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Fabric & Materials

Background Fabric

The fabric that forms the negative space behind the primary design in a block or quilt.

Background fabric is the fabric that surrounds and supports the main design elements of a block. It typically has a light value and low visual activity so the block design reads clearly against it. Background fabric doesn't have to be white or cream — any color can function as a background as long as it contrasts sufficiently with the foreground fabrics. Choosing a consistent background fabric across all blocks in a quilt creates cohesion; using varied backgrounds adds scrappy character.

Related Terms

Focal FabricThe dominant, often large-scale print that anchors a quilt's color palette.Blender FabricA low-volume print that reads quietly and supports other more dominant fabrics in a quilt.Color ValueThe relative lightness or darkness of a fabric, independent of its hue.

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