Welcome to The Secret Path
- Alaura
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Each year, we host a Mystery Quilt experience where we create a quilt-as-you-go project from start to finish, sharing the journey on our YouTube channel. Everyone is welcome to follow along, and for those who would like to make the quilt, you can join the experience to access our exclusive course notes and become part of our sewing community throughout the year.
Each year, we challenge ourselves with a new design. This year, we are creating a quilt-as-you-go quilt set on point. We have spent a lot of time exploring and refining our colour choices, which is always one of the most exciting parts of the process.
So how do you choose colours for a quilt?
We had hoped to create a clear guide, but what we discovered instead is that choosing colours can be both challenging and deeply enjoyable.
Read on to see our process.
How Do You Pick Colours for a Quilt?
No matter how many quilts we design…No matter how many times we’ve chosen fabric palettes…
We still struggle.
You would think after years of designing Mystery Quilts and quilt-as-you-go projects that choosing colours would feel simple.
But somehow, every single time, it becomes the hardest part.
Which leads to the big question:
How do you pick colours for a quilt?
Is there a perfect formula? Is there a “right” way to do it?
We usually work with five main colours, carefully balancing light, medium and dark tones to create contrast and depth.
That structure normally guides us beautifully.
But this year was different.
Our 2026 Mystery Quilt is inspired by European tile patterns — layered, architectural, intricate. The design came together quickly…
The colour scheme did not.
Mum and I see colour very differently. We’re drawn to different moods and different energies. What feels rich and dramatic to one of us can feel too heavy to the other.
What feels fresh and airy to one can feel too soft to the other.
And that’s exactly what you’ll see in this vlog.
Click to watch
What Is a Vlog?
If you’re new to the term, a vlog simply means “video blog.”
Instead of writing about our experience, we film it — so you can come along with us in real time. You’ll see us at our local fabric store pulling bolts off the shelves, laying them out, putting them back, rearranging them again… and yes, it gets a little chaotic.
It’s the real behind-the-scenes process of designing a Mystery Quilt.
How Do You Pick Colours for a Quilt?
When it comes to quilt colour selection, there isn’t one perfect formula — but there are principles that help:
Choose a mix of light, medium and dark tones
Consider contrast so your design doesn’t flatten
Think about the overall mood (soft, dramatic, earthy, modern?)
Limit your main palette so it feels cohesive
We normally follow a five-colour structure. But this time? Even with our system in place, we couldn’t immediately agree.
And in the end…
We didn’t choose just one palette.
We ended up with two completely different colour schemes.
One rich and bold.One cool and refined.
So now we have to ask…
Are you Team Red or Team Blue?
Watch the vlog below to see the full fabric shopping journey, the theme reveal, and how we finally landed on two competing colour directions.
Then let us know in the comments
🌹 Team Red💙 or Team Blue?
We can’t wait to see which one you love most.
Requirements List
If you are curious about what you will need to create this quilt, our requirements list is ready for you. Inside, you will find a helpful checklist along with a dedicated video where we walk you through the exact products we are using.
Head to the next post to discover our final colour palette and the next vlog. You will also be able to download the requirements list and watch the full run-through video.
Enrollments
Enrolments are now open. If you would like to walk this path with us, enjoy a beautiful quilting project, and be part of a welcoming sewing community, we invite you to explore more below.
You can join at any time, with all videos pre-recorded and available for you to revisit whenever you like.
TEAM RED
Team Blue for me
Hello Ladies, I would have choose the Blue Team, but I have too many blue quilts already, so I going to adventure for the Red Team.
Team red. I like the vibrant background. I love blue but not this particular layout.
Blues are always my favorite so would pick Team Blue, but that red looks great too!