Riley Blake Leo Savannah Taupe Fabric Uses

Quick answer

Use Riley Blake Leo & Savannah Criss Cross Taupe fabric as a versatile neutral in modern or animal print quilts. Its subtle taupe tone pairs with brights, pastels, and earth tones alike.

How to use Criss Cross Taupe in a quilt

1. Choose your accent colors first: Select two or three brighter fabrics (coral, mustard, teal) or softer pastels (blush, sage, cream). Lay them next to the taupe to confirm the contrast you want. Taupe can read as either warm or cool depending on what you pair with it. Test with your accent fabrics before cutting.
2. Cut sashing strips 2.5 inches wide: From the Criss Cross Taupe, cut 2.5-inch strips for sashing between quilt blocks. The neutral tone keeps the sashing from competing with patterned blocks. Measure your block sizes first. A standard 2.5-inch finished sashing works for 12-inch blocks but may need adjustment for non-standard blocks.
3. Use as a border to frame the quilt: Add a 4- to 6-inch border of the taupe fabric around the finished quilt top. The subtle criss cross print adds texture without overwhelming the design. If your quilt has many colors, a taupe border unifies them. If the quilt is already monochromatic, consider a darker or lighter border for more contrast.
4. Back the quilt with a single piece: Because the fabric is 44 inches wide, you can back a small lap quilt (up to 40 inches wide) with one length. For larger quilts, piece two widths together. The criss cross print hides quilting lines well, so you can use a walking foot or free-motion quilting without worrying about visible mistakes.

Product facts

• RILEY BLAKE - Leo & Savannah by Deena Rutter - Criss Cross - Taupe: 100% cotton quilting fabric, approximately 43/44 inches wide, from the Leo & Savannah collection by Deena Rutter. The 44-inch width gives you enough yardage for borders or backing without piecing, and the cotton content presses and quilts predictably.