[aegean17]

I usually prefer one fabric for a garment but I think I need to learn to coordinate fabrics so I can use-up what I already own. Are there tips about doing this? I get nervous about mixing fabric weights, patterns, colors, etc

thanks!

[Emily]

Liesl’s blog series would be a really great place to start:

Principles of Fabric Selection

http://www.oliverands.com/blog/labels/principles-of-fabric-selection

[Lizabeth]

Also, along the selvage edge of your fabric you can see a row of solid color dots. These are the colors used in the print–simply compare to these dots fabrics you are considering to quickly see if they co-ordinate. Some unexpected but fabulous combinations can be found this way.

[aegean17]

thank you! both fantastic suggestions. I enjoyed reading the Principles of Fabric suggestions.

so, can I mix quilt cotton with linen or other cotton that might wrinkle more or is a different weight?

are there any good solids or simple woven suggestions to have on hand for mixing?

[sewinginthecity]

Hmmm…In general, I will mix different fibers, but not weights, in the same garment. I find it can be harder to sew if the weights vary a lot (for ex. one will slide over the other), and the fabrics just don’t drape right.

I’ve been using light tan linen and dark brown pinwale corduroy as basic solids for my little toddler daughter, and it has been working very well.

[aegean17]

thank you sewinginthecity 🙂 great suggestions… and I don’t have either of those basics. I own lots of heavy linen for home applications but could justify a lighter linen for clothes