<![CDATA[ON POINT QUILTER

<![CDATA[ON POINT QUILTER - Blog]]>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:11:29 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[The Lincoln Quilt EQ8 Tutorial]]>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/the-lincoln-quilt-eq8-tutorialThe Lincoln Quilt Block: History & Inspiration

The Lincoln Quilt Block (#3742) from BlockBase+

In BlockBase+, you’ll find the Lincoln Quilt block (Brackman ID 3742), a design originally published by Anne Orr.

According to quilting lore, the first Lincoln Quilt was pieced in 1809 by Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks. A defining feature of the block is its bold center— a cross-shaped checkerboard—surrounded by four intricate eight-point stars.

This is not a beginner-friendly block. In fact, before the days of rotary cutters and strip piecing, constructing this design would have required an incredible level of precision and patience.

For this tutorial, I wanted to honor the spirit of the original while making it far more approachable for today’s quilters.

My solution?

Replace the complex eight-point stars (based on a circle grid) with a simpler star block featuring a center square
Eliminate inset seams
Add a few strategic lines to simplify construction and make strip piecing possible

The result is a Lincoln-inspired block that is both striking and achievable.

Fabrics

For this project, I used the January 2026 free fabric download from Do You EQ: Celebrating 250 Years by Scott Flanagan for Northcott Fabrics.

This batik collection is a vibrant tribute to the history and spirit of the United States. The palette features rich reds, soft off-whites, and bold blues—echoing the colors of the American flag.

Motifs include:

Stars and stripes
Fireworks-inspired prints
Abstract patriotic designs

It’s a perfect match for a block with historical roots like the Lincoln Quilt.

Celebrating 250 Years Fabric Collection

Celebrating 250 Years Fabric Download from Do You EQ

Drafting a Lincoln Quilt Block Variation

Step 1: Section the Block

Sectioning and Initial Drafting

Start by analyzing the original design. If you count the units across the center (horizontally or vertically), you’ll find 23 squares.

That makes 23 x 23 the ideal grid size for drafting in EasyDraw.

Draw horizontal and vertical lines at 7 and 16
This divides the block into nine sections
Draft a 7" x 7" star in one corner
Create a modified checkerboard unit in the adjacent 9" x 7" section

Step 2: Clone and Rotate

Once your first star and checkerboard sections are complete:

Clone the units
Rotate as needed
Position them in the remaining three corners

Cloned Sections

Step 3: Build the Center

Center Checkerboard

Use the Grid Tool:

Set Columns = 9
Set Rows = 9

This fills in the center checkerboard quickly and accurately.

Step 4: Color Your Block

Now comes the fun part—coloring!

Alternate background fabrics with darks and mediums in the checkerboard
Try a Trip Around the World approach by changing fabrics in each round
Consider using a larger-scale print and fussy cut the star centers for extra impact

Lincoln Quilt Block Variation Created by Kari Schell

Step 5: Cornerstone Block

7 x7 Star Block

For the cornerstones, draft a 7" x 7" block.

If it looks familiar, it should—this uses the same construction as your corner stars, helping maintain consistency across the quilt.

Lincoln Quilt Layout Options

Full Quilt Layout

98" x 98" Lincoln Quilt

To create the quilt:

Select New Quilt > Horizontal
Set blocks to 3 x 3
Set finished block size to 23" x 23"

Sashing settings:

Enable Include sash border
Sashing size: 7" x 7"

Borders:

Size: 0.5"
Style: Mitered

Place your blocks on the Design tab, color as desired, and Add to Sketchbook.

Finished size: 98" x 98"
A beautiful option for a queen-size bed.

For a quick project:

Change layout to 1 x 1 block
Add to Sketchbook

Finished size: 38" x 38"
Perfect for a baby quilt or wall hanging.

38" x 38" Lincoln Quilt

Watch the Design Process

Be sure to watch the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of drafting the block and building the quilt layout in EQ8.

