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Do you have a box—or maybe two—of leftover fabric strips from old quilt projects? I feel like I’ve been collecting them for a decade… or two.
I’ll admit that most of mine were donated during the great declutter before my move earlier this year. Now I’m wishing I could track down the lucky recipient and hand her the instructions for this quilt. Or maybe it’s time to cut up a few more strips of my own. Quilter's Quest - Minnesota Quilters 2026 Mystery Quilt
On Point Log Cabin EQ8 TutorialInspiration
The inspiration for this project came from a Facebook post by Julie Silber Quilts. Julie collects and sells antique quilts and regularly shares stunning photographs of those quilts on her Facebook page.
Quilt from Julie Silber's Facebook Page
As soon as I studied the photo, I realized the design was a variation of a log cabin block. Naturally, that meant I had to draft something similar in Electric Quilt.
Fabric Selection
For my version, I chose the Chambray collection from Tilda Fabrics. A collection of Civil War reproduction fabrics would also work beautifully for this design.
The Chambray fabric images are included in Electric Quilt’s 2025 Stash Download 3. While they read as muted solids, the subtle texture adds depth and interest—perfect for a design that relies on contrast and rotation. On Point Log Cabin Block
Sizing the Block for the Quilt
If you print the rotary cutting chart for the 12" block, you’ll notice that the strip size is 1¼". Since I prefer working with 1½" strips, I experimented with resizing the block.
By increasing the block size to 16" x 16" (finished), the rotary cutting chart updates so the strip size becomes 1½"—perfect for using standard pre-cut or leftover strips. Quilt Layout
For the quilt layout, I selected a Horizontal Layout with:
For the borders:
When placing the blocks, I alternated between Coloration 1 and Coloration 2. You could easily add additional colorations if you want a more scrappy look. Don’t forget to use the Symmetry feature in EQ8—it’s a great way to explore different block rotations before committing. Horizontal Borders
Set the horizontal border block size to 60" x 6", with snaps at 60 x 6. This makes it easy to place the initial diagonal line starting in the lower-left corner.
The trickiest part was spacing the diagonal strips so they could also be cut from 1½" strips. This is where a little math comes in handy. A Little Help from the Pythagorean Theorem
If the finished strip width is 1", the diagonal measurement along the edge needs to be approximately 1.41".
If math isn’t your thing, no worries—an online calculator works just fine.
60 x 6 Pieced Border Block
64 x 6 Pieced Border Block
Finishing the Quilt
Once all of the blocks and borders are drafted and placed, take time to review your quilt as a whole. Check that the diagonal border strips are going the correct direction and that the block rotations create the movement you intended across the quilt.
At this stage, it’s helpful to:
On Point Log Cabin Quilt
Video Tutorial
Prefer to follow along step by step?
Watch the On Point Log Cabin EQ8 video tutorial, where I walk through the drafting, sizing, layout, and border construction in detail. The video is a great companion to this post, especially if you want to see how the snaps, symmetry, and calculations come together in real time. Share Your On Point Log Cabin Quilt
I can’t wait to see your version of this quilt!
Please share your finished quilts—or works in progress—in the Learning EQ Facebook group. I love seeing how each quilter interprets the design, fabric choices, and color variations.
This project is a wonderful way to turn leftover strips into a cohesive, visually striking quilt—while stretching your EQ8 skills just a bit along the way.
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As a child, I loved cutting out paper snowflakes—although if I’m being honest, most of mine ended up looking more like octagons than delicate flakes. Recently, I stumbled across a fun online tutorial for hexagon paper snowflakes, and it immediately sparked an idea.
What if we could recreate that same playful process—without scissors—inside Electric Quilt 8? From Paper to EQ8
After working through the paper snowflake tutorial, I started thinking about the easiest and most flexible way to design snowflakes digitally. The answer? EQ8 applique tools. They make it simple to experiment, adjust symmetry, and refine shapes—no scraps of paper required.
In the free video tutorial below, I walk you step-by-step through my process for drafting paper snowflake–inspired designs in EQ8. Snowflakes Are Addictive
Fair warning: once you start designing snowflakes, it’s hard to stop. I began with one…and quickly ended up with four different designs. Each one uses the same basic approach but results in a completely different look.
And honestly? I don’t think I’m done yet. There may be more snowflakes in my future.
Turning Snowflakes into a Quilt
Of course, designing blocks is only half the fun. Here’s a quilt I drafted using those snowflake blocks—proof that playful, paper-inspired designs can translate beautifully into a finished quilt layout.
Share Your Snowflakes
If you decide to draft your own paper snowflakes in EQ8, I’d love to see what you create. Please feel free to share your designs in the Learning EQ Facebook group. If you’re not already a member, just request to join and answer a few quick questions.
I’d love to welcome you—and I’d really love to see your snowflakes!
