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Detail Inspiration: Color Blocking

Color blocking is a great way to add interest to a simple design. It’s also a fun way to play with color. I’ve always loved the multicolored paint chips at hardware stores and I think just doing a gradient of one color would be lovely.

You can definitely go wild with color blocking and cut out different shapes and sizes. This sweater dress is flush with patterns made by different geometric shapes. It’s easy to go a little wild, and I prefer the more graphic look of sixties dresses. Especially ones that look like Mondrian paintings.

If you try color blocking, think carefully about the placement of colors, the size of the blocks and where they fall on your body. Do you have experience making a color blocked garment? What colors would you choose or what type of garment would you make out of color blocking?

Images: Isabel Marant Dress, Heidi Merrick Dress, Vintage Pattern, VintageKnitting Pattern

Caitlin Clark

Caitlin is the Colette Patterns design assistant. You can follow Caitlin at her blog, the story girl.

Comments

MB@Yarn

May 16, 2012 #

If you have a serger, you can really go crazy with color blocking….use the flatlock stitch to attach large chunks of fabric. Lay your pattern pieces on top of the sewn fabric chunks. Cut (but don’t cut your flat lock, it will unravel). Sew. Hem edges. You’ve got a conversation piece that’s been made easier than apple pie!

Johanna

May 16, 2012 #

I didn’t mean to make a colourblocked dress, but the tunic pattern I chose was too short and I needed to lengthen it and cut out a long piece of contrasting fabric (same as the yoke) to sew on at the bottom, and tada! Colourblocked dress! I’ve gotten so many compliments for this dress. Check out my blog to see what it looks like.
/Johanna (wearing the dress as I write)

Amanda Bimble

May 16, 2012 #

I’ve deliberately colour blocked an A-line skirt with bands at the top and bottom and it always gets fantastic compliments. Colourblocking has also helped out when I misjudged a tunic length with patterned fabric. Thank you band of red from saving me from embarrassment!

Johanna

May 16, 2012 #

Sorry, forgot to say the post on my colour blocked dress is called:
http://projectsbyme.blogspot.se/2012/04/simplicity-2147-and-2245-me-wearing-it.html

Suze

May 16, 2012 #

I love the look of color blocking and was so glad to see it come back . Yes, I was there the first time around and smitten with the original Mondrian dress. And yes, those white boots too! LOL I’ve never perceived the style as illustrated above as being attractive on my body type. I’d be more inclined to do bright jeans and and a solid T of some sort and call it color blocking.

Violet

May 16, 2012 #

Oh gosh, you made me remember a color block dress that I had ages ago! It was so cute and I loved it. It would work for today’s palette because it was black with neon pink, and yellow. It had long sleeves and one of the sleeves Zipped you in and out of the little a-line.
I’d love to try to recreate it…of course now it would be made for my grand daughter!
Since I have never forgotten that little RTW it seems a must for that girl of mine.
Oh Dear…another project bidding….(smiles)

Angela

May 16, 2012 #

I prefer the 60’s example that you gave as well, nice clean lines and not too crazy in the color blocking! Looove that Butterick pattern….

Angela

May 16, 2012 #

This is something that I have been wanting to try. Thanks for the inspiration!

Liz

May 16, 2012 #

I remember doing it in the 80s when it came back for a bit. I had a wonderful shift dress that was fuschia pink and orange, it was very cheerful. Not sure I ready to go back to that period just yet ;-)

Amanda

May 16, 2012 #

hmmmm are color blocked pants okay? I think you run some risks there but at the same time I feel this miiight be a good idea. #manrepeller would love them.

Pamela

May 16, 2012 #

Color blocking,,,,I did this years ago,,,,,but its in style again( yeah!) and it really IS a cute way to add color!
Actually I have older patterns ( I want to say late 80s?) that contain lot of colorblocking but now I am dating myself here,,,,

SO cute on Ts,,,,and So cute on kids too! Colorblock away but be SURE you test your fabrics first ok? Once I had a red bleed on a white,,,,,,just be careful and pre wash or hand wash ok?

Pamela

May 16, 2012 #

The black and white graphic dress is my favorite color block of all,now,,,,,how to do that w/ a dress,,,,I do remember that it had to be cut apart and seam allowances added in, should not be too hard,,,,black and white is so on trend now,,

Signe Marie

May 17, 2012 #

I love color blocking, but unforunately I have no sixth sense when it comes to color matching (or mismatching). So I did a little search a while ago and found this site: http://colorschemedesigner.com/

With that you can view color combinations on your screen, and even though screen colors are not the same as real life colors, it really helps to see if the color combo you have in mind will work out nicely or if you should tilt one color warmer or colder or bluer or whatever. Highly recommended!