Let's See Your Design!

Which version do you prefer—the full quilt or the smaller wall hanging? Or are you putting your own spin on the Lincoln block?

I’d love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Learning EQ Facebook Group.

Lincoln Quilt post in the Learning EQ Facebook Group

Happy quilting.

Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.

]]><![CDATA[Lion and the Lamb Panel Quilt (Perfect for Easter) EQ8 Tutorial]]>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/lion-and-the-lamb-panel-quilt-perfect-for-easter-eq8-tutorialA Perfect Quilt for Easter Weekend

Growing up, I often heard the phrase, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” Living in North Dakota, that felt especially true—although I can certainly remember a few late-season snowstorms that challenged that idea! And this year it is feeling like April came in like a lion.

That saying has always stuck with me, which is why a lion and lamb quilt felt like the perfect project to feature as we move into spring—and especially fitting as we head into Easter weekend.

Lion and Lamb Panel + Coordinating Fabrics

When I first spotted this beautiful panel on Northcott's website, I immediately knew it would make a meaningful and visually striking quilt.

The panel was designed by Abraham Hunter for Northcott Fabrics, and the entire collection is filled with rich symbolism and coordinating prints.

Alongside the main panel, I found:

Inspirational Bible verses
Cross motifs
Faith-based words and text prints
Soft clouds and subtle textures

All of these elements work together beautifully, making it easy to create a cohesive quilt design centered around the panel.

Lion and Lamb Panel from Northcott Fabrics

At the time Northcott provided a downloadable zip file of the fabric collection on their website. The images were accurately sized, which made them incredibly easy to use in Electric Quilt—no resizing adjustments needed!

Unfortunately they no longer have the file on their website. However the fabric itself is available from various online stores. Here is the link to one site that still has the panel along with some of the coordinating fabrics.

Kingdom Quilts Available Lion and Lamb Fabrics

I did a search on my computer and found the original download I did from Northcott. You will need to save and unzip on your computer if you wish to use the file.

Lion and the Lamb Original Fabric Downloads

Tip: Not all manufacturers offer pre-sized fabric downloads. In my Tech Know Quilters class, we cover multiple ways to import fabrics into EQ8 and how to adjust them when needed to make them “EQ-friendly.”

Designing Pieced Borders for Panels

Designing borders for a rectangular panel—especially one that’s around 43 inches on one side—can feel a bit tricky.

The good news? Electric Quilt has a fantastic no-math solution.

Using the Tile Square Border option, you can:

Add square blocks around your panel
Let EQ automatically calculate spacing
Include corner and spacer blocks for a perfect fit

It takes the guesswork out of border design and lets you focus on creativity instead.

And then go ahead and fill those square blocks with simple blocks drawn in EasyDraw.

Border Block 1 for Lion and Lamb Panel Quilt

Border Block 2 for Lion and Lamb Panel Quilt

Finding Coordinating Fabrics in the EQ Library

Coordinating Fabric Search

To add even more depth to my quilt, I decided to bring in additional purple fabrics that complemented the Northcott collection.

In the video, I walk through how to:

Identify the exact hue within your fabric
Search the EQ library for coordinating prints
Blend new fabrics seamlessly into your design

Watch the Full Design Process

Want to see how it all comes together?

In the video below, I walk you through the entire process—from importing fabrics to designing borders and selecting coordinating prints.

The Finished Quilt

Here is the finished quilt from the video:

Lion and Lamb Panel Quilt designed by Kari Schell

This quilt finishes at approximately 61" x 46" (before binding)—a wonderful size for a shawl or prayer quilt. It’s the kind of project that can offer comfort and encouragement, making it especially meaningful to gift to someone going through a difficult time.

Share Your Quilt!

If you create this design—or any panel quilt of your own—I would love to see it!

Please feel free to share your photos in the Learning EQ Facebook group and inspire others in the community.

