Most people shy away from using black as the theme color when planning their next quilt-possibly because black is an intense colour. However just because the theme is dark does not mean it has to be created from only ebony colored quilting squares, nor should it’s intensity be perceived as a bad thing. There are many ways to incorporate black into your design to produce an unusually beautiful patchwork quilt.
Black Demands Attention
The one thing that can be said without hesitation about black quilting squares is that they demand your attention. Quilts that feature black and white colors have a unique juxtaposition of colors that represent both extremes of the color wheel. When you fashion a quilt using only black and white in your design it allows both of these colors to stand out and be noticed.
Designs
Checkerboard patterns, Hexagon designs and even Log Cabin designs can be created just from black and white quilting squares. Of course you can also choose to create your quilting design from squares that are only in black shades. This allows you to form a number of different patterns using multiple shades of black ranging from deepest ebony to the softest pearl grey.
Early Quilts
Many of the very first quilts created by Amish women were fashioned in only a single color. In addition to a solid black quilt individuals often chose to make quilts that were blue or brown. Even though the quilt was just one solid color it did not stifle the creativity factor and the sewing stitches used to bind the layers of material together might include fancy patterns such as curves, loops, grids or other swirling, graceful designs.
Themes Today
A black quilt today can be themed so that it honors a particular event. One of these quilts is a perfect offering to give a family that has lost a loved one. In some communities these are considered to be a thoughtful and heartfelt memorial. Some of these quilts will even have dates, names or other messages embroidered around the edges to personalize the gift even more.
Black and white quilt’s can also be used to make lovely housewarming gifts, and can even make a beautiful present for newborns with the carefully chosen pattern.
Other themes where a black would be well received include family reunions and “over the hill” birthday celebrations. There is almost no occasion where a black quilt could not be presented to someone as an elegant and enjoyable gift.
Halloween is a popular time of year for the colors orange, black and yellow. What better time to create a perfectly themed black quilt design than in the fall? You can use the quilt to decorate your bed, gift one to a friend, or just use one of the smaller patterns to make a black quilted throw to add accent and color to your family room.
In Summary
Black quilt themes do not have to be somber in tone and you can experiment with unique quilting patterns to make one that fits almost any type of occasion.
Imagine how stunning a black and white quilt would look when you incorporate the black squares into a rainbow, sunburst or wedding ring design. Using black as part of your overall quilt design can add excitement, interest and appeal to any patchwork quilt that you may be planning to sew.
