A Tale of Three Backgrounds: Blending Multicolor Prints

We looked at how the size of a print changes it's value last time.  But those prints were all the same colors, one shade of red and white, changed by the size of the print. Now we're going to look at prints of more than 2 colors.


How much does that change things? In some ways, a lot. In some ways not so much. But you want to be the one in control of your quilt. Knowledge is power.

Here is a range of green, yellow, white and brown prints in differing sizes. Several of them have 
bits of red in them.

                      

A cream color background gives us a very neutral base, where only the pattern within the blocks  show. Incidentally, it would also leave you with four corners you could quilt to a fair-thee-well. It's clean and simple

This cream and medium green background is more textural. The green leaves pull out the olive in the blocks. It's a busier background, but it functions as a slightly olive green cream color.

This third print, with is larger daisies, is harder to classify. It's definitely got yellow splotches that brighten and randomize the background.






What does this tell us about prints as apposed to solids?
A solid color is:

• Simple
• Plain
• Shows up the prints within the block
• May show dirt or soil
• Will show extensive quilting

A small print will:

• Add texture
• Add or extend the colors in the block
• Hide quilting

A larger print will:

• Add a random textural element
• Add patches of color to the cream background
• Will show some quilting, but not anything extreme
• Probably won't hide soil or wear.

All of this can help you make the best fabric decisions for your quilts. Try everything, and see what you like best.











Lets