Do the “across the room” test
You might love the swatch, but what will it look like from across the room? When you’re in a store, step back an isle and look at your combination further back–it’s amazing what a little space or a different angle helps you see. Shopping online is a little more challenging–you just can’t do that with a little swatch. But at Minted.com, they’ve really done a great job of giving you that ability with different views. You can see the fabric up close, view a whole yard, and even see it hanging across the room so you’ll really get a feel for what you’re getting–no surprises! I adore this feature; I wish all online fabric stores had it.
I like to mix a geometric with a “wow” fabric and one that’s a bit more natural. In this combination, I went with a small geometric yellow print contrasted with the visually strong whales. And then I added in the feathers that have a definite pattern but have a little bit of motion to them. I could have substituted the feathers for a floral and it would have given a similar feel.
Ask yourself, “What feeling do I get with this fabric combination?” It’s taken some time for me, but I know I want my home to feel fresh, so when I looked at my choices I made sure they felt fresh and alive together. I made a few tweaks initially until I found this combination, and it just felt like “home.”
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Great tips! I especially love the ideas of mixing scale and texture. Fun textures on pillows are perfect for snuggling up to! :)
Thanks Lauren! I totally agree!
My sister in law just re-did her living room pillows and valances. And she spent just over $100. This would be an awesome give away to win. I was so jealous of how fresh her house was looking!
It's amazing what a few yards of fabric can do for updating a space. Good luck!
Love your colors. Thank you for the tips. I have difficulty figuring color combinations.
Wow! I had no idea Minted had fabric! Now I want even MORE things from there haha! They have such a fabulous selection of fun stuff that you can't find anywhere else. Those pillows are awesome, Lisa!
I didn't know Minted sells fabric! Too cool.
I was just making some onesies last night and had a heckuva time pairing fabrics, but I don't really have a process. It's interesting to read about yours.
I stumbled on it, and was instantly hooked. It's a really high quality fabric too, which I was excited about. I think we all have some sort of process but we don't necessarily stop to define what that process is. It was revealing to start picking apart what I do since I do it mostly subconsciously.
I think my biggest struggle with choosing prints comes from not knowing which scales to put together. I love the basketweave you put with the others, and it really makes them all work together well! I'll have to try a few different things and see what I can come up with. Thanks for a great article!
Thanks Veronica! Yes, scaling is important but not always easy to get right. Good luck!
Thank you! Hopefully I can get my patterns to look as good as yours!
Aww, thanks!
I have recently started reteaching myself to sew and have been able to complete one project. I had noticed when facing all those rows of fabric it can be a bit intimidating, especially when i decided to take on a few window projects. So far i have the plans but the scaling seemed so foreign to me. Im glad i found your 9 Tips For Choosing Fabric Combinations before making any purchases. Next time I go shopping I will feel more confident that my home wont look like a circus tent. LOL :) Thank you for the awesome tips!
I'm so glad I was able to help you feel more confident in choosing! Good luck, and happy sewing!