Quilt Photography Tips with the Only You Fabric Collection

Hello makers! It’s Sara from Rose Hill Quilts bringing you lots of top tips to get outside and get your quilt in the wild photos this spring. Quilting can be such a winter hobby in the UK, but as soon as the weather turns a bit warmer, I get a huge desire to step outside and take my quilts for a jaunt.

I finished a quilt with the Only You fabric collection just in time for a sunny weekend in Oxford. This new Smokey Bear collection has bear prints, beautiful deep green fabrics, and fun patches reminding us that ‘Only You can prevent wildfires’. I made this pattern with the Christmas Tree and Fir Tree patterns from EQ8 scales to 9 x 12 inches finished. I also made a Sombrero Bear quilt block pattern, which you can buy here.

Put your quilt in context

The Only You collection lent itself so nicely to a trip to the woods. It was nice to take Smokey Bear out to see all the bluebells which are flowering in Oxford at the moment. I enjoy finding different spots that relate to the colour, theme or vibe of my quilt. It’s also a really great way to get outside and get more active.

Bring someone with you!

Quilt photography is most definitely a two-person sport. Find a friend who is happy to help you hold the quilt, find the light and walk around for a while to find the perfect spot for a quilt picture.

Look for the best light

If you take your quilt outdoors at the beginning or end of the day, it can benefit from soft, diffused light. Avoid harsh sunlight, as it can create unwanted shadows. Sometimes it can take a while to find the perfect light or wait for a cloud to pass. Just enjoy being outside!

Focus on Composition

Pay attention to the composition of your photograph. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and framing to highlight interesting details and patterns within the quilt. Consider capturing close-up shots of intricate stitching, your pantograph or fussy cutting details.

Edit with Care

Post-processing can enhance your quilt photographs, but exercise restraint to maintain the quilt’s real colour. I often edit with a scrap of quilt fabric next to me to make sure that I’m not veering too far from the real tone. Adjust exposure, contrast, and white balance to ensure accurate colours.

Learn from other quilt photographers

I enjoy looking through the #quiltsinthewild hashtag on instagram, and noticing photos that I particularly like. Fellow Riley Blake Maker Stitched by Alexis has lots of tips to find good outdoor quilt photography locations near you.

Do you have any other top tips for quilt photography? Let me know on my instagram @rosehillquilts and have fun taking your quilts on an adventure!