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One of my favorite parts of the Tech Know Quilters Masters program is seeing the creativity our members bring to each monthly design challenge.
For our June 2026 Challenge, members were invited to create a quilt that captured the carefree spirit of summer. Their designs celebrated everything we love about the season—sunshine, picnics, colorful flowers, butterflies, fireflies, pinwheels, popsicles, and all the little moments that make summer special. To make the challenge even more fun, I offered bonus points to anyone who could incorporate the word "SUMMER" into their design process. The results were amazing! TKQ Masters Summer Challenge Quilts
Here are four of the wonderful quilts created by Tech Know Quilters Masters members.
Every quilt has its own personality, proving once again that the same theme can inspire completely different—and equally beautiful—designs.
My Challenge Quilt: Summer Refreshment
Of course, I couldn't resist joining the challenge myself.
Since nothing says summer quite like an ice-cold popsicle, I decided to design a simple popsicle block that would be easy to piece using either traditional rotary cutting or foundation piecing. The block finishes at 4" × 6" and was drafted in EasyDraw with the snaps set to:
Adding the Word "SUMMER"
Next, I combined each letter with the popsicle block using Serendipity > Merge Block.
Occasionally the merged block may appear in the wrong patch. When that happens, simply click the patch where you'd like the letter to appear. If the letter needs to change orientation, click the merged section to rotate it 90 degrees until it fits correctly.
After repeating the process for each letter, I had six unique popsicle blocks—each colored in a different summer-inspired palette.
Designing the Quilt
To assemble the quilt, I selected a Horizontal Layout using:
Keeping the blocks the same size as the originals allowed the word SUMMER to stretch across the quilt while each popsicle retained its proportions. Here is the completed quilt. Fixing a Foundation Piecing Issue
While preparing the foundation patterns, I noticed something unusual.
The third section of the U block wasn't displaying correctly. Instead of a properly colored section, the Print Preview showed some very strange dotted lines.
If you discover the same issue in any of the other merged blocks, simply repeat the process. Once corrected, you can print the foundations directly from the Block Worktable or replace the blocks in your quilt and print from the Quilt Worktable.
Watch the Complete Tutorial
The video walks through the entire process—from drawing the popsicle block and merging the letters to assembling the quilt and fixing the foundation piecing issue.
If you've never experimented with Serendipity > Merge Block, this is a fun project that demonstrates just how versatile this EQ8 feature can be.
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Every once in a while I like to share projects that make quilting easier—not just designing quilts. This week I'm taking a short break from my usual Electric Quilt 8 tutorials to share a project I've been working on in my quilting studio. As I've been settling into my new quilting space, I've been looking for ways to make it more efficient. My latest improvement was building a large, movable ironing station with plenty of storage underneath. After researching lots of options (and experimenting with a few ideas that didn't work!), I finally came up with a solution I'm really happy with. If you've been thinking about adding a Big Board to your sewing room, I hope my experience helps make your project a little easier. I'll even share the EQ layout I created to position the Velcro strips perfectly. Building the Base
Adding CastersAdding wheels turned out to be the most challenging part of the project. Because I wasn't comfortable drilling into the shelving unit, I spent quite a bit of time researching alternatives—including several conversations with Google's AI—to find a no-drill solution. After a number of failed ideas, I found one that works beautifully. I purchased a set of 2-inch side-mounted L-shaped swivel casters with brakes. Their mounting plate fits nicely against the metal legs of the Kallax underframe. To attach them without drilling, I used large stainless steel hose clamps. Each caster is secured with two hose clamps—one wasn't enough, as the caster shifted slightly when rolling the unit. Tightening both clamps firmly allows the metal to grip both the frame and the caster plate securely. If you decide to build one yourself, I definitely recommend using two clamps per caster. Other Base OptionsIf you're comfortable using a drill, another option would be to purchase the Kallax without the underframe. You could attach a sheet of plywood to the bottom of the shelving unit and mount traditional plate casters directly to the plywood. Or, if your ironing station won't need to move often, simply skip the wheels altogether and use furniture sliders whenever you need to reposition it. Building the Big BoardChoosing the Size I found a 22" x 60" wool pressing mat on Amazon and decided to make my Big Board the same size. One of the advantages of a wool pressing mat is that it reflects heat back into the fabric, effectively pressing both sides at once. The dense surface also grips fabric to reduce stretching while helping produce beautifully crisp seams. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to lanolin. Simply touching wool gives me a significant rash. My solution was to completely cover the wool mat with a heavy canvas layer. I still receive all the benefits of pressing on wool without ever touching the wool itself. Cutting the Plywood Home Depot will cut plywood to your requested dimensions when you purchase it. I bought a standard 4' x 8' sheet and had it cut to 22" x 60". Although I had to purchase the entire sheet, I now have enough leftover plywood to make additional travel pressing boards—or perhaps share with a quilting friend who wants to build one too. I actually purchased a slightly nicer grade of plywood, but after completing the project I think the least expensive option would have worked just as well. On the back of the plywood, draw guide lines showing where the Kallax unit will sit. These guide lines make positioning the Velcro much easier later. Adding the Heat-Resistant LayerCut the scorch-resistant fabric approximately 25" x 66". Center it over the plywood and clamp it into position. Working one side at a time:
