Red is bold, fiery, and full of personality – it demands attention and brings warmth to any quilt. Yet, many quilters hesitate to use red, worried it might be too overpowering or only suited for Christmas designs. If you’ve ever shied away from red, it’s time to rethink your decision! Red can be playful, elegant, or rustic, and when paired with the right colors, it can bring a quilt to life in unexpected ways. Get ready to play with the color red!
Red Plays Well with Others
One of the best things about red is its versatility. Whether you’re going for a traditional, modern, or scrappy look, red can seamlessly fit in. Here are some stunning color combinations to consider:
- Red and White – Classic, crisp, and timeless. Think of two-color quilts with dramatic contrast, like a red-and-white Irish Chain or a bold checkerboard design.
- Red and Blue – A patriotic nod to Americana or a striking balance of warm and cool tones.
- Red and Yellow – A lively, cheerful combination that brings energy and warmth to any quilt.
- Red and Gray – Sophisticated and modern, this duo offers a fresh take on neutral palettes.
- Red and Green – Yes, it’s festive, but it doesn’t have to be Christmas-y! Try deeper reds with sage or olive for a rich, earthy vibe.
- Red and Black – Dramatic and high contrast, perfect for bold graphic quilts.
- Red and Pink – A vibrant mix that’s both playful and romantic.
- Red in a Scrap Quilt – Red scraps scattered throughout a quilt act as visual punctuation, adding interest and movement to your design.


Red precuts are a great way to explore shades of red! You can find these beautiful precuts, as well as other red fabric options on Missouri Star Quilt Co., or just click here!
Scrap Quilts Love Red
If you’re a scrap quilter, red is a game-changer! It can tie together an otherwise chaotic mix of fabrics, creating cohesion and giving the eye a place to rest. Whether you’re working with reproduction fabrics, modern prints, or a mix of everything, adding pops of red can elevate your design. Think about using red as an accent in a scrappy log cabin quilt, a stunning border in a string quilt, or a vibrant binding that pulls everything together.

Don’t Be Afraid of Red
Red is one of those colors that makes a statement, but that’s what makes it so exciting. If you’ve hesitated to use red in the past, start small—maybe a red binding, a few red blocks, or a red sashing. Once you see how much energy and warmth it brings to your quilt, you’ll be reaching for it again and again.
So go ahead—embrace red! Whether it’s the star of the show or a supporting player, this color has the power to transform your quilting projects. What’s your favorite way to use red in a quilt? Let us know in the comments!


Check out these gorgeous red patterns! (Or choose your favorite color scheme, of course!) You can find these two patterns by clicking here.
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Beth- I do like a POP of red. It is bold, can be cheerful etc.