For your anchor fabric, choose a pattern with a minimum of three colors. Choose two more fabrics, each having one or two of the anchor fabric colors in their pattern. Vary the three fabrics in contrast. One fabric should be light, one medium and one dark. Vary the scale or size of the patterns by choosing one fabric with a large pattern, one medium and one small.
Solids fall into the small-pattern category.
Patterns may be curved or straight. Choose two straight patterns and one curved or two curved and one straight. A solid is considered curved or straight depending on how it is used. Choose fabrics of varying texture. Most silks are smooth, whereas wool or cotton with ridges is rough.