This layer protects the plywood from heat while creating a smooth base. Adding the Wool Mat and Canvas CoverTurn the board right side up and place the wool pressing mat on top. Cut a piece of canvas approximately 36" x 66" and center it over the mat. Clamp everything together before flipping the board over. Working one side at a time:
The canvas gives the board a clean, durable surface while completely covering the wool mat. Attaching the Board to the BaseTo keep the Big Board secure—but still removable—I used heavy-duty adhesive Velcro. Before attaching anything, I used EQ to create a spacing diagram so all of the Velcro strips lined up perfectly with the shelving unit below. Attach the matching Velcro strips to both the underside of the board and the top of the Kallax unit. When assembling everything, line up one edge first and then lower the board into place. The Velcro holds extremely well, yet the top can still be removed whenever I want to transport it to a quilting retreat. The Finished Ironing StationI'm thrilled with how this project turned out. As a bonus, I had enough leftover canvas to recover my portable pressing pad, which was definitely showing its age. Now I have:
Project CostHere's what I spent: Since the total includes both the wool pressing mat and the purchase of an electric staple gun, your cost could easily be lower if you already own those items. For comparison, commercial Big Boards without a base can cost around $160, and a wool pressing mat of this size is often another $130. My DIY version came in at a comparable price while giving me storage, mobility, and the flexibility to remove the top whenever I need it. Product LinksBelow are links to the products I used while building my ironing station. If you purchase through my Amazon affiliate links, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting On Point Quilter! Have you built your own ironing station? I'd love to hear what worked for you—or any improvements you've made to your sewing space. Share your ideas in the comments below!
One of the questions I'm asked most often is:
"How do you come up with an original quilt design?" The answer is...it isn't usually one flash of inspiration. Instead, it's a series of small design decisions. One idea leads to another. Sometimes a design works exactly as planned. Other times I head down a path only to change directions completely. I thought it might be fun to invite you inside my design process and let you see exactly what was going through my mind as I designed this patriotic quilt. It All Started with a Vintage Image
I knew I wanted to design something patriotic for the Fourth of July, but I didn't have a quilt design in mind.
Instead, I went looking for inspiration. I visited the Graphics Fairy website, which has a wonderful collection of vintage artwork, and found this beautiful Fourth of July image.
I immediately knew this would become the focal point of my quilt.
There was just one problem... It wasn't a simple square image that could be dropped into a quilt block. Now the real designing began. First Decision: Making the Image Work
Before I could even think about quilt blocks, I needed to prepare the image.
In this week's video tutorial, I'll show you how I:
Once the image was ready, I could finally start asking myself: "What kind of block would showcase this image while still being easy to piece?" My Thought Process for Designing the Block
Since the printed image would already contain lots of visual detail, I didn't want the piecing around it to compete for attention.
Instead, I decided to create a simple frame with star points. The result is a block that's easy to sew using folded corners (or foundation piecing if you prefer), yet still has plenty of patriotic personality. Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best one. Here is the finished block along with a couple of wonderful variations created by members of Tech Know Quilters.
I always enjoy seeing how different quilters interpret the same starting point.
Then Came the Really Fun Part...
With the block finished, my brain immediately jumped to the next question:
"Now...what kind of quilt should I build around it?" Because this block isn't a standard size, I knew I wanted complete freedom in arranging the layout. That made Custom Set the perfect choice. Rather than starting with a traditional quilt layout, I simply began placing blocks on the workspace and asking myself:
One decision led naturally to the next. That's honestly how I design quilts. I rarely know exactly where I'm going when I begin. Instead, I experiment, evaluate what I like (and don't like), and keep refining until the quilt feels "right." In this week's second tutorial, I'll walk you through that entire design journey while sharing lots of tips for working with Custom Set in EQ8. One Quilt...Two Completely Different Looks
The first version feels very traditional and celebrates the vintage artwork beautifully.
Then curiosity struck again.
"What if I simplified everything?" A few small adjustments transformed the quilt into a much more modern interpretation. It's amazing how a handful of design changes can completely change the personality of a quilt. Want to Become More Confident in EQ8?
If watching my design process makes you wish you felt more confident using Electric Quilt 8, I'd love to help.