Learning EQ Facebook Post for Lion and Lamb Panel Quilt

Closing Thought

Whether you’re drawn to the symbolism of the lion and the lamb or simply love working with panels, this quilt is a beautiful reminder of peace, hope, and care—perfect for Easter and beyond.

Happy quilting.

Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.

]]><![CDATA[Easter Egg Hunt Webinar Recap]]>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/easter-egg-hunt-webinar-replay-available-for-48-hoursOn Thursday, I hosted two live sessions of my Easter Egg Hunt EQ8 Webinar—and it was such a joy to share this project with so many of you.

During the training, we designed a spring-inspired quilt that combines appliqué and foundation piecing—all inside Electric Quilt 8. I also gave a behind-the-scenes look at my Tech Know Quilters Academy for those ready to go deeper.

And honestly… one of my favorite parts of any live event is hearing from you afterward.

Shortly after the webinar, I received this note from Barb:

Messages like this are exactly why I love teaching EQ8.

“That was a fantastic webinar! I’ve used EQ since the very beginning… and the use of given shapes to form a desired shape is one of the best things I’ve seen. I’ve tried to draw from scratch and it was a struggle and seldom successful. This was more than helpful. It enables me to create the appliqués I want. At 94, it’s a joy to learn and succeed. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.”
— Barb

Messages like this are exactly why I love teaching EQ8.

There is nothing better than helping you move past frustration and into confident creating.

I am Sorry - the Replay No Longer Available

The replay has now become an exclusive resource for members of Tech Know Quilters and Tech Know Quilters Academy in April 2026.

The Easter Egg Hunt Quilt

Here is the finished quilt from the tutorial.

This project is a wonderful example of how:

Simple appliqué shapes can create a striking design
Foundation piecing can simplify complex-looking blocks
Fabric choices bring the entire quilt to life

Kari's Easter Egg Hunt Quilt

Want to Stitch Along?

While the full PDF guidebook is reserved for members, I’ve included the tracing images below so you can still follow along and create your own version of the blocks.

Easter Bunny Image for Tracing

Foundation Friendly Easter Egg Image for Tracing

Fabric Details

The fabrics used in this project are from the Color Play collection by Do You EQ.

Ready to Go Further with EQ8?

If you enjoyed this project and want to continue building your skills, I’d love to have you join me inside Tech Know Quilters Academy.

This program is designed to help you turn EQ8 into a tool you love using—without the frustration.

Click on the picture to learn more

Happy quilting.

Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.

]]><![CDATA[Missouri Puzzle Quilt Block Easy EQ8 Tutorial + 3 Quilt Ideas]]>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/missouri-puzzle-quilt-block-easy-eq8-tutorial-3-quilt-ideasA Creative Celebration for International Quilting Day

Happy International Quilting Day! I hope you’re able to carve out a little time today to enjoy some quilting fun.

To celebrate, I’m sharing three quilt designs featuring the classic Missouri Puzzle block. This timeless design is perfect for exploring both construction and color—and it’s a great opportunity to build your skills in Electric Quilt 8.

We’ll begin by drafting the block from scratch, giving you hands-on practice with the Grid tool in EQ8. Then we’ll explore a few different coloring options using a limited fabric palette.

For my samples, I used fabrics from Colorblock Party by Maywood Studio—the March 2026 Fabric of the Month collection from Do You EQ. The best part? It’s completely free to download and use in your EQ8 projects.

This collection was inspired by tiny quilt blocks printed on a miniature press. The result is a vibrant range of rainbow-hued prints that invite you to play with color, contrast, and light—perfect for a block like Missouri Puzzle.

