Colour blocking - what is it and how do I do it?

In sewing speak, colour blocking is mixing two or more differently coloured fabrics within a single garment. It might mean choosing a different colour fabric for the sleeves versus the body or slicing up a pattern piece and using multiple fabrics stitched together to create a patchwork.

SewDIY has this awesome video showing you how to colour-block a pattern you already own:

For those times when you don't feel like getting the ruler out, here are some of our favourite patterns to use for colour blocking, no alterations needed:

(1) Ellie and Mac Color Block Tie Top. We used pattern this to show off several colours of our bamboo jersey. It's a children's pattern so very little fabric is needed of each colour.

(2) Helen's Closet Elliot Tee. This tee has a raglan sleeve which makes it prime for colour blocking. In fact all raglan tee patterns work well for colour blocking. 

(3) Papercut Patterns Pinnacle Top. The interesting style lines of this top allow for mixing of colours.

(4) Named Clothing Gemma Sweater. Again, lots of interesting seam lines all calling for colour blocking. 

(5) Style Arc Lorna Knit Top. Shaped yokes allow you to break up this pretty, relaxed top into multiple colours. 

Have you got a favourite colour-block ready pattern? Tell us in the comments!