EQ8 Made Easy was created specifically for quilters who own the software but aren't sure where to begin—or who feel like they're only using a small fraction of what EQ8 can do. Instead of overwhelming you with every possible feature, I focus on the tools quilters actually use to design beautiful quilts. By spending just 10 minutes a day, you'll learn how to:
More than 2,500 EQ8 owners have taken my beginner training, making it one of the most popular ways to learn Electric Quilt 8. Special Sale: For a limited time, EQ8 Made Easy is just $67.97 (regularly $147.97). Make sure to use the code 4THCELEBRATION when checking out to receive your $80 discount. If you're ready to stop struggling with the software and start designing quilts with confidence, I'd love to have you join us.
I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at my design process.
Sometimes the best designs don't begin with a pattern. They begin with a simple question: "What if I tried this?"
Designing the Quilt Is Only the Beginning
Once the design is complete, there's another question to answer:
How can I cut this quilt as efficiently as possible from charm squares? Electric Quilt 8 creates excellent rotary cutting charts, but I rarely use them exactly as printed. Before I cut fabric, I always study the cutting charts and ask myself:
Making a few thoughtful adjustments at this stage often saves both time and fabric. Reviewing the EQ8 Rotary Cutting Charts
For this quilt, the sashing and cornerstones didn't require any changes.
The main block, however, benefited from several small modifications that made construction easier while allowing me to take full advantage of charm squares. These are the revisions I discuss in the video. Turning Rotary Cutting Charts into Charm-Friendly Cutting Charts
Once I finalized my cutting plan, I created custom cutting diagrams for every unique patch in the quilt.
Instead of simply knowing what to cut, I now know exactly how many pieces to cut from every charm square. For this quilt I created six custom cutting charts.
Flying Geese Construction Tip
For the outside edge units, sew a red 2¼" square to one corner of a 2¼" × 4" background rectangle using the folded-corner (snowball) method. Half of the units will have the folded corner on the left and half on the right. For the flying geese units, begin the same way using a blue square. After pressing, add the second blue square to the opposite corner. The finished units measure 2¼" × 4" (with seam allowances). Watch the Complete Process
In this week's video I walk through the entire process of:
Once you understand this process, you can use it with almost any quilt you design. Ready to Design Your Own Pre-Cut Quilts in EQ8?
If you enjoy working with charm packs, jelly rolls, layer cakes, fat quarters, and other pre-cuts, you'll love my upcoming Working with Pre-Cuts in EQ8 class.
In this hands-on, one-month class, you'll learn how to design quilts specifically for today's most popular pre-cut fabrics while using EQ8 as a true design tool—not just a pattern viewer.
You'll learn how to:
We'll work with:
Each lesson builds on the previous one, giving you practical design skills you can apply to virtually any pre-cut collection. Enrollment is open through June 30, 2026. Special Sale Price: $53 (Regularly $73) If you're ready to get more value from your pre-cuts and discover entirely new ways to design with EQ8, I'd love to have you join us. Click on the image for all the details.
Have you ever redesigned a cutting chart to better fit a charm pack or another pre-cut? I'd love to hear your favorite tips—or your biggest challenge—leave a comment below!
One of the habits I've developed over my many years of quilting is cutting leftover fabric into 5" squares. Along the way, I've also collected quite a few books devoted to quilts made from these versatile squares. One of my longtime favorites is Nickel Quilts by Pat Speth and Charlene Thode.
For today's EQ8 tutorial, I decided to combine my love of 5" squares with another design celebrating America's 250th anniversary. The result is a patriotic quilt that can be pieced almost entirely from 5" charm squares. The only exception is the binding. For this sample, I used the American Valor fabric collection by Cheryl Haynes for Benartex. The rich reds, blues, and backgrounds work beautifully in this design. Of course, if you already have a collection of red, blue, and background charm squares in your stash, you can easily create your own version. Designing the Blocks
The second block is used in the sashing. It is constructed from 4" x 2½" rectangles, which can also be cut from charm squares.
Designing the Quilt
On the Quilt Worktable, start a new Horizontal Layout quilt.
Set the layout to 3 blocks across and 3 blocks down. Feel free to adjust the number of blocks to create a quilt size that suits your needs. If you plan to use charm squares, however, keep the block size at a finished 14". Under Finished Size of Sashing, turn on Include Sash Border and set the width to 2". Next, move to the Borders tab. Add a ½" mitered border. This creates the appearance of a finished binding in your design and is the only component that cannot be cut from charm squares. On the Design tab, place the two blocks into the quilt layout. Rotate the vertical sashing blocks as needed and experiment with color placement until you're happy with the design. When finished, don't forget to Add to Sketchbook to save your quilt. Charm Friendly 250 Celebration Video Tutorial
Watch the step-by-step video below to learn how to recreate this quilt using Electric Quilt 8.
Ready to Design Your Own Pre-Cut Quilts with EQ8?
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Kari SchellElectric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer. Categories
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