Hex Codes and Quilting:

Let’s talk about something delightfully nerdy and surprisingly useful: Hex Codes — those six-digit colour codes you’ve probably seen floating around the internet (looking like something out of a robot’s diary: #F6C1D5, anyone?). You might be thinking, “Jody, what do techy hex codes have to do with quilting?” Well... everything!

Wait, What Is a Hex Code?

In the simplest terms, a hex code is a digital shorthand for a specific colour. It tells your computer/phone screen (and fancy design software) exactly how much red, green, and blue to mix together to make the perfect shade of coral, periwinkle, or neon lime. Basically, it’s the secret language behind every gorgeous Pinterest palette or Instagram-perfect photo you’ve ever saved for “colour inspiration.”

Now, imagine pulling that exact colour into your next quilt...

Why Quilters Should Care About Hex Codes

As quilters, we’re already fluent in fabric. But here’s the thing: sometimes, what we see in our heads (or on our screens) doesn’t always translate to fabric stores or swatch pulls. Hex codes can help bridge that gap between digital inspiration and tangible creation.

Let’s say you’re designing a quilt digitally or creating a mood board from a photo you love. That glowing shade of dusty rose in the sunset pic? You can grab the hex code, convert it to a fabric swatch using a digital tool or design software, and get an exact match (or something very close) when choosing solids or blenders.

📌 Hot Tip: Tools like Adobe Color, Coolors.co, and even Canva will let you pull hex codes straight from uploaded images. It’s like colour matchmaking for your quilt life.

Using Hex Codes in Your Quilt Planning

Here’s how I like to use them:

Photo Inspiration
I’ll take a photo I love—maybe a vintage tile floor, a sunset, or a row of tulips—and drop it into a hex code generator. It pulls out a palette that’s ready to rock. Suddenly, I’ve got a whole vibe to work with.

Palette Building
Using hex codes, I build colour palettes for quilt patterns digitally before I cut a single piece of fabric. (Yes, science AND art working together. Just how I like it.)

Matching Solids
Have a favourite hex code? Check if your favourite fabric company has a solids chart with corresponding colours. Some modern quilt designers even include hex codes in their pattern instructions now—so fancy.

Bringing Digital Colour to Life

Let’s keep it real: we’ve all been betrayed by colours that looked fab on screen but went rogue in real life. Lighting, dye lots, monitor settings—ugh. So, treat hex codes like a helpful guide, not gospel. Use them to get in the ballpark, then let your instincts (and your stash) take the lead.

Your Colour Playground Awaits

At Gingerberry Quilts, I love playing with colour. Bold, moody, punchy, soft—there’s no wrong answer here. Hex codes are just another tool in your creative toolbox, like your rotary cutter or your favourite sassy quilting friend (hi, that’s me).

Next time you fall in love with a palette online, don’t just pin it—hex it. Then bring it to life, one stitch at a time.

Happy Sewing,

Jody