Have you ever fallen in love with a fabric, brought it home, and then realized you weren't quite sure what to do with it?
Or maybe you started a project with a print you loved, only to discover that the finished piece looked completely different from what you'd imagined.
I've definitely been there!
Choosing fabric is one of my favorite parts of starting a new project. There are so many beautiful prints and colors to play with, and a few simple decisions can make a big difference in the finished piece.
Here's what I look for when choosing fabric for my French cartonnage projects.
Start with 100% Cotton Quilting Fabric
Before getting into prints and colors, let's talk about the type of fabric to use.
For French cartonnage, I recommend 100% cotton quilting fabric.
It's easy to work with, comes in an incredible variety of prints and colors, and wraps nicely around chipboard.
If you're already a quilter, there's a good chance you have plenty of it in your stash!
You don't need specialty fabric or anything expensive. The same quilting cotton you'd use for a quilt can become a picture frame, bookmark, ornament, or decorative tray.
Think About the Size of Your Print
That gorgeous oversized floral might look amazing spread across a table, but what happens when you only use a three-inch piece of it?
Sometimes you end up with one beautiful flower. Other times, you get half a petal and a lot of background!
Smaller prints are often easier to work with on little projects like bookmarks, magnets, or ornaments.
Larger prints can make a beautiful statement on trays or other projects with more surface area.
Of course, sometimes an oversized print cropped in an unexpected way looks fantastic!
Give it a try: Cut a small window in a piece of paper and move it around over your fabric. You'll get a preview of how the print might look on your project.
Pay Attention to Where the Pattern Falls
Imagine choosing an adorable cat-print fabric for a picture frame, only to discover that the opening cuts right through the middle of every cat's face.
Not exactly what you had in mind.
Before cutting, think about where the fabric's design will fall on your finished project.
For a picture frame, consider both the outside edges and the opening. For a tray, think about how the pattern will appear on the bottom and sides.
You might want a flower centered, a stripe running in a certain direction, or a favorite detail positioned where it won't disappear around an edge.
Give it a try: Lay your pattern pieces over the fabric before cutting. Move them around until you find an arrangement you love, remembering to account for the fabric that wraps around the edges.
Ready to cut? Follow my Cutting Fabric guide for tips on fabric direction, accurate cutting, and keeping your pieces organized.
Mix Patterns with Solids
I love a beautiful patterned fabric, but sometimes the best way to show it off is to give it a little breathing room.
Think about a bold floral on the outside of a jewelry tray with a soft blue lining. Or a colorful frame with a simple solid surrounding the photo.
The solid gives your eye a place to rest while letting the pattern take center stage.
Coordinating colors doesn't have to be complicated, either.
Choose one color from your patterned fabric and look for a solid that picks it up. You can match it closely or go a little lighter or darker for contrast.
Give it a try: Pull two or three colors from your favorite print and lay coordinating solids next to it. You might be surprised by which combination you like best.
Look at the Whole Project
It's easy to choose fabrics one at a time. The trick is imagining how they'll look together once everything is assembled.
I like to lay out all my fabric choices before I begin.
If I'm making a valet tray, I'll look at the exterior fabric next to the lining. For a picture frame, I'll consider how the border and opening work together.
Sometimes I'll swap two fabrics around and realize I like the combination much better in the opposite arrangement.
It's worth experimenting before the glue comes out!
Give it a try: Take a photo of your fabric combinations with your phone. Seeing them together in a smaller image can make it easier to spot anything that feels too busy or out of balance.
Don't Forget to Shop Your Own Stash
Before heading out to buy something new, take a look at the fabrics you already have.
You might have a print that's been waiting for just the right project, a leftover solid that perfectly complements something else, or a scrap that's exactly the right size for the beginner bookmark project in the free Quick Start Guide.
Sometimes working with what you have leads to combinations you never would have planned.
And rediscovering a fabric you forgot you owned is almost as fun as buying a new one!
Let the Fabric Inspire You
One of the things I love about French cartonnage is how much personality the fabric brings to a project.
You can use the same pattern over and over, but change the fabric and end up with something completely different.
A bold floral can make a tray feel playful and colorful. A subtle solid can give that same tray a calm, understated look.
So experiment a little. Move your pattern pieces around, try unexpected combinations, and don't be afraid to change your mind before cutting.
The best fabric choice isn't always the one that looks prettiest on the bolt.
It's the one that makes you excited to see your finished project.