Design Tips for Quilting with Ankara Prints: Color, Scale, and Style

Ankara fabrics introduce unique opportunities and challenges due to their bold, intricate, and vibrant prints and patterns. When designing modern African-inspired quilts, it’s essential to apply the same foundational principles used in traditional quilting—color theory, print scale, style, color contrast, and overall theme. This post has tips and guidelines to help you mix and match these designs with ease.

The Power of a Single Print

Traditional quilt patterns often require a mix of different fabrics to create a specific mood or design. But with Ankara prints, a single fabric can include multiple colors, motifs, and design elements. This means you might only need one or a few Ankara fabrics to craft a stunning, eye-catching quilt.

*This is an Ankara print with different designs that can be cut and used separately in a quilt design.*

When combining multiple Ankara prints, pay close attention to how the colors interact. A color wheel can be a useful tool to help you select complementary or contrasting shades that create harmony rather than visual chaos.

Balancing Scale for Visual Cohesion

To achieve a sophisticated and cohesive look, pair small-scale Ankara prints with medium or large-scale ones. Use smaller prints for piecing, and reserve medium to large-scale prints for backing or large sections of the quilt. This approach not only preserves the fabric’s quality but can also create the illusion of using several fabrics—even if you’re working with just one cleverly cut piece.

large scale printed fabric with diamonds and lines — Large Scale Print

star patterned anakra fabric — Large Scale Print

Creating Contrast and Resting Points

Ankara’s bold colors and detailed designs pair beautifully with solid or tone-on-tone fabrics. If you’re working with a multicolored Ankara print, try pulling complementary solids from within the print itself. This technique can:

Provide contrast and visual rest
Highlight specific motifs
Make your quilt design more dynamic

This quilt features a large-scale Woodin Ankara print that has been thoughtfully cut and paired with a solid background fabric. Each individual cut contributes a distinct pattern, adding to the quilt’s uniqueness.

Thoughtful Cutting and Fabric Placement

Consider “fussy cutting” medium or large-scale Ankara fabrics with distinctive patterns. These cuts can be used in focal blocks, as appliqué, or as decorative borders. Using a large-scale print as a central panel can also elevate the quilt while showcasing the beauty of the fabric.

*A detailed view of fussy cut sections of Ankara fabric, prepared for use in a quilt block.*

Let the Fabric Guide You

Each Ankara print can inspire a different approach to block size, layout, and design. The fabric’s energy and personality often guide the creative process, helping you decide whether to keep things simple or go bold.

Stay tuned for future blog posts where I’ll walk you through specific quilts and explain how Ankara fabrics shaped each design.

Share Your Experience!

What has your experience been with Ankara fabrics in your quilting and sewing projects? As you explore the vibrant and unique patterns that Ankara fabrics offer, I would love to hear about your experiences, the challenges you’ve faced, and the creativity that has emerged from your work. Let me know in the comments!

Also, if there’s anything specific regarding quilts and Ankara fabrics that you would like me to write about, let me know. I hope we can all learn together, I’m happy to share my quilting experiences with you.

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