Choosing Colors & Fabrics for the Sirius Quilt Pattern
The Sirius Quilt Pattern features a prominent sawtooth star block surrounded by diamond shaped sparkles and uses a total of five colors or fabrics. Creating strategic contrast is a key element of a successful final result. Let’s talk about colors, prints, and even fussy cutting for a fabulous Sirius Quilt finish!
(This post may contain affiliate links)
When choosing colors a fabrics for a quilt, each element has a “job” to contribute to the final project. A fabric may be a dark, a light, a striking print, a fussy cut, or an accent that helps the other parts shine. Five colors or fabrics is quite a lot for a quilt, so choosing each thoughtfully with create a stunning finish.
I’ve previously talked about how to use value, color families, and print scale to choose fabrics for a project. I recommend reading those tips, then join me as I talk about the different parts of the Sirius Quilt Pattern.
Anatomy of the Sirius Quilt
Star Points (Color B)
The Sawtooth Stars are the main character of the Sirius Quilt. They represent a bright Sirius star in the sky, and they should be the first shape someone notices on the quilt. I recommend a high level of contrast between the star points and the background.
Background (Color E)
This quilt is about half background, so choosing a color to “ground” the stars and sparkles is vital. It must have a very high level of contrast with the Star Points (Fabric B) for best effect. While I love a bold background choice, be careful not to choose a print that will overwhelm the pattern of sparkles. Their Irish Chain effect is a key part of the Sirius design.
Star Centers (Color A)
Not to be dismissive, but the star centers are a supporting character. They should be a color or print that complements and enhances the Star Points (Color B) rather than compete with them. The Star Centers are also an excellent opportunity for fussy cutting, so if you have a print with iconic elements, feature it here. You can even use the templates in our Confident Foundation Paper Piecing Workbook to make it easier to frame them.
Secondary Sparkles (Color D)
The center of each sparkle block is an intersection for the viewer’s gaze. These are the logical second focal point of the quilt. They should also have a decent amount of contrast compared to the background (Color 3) and the star points (fabric B). Like the Star Centers (Fabric A), they are a prime candidate for fussy cutting.
Main Sparkles (Color C)
The Main Sparkles are visual connectors. Choose a fabric and pattern that “connects the dots” between the brightness of the Star Points (Fabric B) and the secondary focus of the Secondary Sparkles (Fabric D).
My Hot Tips
There are endless striking options for a Sirius Quilt, but here are a few of my personal opinions (from choosing dozens of Sirius fabric combinations) that you may want to keep in mind:
Pick your Star Points (Fabric B) and Background (Fabric E) first. They can be scrappy, just make sure they have plenty of contrast and that the print is small enough to allow for strong lines of demarcation between each fabric and its neighbors.
Even if you don’t properly fussy cut, don’t miss the opportunity to put a special design in the Star Center (Fabric A) and Secondary Sparkles (Fabric D). Consider prints or designs that incorporate all the colors from the quilt.
Make the Secondary Sparkles (Fabric D) “pop” more than the Main Sparkles (Fabric C), and think of the Main Sparkles as connectors
PreQuilt
Five different colors/ fabrics can be a lot to try to picture in your mind’s eye. That’s why we built a difgital coloring sheet for you on PreQuilt. PreQuilt allows you to “audition” fabrics before you buy and cut. Even if you just play around with solids to get an idea of the final product, you’ll feel so much more confident when you cut your fabrics!