Design a festive holiday table topper in EQ8 with Hearthside Poinsettias, a cozy poinsettia-inspired quilt project.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to combine multiple PolyDraw grids, create layered appliqué, and assemble a piecing-friendly design that works beautifully as a table topper—or can be resized into a tree skirt. Step-by-step design instructions, construction tips, and a full video tutorial make this project approachable, even if it looks complex at first glance. At first glance, this design may look complicated—but I promise, it’s very manageable when you work through it one step at a time. The Countdown Is On
This week marks the start of a big countdown.
Not to Christmas—but to the Majestic Views – Free EQ8 Webinar, happening in just 9 days! I’d love to have you join me live as I share a design technique that can instantly elevate your quilts. Majestic Views – Free Live EQ8 Webinar
Do you ever feel stuck using the same basic blocks over and over in EQ8?
Are you ready to learn a technique that adds instant “wow”—without making your quilts harder to sew? In this brand-new, free live webinar, I’ll show you how to transform traditional pieced blocks into dramatic stained-glass–inspired designs using just a few extra lines in EasyDraw. You’ll learn how to add “leading strips” that create bold visual impact while keeping everything 100% piecing-friendly. Your friends and family will swear you spent hours crafting intricate designs—but you’ll know the secret to creating them quickly and confidently. Pick your time and save your spot below:
Replay available for 48 hours — but you must register to receive the replay link.
Hearthside Poinsettias EQ8 TutorialFabric Selection
PolyDraw Background
Poinsettia Appliqué
Faux Binding
Hearthside Poinsettia Quilt Layout
For the table topper, use a Custom Set Layout sized 19 × 19.
Next, add a sashing block:
Hearthside Poinsettia Quilt
Video Tutorial
Watch the video below for complete, step-by-step instructions.
Tree Skirt Option
Construction Tips
Since you may want to finish this project in time for Christmas, here are a few construction tips to help streamline the process.
Share Your Hearthside Poinsettias
I can’t wait to see your version of the Hearthside Poinsettia quilt!
Please share your creations in the Learning EQ Facebook group—I love seeing how you interpret each design.
Today I’m excited to share a set of new EQ8 blocks and a brand-new quilt design—all inspired by a classic favorite: the variable star. What I love most about this block is how easy it is to personalize. A simple star becomes spectacular when you begin:
But before we dive in, make sure you’re signed up for my Majestic Views Webinar on December 29, 2025. I’d love to see you there!
Majestic Views - Free EQ8 Webinar
Are you stuck using the same basic blocks over and over in your EQ8 designs?
Ready to learn a fresh technique that adds instant “wow” without making your quilts harder to sew? Join me for this brand-new, free live webinar where I’ll show you how to transform traditional pieced blocks into dramatic stained-glass designs—using only a few extra lines in EasyDraw. You’ll discover how to add “leading strips” that create bold stained-glass style while keeping everything 100% piecing-friendly. Your friends and family will swear you spent hours crafting intricate designs… but you’ll know the secret to making them quickly and confidently!
Pick your time & save your spot:
Replay available for 48 hours—but you must register to receive the replay link.
Christmas Star Quilt EQ8 TutorialFabric Selection
Christmas Star Blocks
Christmas Star Quilt
Set your blocks in a horizontal layout, 3 blocks across and 3 blocks down.
I increased the block size to 24″, then alternated the different block variations on the Quilt Worktable. If you hold Alt/Options as you set the blocks, it goes amazingly fast. Nine 24″ blocks create a 73″ × 73″ finished quilt. 
Christmas Star Quilt 73" x 73"
I think this quilt is absolutely breathtaking, and I can’t wait to see your version!
Please share your creations in the Learning EQ Facebook group—I love seeing how you interpret each design.
I’m excited to share a brand-new quilt—and a brand-new EQ8 tutorial—featuring Tilda’s Merry Little Christmas fabric collection from Electric Quilt’s 2025 Stash Download 3.
If you’re already a Tilda fan, you know the charm: soft colors, romantic florals, and the whimsical Scandinavian aesthetic created by Norwegian designer Tone Finnanger. This quilt celebrates that magical style with a fresh log cabin design and a sweet bell wreath drawn from the EQ8 library.
About the Quilt
This project combines a newly drafted log cabin block with appliqué bells that come together to form a festive wreath. The finished quilt measures 45" x 45", making it just the right size to showcase these beautiful prints.
I Heard the Bells Quilt Designed in EQ8 by Kari Schell
What You’ll Learn in the Tutorial
In the step-by-step video, I’ll walk you through how to:
These skills are versatile and can easily be used in future quilt projects.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Make It Your Own
Feel free to substitute:
The structure of this design works beautifully with a wide variety of styles. I can’t wait to see your version! When you finish, be sure to share it in the Learning EQ Facebook group—I love seeing what you create.
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