Color and Value

Nature has a way that cannot be perfected by humans in its use of color. It has produced foliage and flowers that are brilliant to attract the insects necessary for life to continue. Quilters have to rely on their eye and knowledge of color to choose colors for their quilts. Knowing that not everyone has an "eye" for color, there are several tools that can be used one of which is the color wheel.

The primary colors are designated by the red lines (yellow, red, blue) and the secondary colors are shown by the green lines. The colors include orange, violet and green. Anything in between are complementary colors. (Combinations such as yellow green), blue violet) Note where the placement of these colors are. Yellow is opposite violet. Red is opposite to green and blue is opposite orange. Any combinations of these colors will make the color stand out as will the complementaries. For example:

Values (light, medium, darks) are also important. I will illustrate values in the quilts below

Little more value. The colors although different still blend in with each other.

By using light, mediums and darks, the block patterns stand out.

Remember the color wheel? By using a color not included in with the main colors,
I've chosen a "zinger" to enhace the quilt below. The orangy color is opposite the blue.

I've just glossed over the theory and use of color. It would take a book to explain everything and there are already books on this on the market. I would suggest reading up on the subject to get a full undestanding of color and value. Try using a clear red plastic sheet when purchasing fabric. This will enable you to see the values easier. You can also squint and that doesn't cost a dime! Last of all, your LQS should be able to help you as well. The quilts shown here have all been developed on EQ4

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