How to Use Novelty Prints in Modern Quilting

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a little out of my depth when it comes to this topic. I’m a blenders girl. Give me bold, bright, simple geometric prints, preferably in a single colourway, and I’m a happy camper. I know what to do with these fabrics and I can make them play nicely together. Which is not to say I don’t own novelty fabrics. They’re in my stash, largely untouched, on the too-hard shelf.

While I’m mostly happy with the bulk of my stash, it does bother me that my novelty prints get overlooked. Especially when I see other quilters work magic with novelty prints! So it’s time for me to release the bad memories of I-spy quilts from 2003 and take another look at novelty fabrics and how modern quilters can use them.

One of the critical take-homes from Angie’s definition is that novelty fabrics are generally considered kid fabrics. This is a true sentiment, but it’s a limiting one. She argues, “You can use novelty prints in each and every sewing project and elevate them to something really special—dare I say, sophisticated—through a considered approach.”

But how do you build a novelty fabric collection? Like any kind of stash building, the answer is carefully. It is useful to add prints as you see them, even when you don’t have a specific project in mind, because that’s how you get variety. It’s particularly important if you’re looking for a certain type of print, such as cats or birds.

It’s also useful to look at the overall colour of a novelty print too – many novelty prints have a predominant background colour and read as that colour, so they’re more versatile additions to the stash. With coloured novelty prints, you can dip your toes into the novelty world by adding a few prints to a two-colour quilt.

Also look at what fabrics you’re going to pair with your novelty prints. They work well with blenders, small-scale prints, solids, or low volumes. Teaming them with coordinating solids can really make them shine without being overwhelming. One of the great things about novelty prints is that you can make your projects really personal. Whether it’s shoes, cats, unicorns, rainbows or cupcakes, you’re sure to find prints that help you customise your work.

It wouldn’t be right to talk about novelty fabrics without bringing up fussy cutting. Many novelty prints are just made for fussy cutting. This technique is essential unless you’ve got a print with a tight repeat. Fussy cutting quilt blocks doesn’t limit you though – you can fussy cut improv projects, traditional piecing or English paper piecing.

Novelty prints can also be great for smaller projects like bags, pouches, mini quilts or cushions. Or use them sparingly in larger quilts, sprinkled through a scrappy layout.

Whether you’re ready to embrace novelty fabrics or just looking to inject a little whimsy into your quilts, it’s time to give them another chance.

This is an extract from Novelty Prints by Jane Kelly. Read the full article in Make Modern Issue #18.

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