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Workshop in Value

Value is the word used to describe the darkness or lightness of a color (or hue). Black is the lowest value and white is the highest value. Between black and white are all the other gradations of value.

All colors fit somewhere on the value scale. As an example, blue can have a range of values from dark to light.

The values in yellow are generally higher (lighter) but like all colors (hues), there is a range.

When you choose the fabrics for your quilts remember to choose a range of values. If all the fabrics are in the same value range, there will be little contrast and your quilt may look a bit un-defined and appear "too dark" or "too light and washed out" or "too dull". If you want this effect, go ahead but understand what you are doing. Small gradations in color do work well for water color quilts and for areas within your quilt where you want an area to hold together but have some variation within it. Also note that high value (light) colors draw your eye more than low value (dark) colors, so use them in areas where you want attention.

There are some very good books on color in quilting and color in art. My personal favorite for color in quilting is The Magical Effects of Color by Joen Wolfrom. Joen's book teaches some color theory without being too abstract and goes beyond just giving you examples.

For information about other books on color theory go to our Books Page.

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