How to Make a Quilt with African Prints
Are you interested in creating a quilt out of African prints but aren’t sure where to start? There is a lot to consider when you create a quilt. To ensure that it’s perfect, you want the colors to flow and the patterns to catch your eyes.
Can you do that with a print that pops the way African prints do?
The answer to that question is, of course, you can!
Read on to learn more about how to incorporate beautiful African prints into your next quilt.
The Material
A quilt is a multi-layered textile made up of three layers of fiber – a top fabric, a layer of batting or padding, and a backing – with all three layers sewn together either by hand or machine.
When you look to make a quilt, the first thing to consider is what kind of fabric you want to use. For the most part, you’ll find African prints in 100 percent cotton. However, there are plenty of prints out there that come in a cotton and polyester blend.
Stick to cotton or cotton blends for your quilting project and be consistent. Different types of fabric require different washing techniques and they’ll wear out in various ways.
Before you start your project, wash your African prints to ensure that the color doesn’t bleed, fade or run.
The Colors
When you do a quick image search for African fabric, you’re going to find several bright colors. The best part about African prints is the wide variety of color options available for you to use.
Choose colors that go well together. You’re looking for colors with contrast and balance. Go for both light and dark colors to create depth.
The last thing you want to do is over-match your fabrics. When you’re creating a quilt with African prints, the point is for it to pop.
Find one print that speaks to you and build around that. Pick a contrasting color and use that in a solid color to break up the patterns.
That brings us onto our next topic.
Patterns
African patterns come in many shapes and sizes. One thing they have in common is that they are bold.
Don’t shy away from using them. Pick a fabric with a large pattern and mix it up with some smaller ones as well. Break up the monotony a little and you’ll have a gorgeous quilt in no time.
Quilt Design
Whether you go into your quilting endeavor with a specific quilt pattern in mind or you create one on the spot, there is room for African prints.
Treat these prints the same way you would any other. Lay it out and see what it looks like to you. Do you prefer when all the patterns face the same way? Do you want to mix it up a little? Find the look that appeals to you and then work with it.
Make sure you have fun and don’t be afraid to try something new. Using African prints is a great chance to step out of your comfort zone.
Using African Prints in Quilts
There are plenty of ways you can incorporate African prints into your next quilting project. Let the print and fabric speak to you and give in to the emotions it brings to the table. To love what you create, you have to feel it. Get inspired by African prints, then let that show through in your work.
To browse our selection of beautiful African prints, visit our website today.
AKN Fabrics is recognized worldwide for selling the highest quality African fabrics and textiles at low prices. With new designs arriving daily, we always have a great selection of African fabrics and textiles to choose from.