Drafting the Missouri Puzzle Block

In Electric Quilt 8, open the Block Worktable and select:
New Block → Pieced → EasyDraw

Set the block width and height to 9"
Set snaps (horizontal and vertical) to 18 (this allows snapping at every ½")
Turn Snap to Grid ON

EasyDraw Precision Toolbar

Step 1: Create the Base Grid

Select the Grid Tool
Set columns and rows to 3 and draw a full grid across the block
Change to 2 x 2 and draw a grid in the upper-left square (this creates a four-patch)
Switch back to 3 x 3 and draw a grid inside the lower-right square of that four-patch

EasyDraw Grid Tool

Step 2: Add Lines

Draw two diagonal lines in the first 3" square to complete the design
In the second square, draw a horizontal line from the midpoint of the left edge to the midpoint of the right edge
Use the Grid tool again (set to 1 column x 3 rows) and place it in the lower rectangle

Top two squares for Missouri Puzzle Block

Step 3: Build the Full Block

Select all the lines you’ve drawn
Clone, rotate 90°, and position in the next corner
Repeat until all four corners are filled

Drafted Missouri Puzzle Block

Step 4: Color the Block

Switch to the Color tab
Alternate fabrics across patches for a balanced look

Missouri Puzzle Block Coloring 1

Creating the Cornerstone Block

To complement the main block, we’ll create a simple nine-patch:

Block size: 3" x 3"
Snaps: 4 x 4
Draw a 3 x 3 grid
Color as desired

3" Nine Patch for Cornerstones

Missouri Puzzle Quilt Variations

Quilt 1: Classic Layout

Quilt Worktable → New Quilt → Horizontal
Layout: 4 x 4 blocks
Block size: 18" x 18"
Sashing: 3", include sashed border
Border: 0.5" mitered

Place your blocks on the Design tab.

Missouri Puzzle Classic Layout

Quilt 2: Reverse Coloring

Use the Alt (Option) key with the Spraycan tool to create a reversed color version of your block.

Missouri Puzzle Block Coloring 2

Missouri Puzzle Reverse Coloring Variation

Quilt 3: Bold Variation

On the Layout tab:

Change to 3 blocks across
Set sashing to 0" (no sashing)

Then:

Use Control (Command) with Fabric Tools
Recolor eight corner patches with a third fabric

Missouri Puzzle Block Coloring 3

Missouri Puzzle Block Coloring 4

Missouri Puzzle Bold Variation

Video Tutorial

Piecing Suggestions

Blocks created with the Grid tool are often perfect candidates for strip piecing, even though EQ8 doesn’t generate instructions for it directly. A few simple adjustments can make your piecing much more efficient.

Example 1: Nine Patch Units

Sew three alternating 1½" strips
Subcut every 1½"

Sub-Cut the 3-1/2" Strip Every 1-1/2"

Example 2: Larger Units

Combine three 1½" strips with one 3-1/2" strip
Subcut every 6½"

Sub-Cut the 6-1/2" Strip every 6-1/2"

Let’s See Your Version!

Which quilt layout is your favorite? Or do you have your own twist on the Missouri Puzzle block?

I’d love to see what you create—share your projects in the Learning EQ Facebook Group!

Missouri Puzzle Post in the Learning EQ Facebook Group

Happy quilting.

Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.

]]><![CDATA[Spinner Quilt Block - a PolyDraw Tutorial using Electric Quilt 8]]>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/spinner-quilt-block-a-polydraw-tutorial-using-electric-quilt-8When I first drafted this block, I struggled with what to call it.

Depending on how you look at it, the shapes could be flowers. Or maybe umbrellas.

But the more I worked with the design, the more it reminded me of a set of colorful spinning pinwheels—so Spinner felt like the perfect name.

One of my favorite design surprises happens when the blocks come together in the quilt layout. The corners of the blocks meet to form eight-pointed stars, creating a secondary pattern that almost feels like magic.

Those unexpected stars quickly became my favorite part of the design.

Drafting the Spinner Block

In Electric Quilt 8, open the Block Worktable and select:

New Block → Pieced → PolyDraw

Start by selecting the Kaleidoscope Grid. Then use the PolyLine tool to create the patches within one wedge of the block.

For this design, set:

Dimension 1: 8
Dimension 2: 8

This provides a nice balanced set of wedge sections to build the spinner shape.

