Low Volume Fabric for Quilters: What It Is & How to Use It

Hello, my quilty friends!

If you’ve been hanging out in quilting circles (or scrolling through #quiltstagram), you may have heard the term low volume fabric tossed around like confetti at a quilt retreat. But what exactly is low volume fabric—and why do quilters love it so much? Let’s break it down, beginner-style.

What is low volume fabric?

Low volume fabric refers to fabric that has a light or neutral background with a subtle print or pattern. Think soft grays, pale creams, quiet whites—often with little dots, tiny florals, faint stripes, or even whimsical sketches. It’s not completely solid, but it doesn’t scream for attention either. Basically, low volume fabric is the introvert of the fabric world: calm, cool, collected... and totally essential.

Why use low volume fabric in a quilt?

Low volume fabrics are magic for adding visual texture without overwhelming your design. They give your eyes a place to rest in a quilt with lots of bold colors or busy patterns. They also play really nicely with brights, darks, and all your favorite prints—making everything else pop while still pulling their own quiet weight.

Is low volume the same as background fabric?

Sometimes! A lot of quilters use low volume fabrics as their background—especially when they want something more interesting than a plain white or solid. But low volume fabrics can also shine in patchwork blocks, scrappy quilts, and even as the star of a minimalist quilt design. They’re super versatile and surprisingly fun to play with.

What kinds of prints are considered low volume?

You’ll find all sorts of prints in the low volume world—text prints, tiny animals, scattered stars, tone-on-tone geometrics, you name it. The key is that they all stay pretty light and not too contrasty. A good rule of thumb? If you squint and it blends into a light, quiet field, it’s probably low volume!

Where can I get low volume fabrics?

So glad you asked. 😉 I’ve curated some beautiful low volume options just for you! Head over to our Fabric Bundles section to grab a bundle that takes the guesswork out of mixing and matching. Whether you’re just building your stash or planning a whole quilt around them, these bundles are beginner-friendly and quilter-approved.

Low volume fabrics might be subtle, but they’re definitely not boring. They bring balance, charm, and that extra bit of quilty sparkle that ties everything together.

Happy making,

🩵 Holly