One of my favorite parts of quilting is choosing the fabrics. A quilt can take on an entire different personality depending on color choice, using prints or solids, and even fabric texture itself. Though with that said, it can also be a bit daunting - I could spend hours obsessing over my fabric selection before even cutting into the fabric.

The Gridline pattern was designed with versatility in mind. It’s a simple, modern design with options for using yardage, fat quarters, or scrappy strips. Whether you love carefully curated color palettes or prefer sewing from your stash, Gridline gives you plenty of room to make the design your own.

For my first published quilt pattern, I wanted to create something that was approachable for quilters of all experience levels. The construction is straightforward and the pattern works with a wide range of fabrics and color combinations. If you’re making your first quilt, Gridline is a great place to start (I even have a full tutorial to guide you through it!). And if you’ve been quilting for years, it’s a fun project that you can accomplish in a weekend.

If you're not sure where to start, I've gathered a few Gridline color ideas with recommended fabrics to help spark inspiration for your own quilt!

Neon Confetti

This version is the photographed quilt for this pattern. The color palette was entirely out of my comfort zone (I gravitate toward more muted shades), but it was so fun to see this version come together! 

Fabrics:

• Background: Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids in White Linen
• Fabrics 1-6: AGF Pure Solids in Mirage Blue, Fresh Water, Foxglove, Grapefruit, Rock Candy, and Light Citron
• Fabric 7: AGF Lava Rock
• Binding: AGF Mirage Blue
• Backing: Free Spirit Kaffe X Morris & Co Michaelmas Daisy - Pink
  

Soft Neutrals

This is the next sample I have in the works! In contrast with the Neon Confetti version, I wanted to do a very muted and cozy color palette. I can't wait to share photos of this version once it's done!

Fabrics:

• Background: Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids in Sandstone
• Fabrics 1-6: AGF Mink, Gentle Feather, Driftwood, Mushroom, Potters Clay, Monet
• Fabric 7: AGF White Linen
• Binding: AGF Mink

Sea Glass

Before I started writing this pattern, I was commissioned to make a baby quilt for a customer. She wanted something simple and timeless for a boy, and this color palette was what I came up with!

Fabrics:

• Background: Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids in Ocean Fog
• Fabrics 1-6: AGF Northern Waters, Gentle Feather, Icicle, Patina Green, Pistachio, Creme de la Creme
• Fabric 7: AGF Golden Bronze
• Binding: AGF Golden Bronze

1-800-Notion

I have always loved Ruby Star Society fabrics, but ever since I went to their booth at Quilt Con I've been dreaming up a quilt to make with their fabric. I tend to quilt with solids, but I wanted to dream up some versions of the Gridline quilt with prints. This upcoming collection (releasing in July!) from Ruby Star is so whimsical and cute!

Fabrics:

• Background: Ruby Star Society 1-800-Notion - Buttons Shell
• Fabrics 1-6: Ruby Star Society 1-800-Notion - Quilty as Charged, Seam Rippers Honey, Thread Charms Deep Verdant, Thumbles Turquoise, Spools Cloudless, Buttons Cloudless
• Fabric 7: Spools Soft Black
• Binding: Buttons Soft Black

Garden Party

For my last inspiration quilt, I wanted to see Gridline mocked up with some cozy floral prints. To let the floral fabrics shine, I chose a butter yellow as the background fabric. 

Fabrics:

• Background: Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solid - Chamomile
• Fabrics 1-6: THE CUR8TOR - Gardenista in Wild Flora Spring, Lush Reverie, Seedling Scatter, Growing Herbs Vert, Grassy Meadows Shine, Garden Gate
• Fabric 7: Blooming Rain
• Binding: Garden Gate

Tips for Choosing Fabrics

• Have some contrast between your background and Fabrics 1-6 to really be able to see the grid effect. 
• Step back and view fabrics in grayscale to check value differences. Take a photo on your phone and convert it to black and white to be able to see how your fabrics go together in the absence of color. 
• Don't be afraid to mix solids and prints! I would love to see a scrappy Gridline quilt!
• If you're unsure, start with a fabric collection you already love! Choose a fat quarter bundle and pair a coordinating solid background fabric...the fabrics will instantly go together!

Ready to make your own Gridline quilt? Sign up for my newsletter to get your free pattern and start planning your fabric pull. I'd love to see your version! Be sure to tag @25thandmag and use #GridlineQuilt on Instagram so I can cheer you on.