Updating the Open Source Fabric Swatches Library
If you already follow me, you might know of my open source fabric swatches library that I have made available, now easily accessible from my tools page. I wanted to take a moment to give more context and explanation as to how this works, in case I can encourage others to contribute to the color library or improve the existing colors.
What is open source?
First off, what is open source? Open source is code that is freely available to the public, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it (depending on the type of license). In my case, I've shared the hex code and various tools that I use to automate translating those hex codes to my various swatch sets.
What did I do?
To create my library, I’ve collected the names and hex codes (a code that represents a color) from a number of fabric solids manufacturers and thread manufacturers. In a couple cases, manufacturers have reached out to me and provided the data so that I can include it in my open source library and app.
I’ve also leveraged other open source code to package that data up into swatch sets that can be used in Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Affinity Designer. I even leverage that all that color data in my app, QuiltySolid.
Where do you fit in?
Where do you fit into this picture? First off, you are welcome to download the swatch sets for the design tool of your choice, for free. You can also download my app for free.
If you are a fabric manufacturer, or passionate user of a specific solid that isn’t represented in my solids line, you are welcome to send me the names and hex codes for that solid line and I can add the data and run the automations to get everything plugged in to download. There are a lot of solids lines, and I don’t always do a great job keeping up with them, so feel free to give me a holler if there are updates needed, too!
As it stands today, the library includes the following solids lines:
- Andover Century Solids
- Clothworks American Made Brand Solids
- Devonstone
- Free Spirit Solids
- Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton
- Michael Miller Cotton Couture
- Moda Bella Solids
- Northcott
- Art Gallery Pure Elements
- Paintbrush Studio Fabrics
- Riley Blake Designs Confetti Cottons
- RJR Studio Cotton Supremes
- Ruby + Bee (by Heather Ross and Annabel Wrigley)
- Spoonflower
- Tilda
The library includes the following thread/floss lines:
- Aurifil
- DMC floss
- Glide
- Wonderfil
Thanks for your adoption and apprecation of this open source project!
Download the swatches from the Tools page!