FORGOTTEN FABRICS FOR CREATING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS ART QUILTS

When creating an art quilt, fabric choice becomes far more than a design decision — it becomes part of the message. The theme calls on us, as quilters, to show awareness of our endangered environment and fabric is one of the most powerful tools we have to do exactly that.

Art quilts allow us to step outside the rules of traditional quilting and embrace texture, contrast and unexpected materials. They invite us to experiment, to repurpose and to tell stories — not only with imagery, but with what the work is made of.

LET FABRIC SPEAK

One of my favourite sources of inspiration is hand-painted designer fabrics, especially those found in interior designer sample books. These fabrics are often rich in colour, layered in pattern and full of texture — perfect for adding visual interest and depth. They are also usually discarded once trends change, making them an excellent and environmentally conscious choice.

Texture is your friend. Contrast gives life to an artwork and using fabrics that differ in surface, weight or sheen immediately creates energy and movement. Don’t be afraid to place rough next to smooth, dull next to shiny.

To achieve depth and shading, look for the same print in different colourways. This subtle repetition creates cohesion while allowing light and shadow to emerge naturally — a very effective way of building form without relying on thread alone.

GO BEYOND COTTON

Because this is an art quilt, you are not limited to quilting cottons. In fact, I encourage you to push beyond them.

Velvets, silks, tulles and other unconventional fabrics can add instant depth simply through their texture. Sheer fabrics and netting are especially powerful — they create shadows, soften harsh edges and allow layers beneath to show through.

Lace and netting from bridal shops are often overlooked treasures. Variegated tulle, in particular, can provide beautiful shadow effects and a sense of atmosphere that is hard to achieve in any other way.

DYEING, THRIFT STORES AND CREATIVE SOURCING

I’ll be honest — I don’t love dyeing fabric. It’s unpredictable and I like a bit more control than that. But sometimes, when the exact colour or effect is needed, dyeing becomes a useful option. Even if the result doesn’t work for the current piece, dyed fabrics often find their way into future projects.

Thrift stores are absolute goldmines. Not just for fabric off the bolt but for garments that are out of fashion and therefore unwanted. These can be cut up and repurposed into something entirely new. Look beyond clothing — old tapestries are particularly exciting.

I love cutting up tapestries and using them in art quilts, much like the renowned textile artist Roy Starke did so masterfully in his work. They bring instant history, texture and narrative into a piece.

THREADS AS TEXTURE, NOT THREAD

Take a look at your thread stash. If you have threads that are more than a decade old, chances are they are brittle and no longer suitable for stitching. But don’t throw them away! Instead, cut them up and use them as texture. Couch them, layer them, trap them between fabrics. They add incredible depth and interest when used this way — and it’s a wonderful act of reuse.

ART DOESN’T MEAN ‘SLOPPY’!

One of the beautiful things about art quilts is that many ‘mistakes’ are not mistakes at all — they become part of the artwork. That said, this is not an excuse for poor workmanship. Your technique still matters. An art quilt should be intentional, well-constructed and finished with care. Sloppy work distracts from the message; strong craftsmanship supports it.

MOST OF ALL, ENJOY IT

Above everything else, remember this: enjoy the process. Have fun. Experiment. Play. Allow yourself to take risks. Go and create that quilt. Use what already exists. Recycle, repurpose, reimagine — and show, through your fabric choices that you are aware, that you care, and that textile art can speak powerfully for our fragile world. I am thinking specifically about theme of the National Quilt festival in South Africa, SEWAWARENESS!

Now… go make art!