Using Transparency in Your Quilts – 3 Effects and How to Use Them


Playing with the illusion of transparency in your quilts is another way to add a sense of depth to your quilt. It lends itself well to modern designs, and even introduces an element of modernity into more traditional quilt designs.

If you’ve been wanting to trying something different and exciting in your quilts, transparency might be for you!

Bobbie experimented with using transparency in her quilt pattern, I Wove U. The hearts can be made opaque, BUT! by using a third fabric where the shapes overlap, she created the illusion of transparency. Bam! A whole new effect is created! (The instructions for both block variations are in the I Wove U pattern, but Bobbie jokingly calls this fat-quarter friendly three-color version “I Wove U Plaidly”.)

Let’s check out some of the different effects you can make.

I Wove U Quilt – Queen Size in jewel tones


Who doesn’t love a heart quilt? I made my I Wove U quilt in the queen size using solids in a color scheme inspired by my logo. Measuring 94″ x 94″, it is an oversized delight ideal for a wedding quilt. In the queen sized version of the I Wove U pattern has four heart blocks set on point, blooming outwards from the center of the quilt. They are nestled in interwoven strips of sashing, punctuated by cornerstones. Made in solids, these hearts blocks and the surrounding sashing make for generous canvases to showcase some fun quilting.