white quilt.
I have chosen a quilt pattern to make for my granddaughter
for Xmas, just started collecting the fabrics. It is a black/white quilt with a 'zinger' fabric. It seems it adds a bit of color which adds to the overall design of the finished project.
But I imagine it may depend on the design. (?)

Personally, I think black & cream quilts are very different from black & white ones.

Generally (but not always) I think B&W's are so graphic, and lively, that a touch of hot pink, lime green, red, whatever, is in the same vein.

I LOVE B&W fabric and I have seen and liked many B&W only quilts that were fabulous. But I prefer them with a little zing - doesn't have to be a lot.

B&C, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated palette. Cream also has a lot more variety than white - you could get a range of values, tone on tones, and textures of just "cream" fabrics, which you can't do with white. I remember a cream only log cabin I saw at Sister's years ago. It was stunning, but had a gazillion cream fabrics in it - you couldn't have gotten the same effect with whites.

You can even see the difference in the nature of the fabrics available in each of the two colorways.

So it really depends on what your plan is for the finished project. Do you need/want it to match your decor? Are you looking for a more elegant setting?

I don't think it's a yes or no question. I think it would/could look great either way.

That is a heavily discussed subject in the art world too. It's a little element of surprise. Much like the lone red poppy in a golden field of wheat. Many people feel that a monochromatic painting or quilt,(and a quilt is a work of art,)needs a little something to add interest. I'm back to the feeling that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Do it your way. If, after you finish, you think it is dull, appliqué a small, bright, flower which will blend with the room in which the quilt will be displayed. If the appliqué stinks, it can easily be picked off.

Take a look at the pattern dancing stars by cozyquilt.com.You will see black and white with a pop of color.

That is entirely up to you. If you're not sure, make the entire top just black and cream. If you decide it needs a little pop of color applique something on top. I think though, with black and cream that little pop of color wouldn't work like it does with the black and white. JMHO

Some quilts do need a "zinger", while others don't. I think it depends on each quilt.

What is a "zinger"?

I think a black and white quilt is very striking. I've also seen them done with a touch of red, and that is pretty, too. So, I think it is "your choice".

I searched on here and you can see photos of the quilts shared with us...they're great. Some have pop color/some don't. Hope this helps.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/search....e+quilt&u=&s=0

Here's one I just finished with red in it. I think any bright color would work.

I prefer a zinger color in my black and whites. I tried lime green once. It zinged too much.

I have several of her books and love her zinger color with the black & white

I have seen a lot of black and white or cream quilts that were just beautiful. Only add another color if you see one in your vision.