Kaleidoscope Piecing in PolyDraw

Drafting the Corner Units

For the corner sections, switch to the Rectangle Grid and change the grid dimensions to 48 × 48.

From there, draw the star point using two triangles.

One of the advantages of PolyDraw is that you can switch grid properties while drafting the same block, giving you a lot of flexibility when creating more complex shapes.

Once all the patches are drawn, color the block to highlight the spinner effect.

Corner Piecing Using the Rectangle Grid in PolyDraw

Drafted Spinner Block

Drafting the Setting Triangle Blocks

Next, draft the blocks that will be used for the setting triangles.

Creating a half-square triangle unit, filling the triangle with the patches needed to continue the spinner design.

With PolyDraw, you can easily:

Delete unnecessary patches
Add new patches to complete the design

This makes it simple to adapt the block to a half-triangle shape.

Setting Triangles drafted using PolyDraw

Drafting the Corner Triangle Blocks

For the corner triangles, draft a quarter-square triangle unit and fill it with patches.

A quick shortcut: you can modify the half-triangle block you already drafted to create the corner blocks, saving a bit of time.

Corner Triangles Drafted using PolyDraw

Drafting the Quilt

To assemble the quilt, move to the Quilt Worktable and create a new On Point quilt.

On the Layout tab, set:

Blocks: 2 × 2
Block Size: 12"

On the Borders tab, add two borders:

Border 1: 2½" Long Horizontal
Border 2: ½" Mitered

Then go to the Design tab and place your blocks, rotating them as needed to create the spinner effect and reveal the eight-pointed stars at the intersections.

Spinner Quilt Created using EQ8

Spinner Video Tutorial

For a full walkthrough of the drafting and quilt design process, watch the video tutorial below.

Construction Tips

If you decide to make this quilt, I recommend foundation piecing the blocks.

In Print & Export, choose Foundation and select Start Over and Resection.

For the cleanest construction:

Section each Kaleidoscope wedge as its own unit
Create two sections for each corner

This keeps the units manageable and helps maintain accurate points.

Proposed Foundation Sectioning for Spinner Blocks

Happy quilting.

Kari

Join the On Point Quilter weekly newsletter and receive regular tips and inspiration on using Electric Quilt 8 along with the Free 12 Top
Tips for EQ8 video guide.

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Fabrics

Drafting a Lincoln Quilt Block Variation

Step 1: Section the Block

Step 2: Clone and Rotate

Step 3: Build the Center

​Step 4: Color Your Block

​Step 5: Cornerstone Block

Lincoln Quilt Layout Options

​Full Quilt Layout

Watch the Design Process

Let's See Your Design!

​Lion and Lamb Panel + Coordinating Fabrics

​Designing Pieced Borders for Panels

​Finding Coordinating Fabrics in the EQ Library

​Watch the Full Design Process

​The Finished Quilt

Share Your Quilt!​

​Closing Thought

I am Sorry - the Replay No Longer Available

​The Easter Egg Hunt Quilt

Want to Stitch Along?

Fabric Details

Ready to Go Further with EQ8?

Drafting the Missouri Puzzle Block

Creating the Cornerstone Block

Missouri Puzzle Quilt Variations

Video Tutorial

Piecing Suggestions

Let’s See Your Version!

Drafting the Spinner Block

Drafting the Corner Units

Drafting the Setting Triangle Blocks

Drafting the Corner Triangle Blocks

Drafting the Quilt

Spinner Video Tutorial

Construction Tips

Step 4: Color Your Block

Step 5: Cornerstone Block

Full Quilt Layout

Lion and Lamb Panel + Coordinating Fabrics

Designing Pieced Borders for Panels

Finding Coordinating Fabrics in the EQ Library

Watch the Full Design Process

The Finished Quilt

Share Your Quilt!

Closing Thought

The Easter Egg Hunt Quilt