by Darla Christiansen
Here’s our short list of bold 2-color quilts to get you inspired. And plenty more options if you want the challenge of a limited color palette.
There’s something about quilts made with just two colors.
On one hand, they are bold and modern, the Coco Chanels of the quilt world wearing ecru with a touch of black. They exude confidence and obviously do not care what you think about their pared-down palette.
On the other hand, two colors can be understated, comforting and classic. Effortlessly put together and totally approachable. Something red and white, like the quilt that makes you nostalgic for summers spent at the cabin on the lake. A little Ralph Lauren if you please.
More than just black and white
Consider this: 2-color quilts come in more varieties than you might think. Here are 3 possibilities:
Strictly 2 colors. Think black and white. Blue and yellow. Just 2 colors, no variation on the lightness or darkness within each color. Just. Two.
2-ish colors. Think really dark red to really pale red (almost pink) and everything in between, using a range of values within one spoke on the color wheel. Start at the center for the darkest, most saturated color and move out to the edge for the lightest version.
And for our purposes, the “ish” definition could include one or two neighboring colors on the color wheel – maybe you start with red and then nudge the color scheme to include adjacent magenta and purple. Those color neighbors constitute your first-ish color. Throw in your second-ish color of white or navy or chartreuse – and you’re at 2-ish colors. Remember, you are the captain of your own color ship, so you get to decide.
The Quilty Color Wheel by Riley Blake, the CMY Color Wheel, or any other color wheel you might use, can be a helpful tool for this exercise.
Reimagined. Time to play! Imagine a colorful graphic pattern turned into a 2-color palette. What better way to experiment with your favorite color?
Here are some fine examples from each category to help jumpstart your 2-color sewing:
Strictly 2 colors
There’s no messing around here. Just two colors.
Modern Americana Quilt Pattern by Quiltachusetts
Freshen up your space with a new pillow or quilt inspired by American ticking.
Omega Quilt Pattern by Miss Make
You’ll never look at that old checkerboard the same again. Pink and red. Bold move, my friend.
Crescent Radial Quilt Pattern by Cotton And Bourbon
This quilt is all about the a bold statement and high contrast. 
Be sure to check out these other 2-color options from Cotton and Bourbon:
• Mobius Radial Quilt pattern
• Paper Star Quilt pattern
2-ish colors
For this category, try using a range of values within one spoke on the color wheel. Or push the 2-color envelope a bit and add one or two neighboring colors on the color wheel. The limited palette delivers plenty of wow factor.
Ranges Quilt Pattern by Modern Handcraft
This stunning quilt uses 9 variations of the same color to create a beautifully blended color gradient.
Also check out these others by Modern Handcraft for more 2ish color inspo:
• Phase Quilt Pattern
• Scallop Quilt Pattern
• Sweetheart Quilt Pattern
Heartbreaker Quilt pattern by Cotton And Bourbon
A lovely example of how you can create high contrast without using white.
Swish Quilt Pattern by On Williams Street
This beginner friendly pattern goes all in for half square triangles (HSTs) to create movement.
Celtic Crossing 2.0 Quilt Pattern by Lo and Behold Stitchery
Bust out your 2.5” strips to make this traditional Irish Chain with a modern twist.
Ring Around the Posies Quilt Pattern by Robin Pickens
You could easily adapt this color theme to feature orange or pink. Or both.
Field Greens Quilt Pattern by Madison Cottage Design
These 6” blocks are deceptively easy to make, and the arrangement creates those pinwheels. Great for any skill level.
Cherry Stones Sewing Pattern by Madison Cottage Design
Your table will thank you for this charming runner. And it’s fat quarter friendly.
The Ghost Quilt Pattern by Pen and Paper Patterns
Spooky how it’s never too early in the year to start making a ghost quilt.
Quilty Hearts Quilt Pattern by Quilty Love
Fun. Modern. Easy. What’s not to love about this heart quilt?
There’s more to adore from Quilty Love:
• Patchwork Hearts II
• Infinite Hearts
Quarter Moon by Sarah Ruiz Quilts
Pull out all your blues, aquas and teals for a quilt that’s inspired by the lunar cycle.
Paper Cuts Quilt Pattern by Then Came June
7 columns, you pick the colorway for a stunning gradient design.
Take Heart Quilt Pattern by Angela Pingel Designs
Perfect for your 5” pre-cuts or layer cakes. And since we’re still in the 2-ish color category (emphasis on ish) the extra pop of color is completely welcome.
Reimagined quilts
Make your favorite graphic pattern into a 2-color palette. What better way to experiment with color?!
Shades of Citrus 2.0 by Lo and Behold Stitchery
Break out your crayons! This pattern is flowy, curvy and comes complete with a coloring page.
These next two examples offer similar color variation options.
Could you make all the design elements (stars or petals) red on a white background? Yes.
Could you make the background navy blue with pale stars or petals? Yes.
Are there 100 more ways to mix it up? Also yes.
The Helen Quilt by Kitchen Table Quilting
Mod Dreams by Cotton and Joy Patterns
Golden Hour by Cotton and Joy Patterns
This quilt conjures up thoughts of a whitewashed seaside home. Create an even softer look with toned-down shades of seafoam.
Inside Out pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew
Make a plus quilt using a light background with bold plus signs. Or go dark and let the plus pop. Plus (wink), this pattern is a great use for all those 5” charm packs you’ve got.
Now that you’ve seen our list, what will you be making?
Whether you’re looking for a strictly 2-color quilt that’s bold and bright, or just want to experiment with a limited color palette, it’s oh so fun to experiment and play with color. And isn’t that the point?
Happy Sewing!
0 comments