Solid Charcoal

Solid Charcoal is a dark grey blender from the Tilda Basics range, the kind of fabric that gives prints room to breathe: as a quilt background, in sashing and setting squares, in borders or on the back of a cushion, it adds depth to patterned fabrics and lifts paler colours. Being a quilting cotton, it is soft but closely woven, so it cuts cleanly and is easy to sew by hand as well as by machine.

It also suits smaller projects: pouches, bags, doll bodies, appliqué and contrast details. Threads and lint show up on very dark shades, so keep a lint roller nearby. Pre-wash before cutting so the slight shrinkage happens first; for long strips, choose one of the larger cuts.