Embrace basic color theory
By Capi Saxton
Some people just have a natural ability to put colors together, but for those of us that struggle
to know the difference between coral and pink, using the color wheel may help.
First, it’s important to know some basics of color theory, such as the four primary schemes:
Monochromatic, Complementary, Analogous and Triad.
Monochromatic colors are color schemes derived from a single base hue and extended using
shades, tones and tints. Projects in these tones often have a soothing effect – such as an
all-blue project that evokes the feeling of water growing deeper in color.
Complementary colors are pairs of colors that create the strongest contrast. Think about red
and green for Christmas, or orange and blue for some sport teams. These colors stimulate the
eye, making projects pop.
Analogous colors are groups of three colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
They are best used with warm or cool colors, creating a scheme that is less vibrant than
complementary ones. Think about red, orange and tangerine, which allow for a variety of
tones but stay in the same color family.
Triadic colors use three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. Triadic color schemes
tend to be quite vibrant, even when using pale or unsaturated versions of hues. The colors of
Halloween - orange, purple and green – are a popular triadic scheme because they bounce off
each other, creating wide visual interest.
Knowing these things can help you consider what feeling you want your project to encourage.
When making projects for children or ones where you want to spark creativity, use triadic or
complementary colors. Use monochromatic or analogous colors when you want to encourage
calm or soothing environments.
Fabric designers create entire lines that use these principles. Whenever possible it is easiest
to let them do the work and select from the collection they create. But as always, our great
staff is available to help you find just the right combination to make your project the best it
can be.
We have a color wheel in our shop and all of our staff has been trained to effectively use it
when creating projects. Please take a moment to allow us to help you find the right color for
your project.
Happy Stitching!
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