The Charlotte Quiltalong - Fabric Selection Tips

The Charlotte Quiltalong - Fabric Selection Tips

If you’re planning to join the Charlotte Quiltalong, one of the most important steps is selecting your fabric. I’m sharing these tips well in advance because thoughtful fabric selection for the Charlotte Quilt Pattern can make a big difference in the final look of your quilt — and it gives you plenty of time to plan ahead.

These are guidelines based on my experience making this quilt, but as always, trust your eye and make it your own if something else feels right for your project.

Why Fabric Selection Matters for the Charlotte Quilt

The Charlotte Quilt Pattern creates a criss-cross, overlapping effect using a mix of fabrics. To preserve the layered visual texture, you’ll want to avoid prints or values that interrupt the flow of the design.

Here are four tips for how to choose fabric for the Charlotte Quilt:

1. Large-Scale Prints are Not Your Friends (in this quilt)

While large-scale prints can be beautiful, this pattern uses relatively small pieces — and those large prints may lose their impact when cut down. They also tend to include a mix of values and colors that draw the eye. For the Charlotte Quilt, it’s better to stick with prints that blend more evenly with the overall composition.

2. Use a Limited Value Range for Better Visual Flow

One of the best ways to maintain the criss-cross effect in the Charlotte Quilt is by keeping your fabrics within a similar value range. A balanced mix of medium-value prints tends to work best. If you’re unsure about your selection, try converting a photo of your fabric pull to black and white — this will help you spot fabrics that are too light or too dark and might break up the pattern.

Several of my mockups AND samples violate this rule so decide if you agree/disagree with me. Sometimes I contradict myself in my own projects!

You don't want all of your prints to be the same value, but let me show you a comparison. In this quilt, the fabrics are all in value range that isn't too light and isn't too dark. You can see that by looking at the image in black and white.

Now compare that to this image where a light and dark valued fabric have been added. See how the criss-cross effect is now disjointed?

3. Variety Is Great — But Cohesion Is Key

The pattern calls for 12 fat quarters or 48 jelly roll strips for the lap size quilt. With 12 fat quarters, you may need to spend some time arranging blocks to keep similar fabrics from touching — but it can absolutely work. This quilt that I made using Kona solids was made using fat quarters and it worked out great!

4. Watch for High Contrast Within Prints

Some prints contain a lot of contrast within a single fabric — like a white background with bold black shapes. These can stand out too much in this design and take away from the overlapping effect. Low-contrast or tonal prints, such as a blue fabric with slightly lighter blue dots, are a much better fit for this pattern.

Of course, you can definitely make a great quilt breaking this rule. This mockup using Imprint by Eloise Renouf is one of my favorites and it is full of high-contrast prints.

Tips for Working with Precut Bundles or Stash Fabrics

If you’re using a precut bundle or a stash pull with a wide variety of prints, take a little time to curate it. Remove any fabrics that feel too high-contrast or that stand out in value. You don’t need to use every fabric — sometimes editing down to a smaller, more cohesive group results in a stronger quilt.

You can also supplement your bundle with a few tonal blender fabrics to tie everything together. This pattern rewards intentional fabric choices and looks great when the prints blend smoothly across the quilt top.

Ready to Join the Charlotte Quiltalong?

If you haven’t already, sign up for the Charlotte Quiltalong email list to get weekly updates, tips, and support. And if you haven’t picked up the pattern yet, you can find the Charlotte Quilt Pattern in the shop right here. Use code CHARTLOTTEQAL to get 20% off the pattern until the quiltalong begins on July 21st!

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