• Blog
  • About
  • EQ Training
    • Tech Know Quilters Electric Quilt 8 Membership Training
    • Shoot for the Stars with EQ8
    • Electric Quilt 8 Sneak Peek
    • Scheduling a Workshop or Lecture
  • Store
  • Card Making
  • Contact
  • Free Stuff
    • Other Video Tutorials
Picture

Calculating Yardage for Binding

4/30/2022

 
PictureCritters Quilt by Kari Schell
Update on the Critters Quilt
The motors came back from IQ and I was able to finish quilting (using the designs auditioned during last weeks blog post). If you missed the post you can see how to audition images in an EQ design -- without redrafting them in Electric Quilt here.

If you live in Minneapolis, you can still catch the quilt in person at the Maple Grove Quilt Show at the Maple Grove Community Center.  Show end at 4 pm today (April 29). 

Calculating Yardage for Binding

I've been quilting for a long time.  And I will admit that I typically calculate the number of binding strips manually and multiply the number times the size of strip I like to work with.  I personally create my best bindings with strips cut 2-1/4" that are folded together.  I sew on the top side of the quilt and fold over to the back.  Then either blind hem stitch -- or when I am in a hurry tack down by machine.
For those of your that like the math, here is my formula.
(1)  Add width and length of quilt
(2)  Multiply x 2
(3)  Divide by usable fabric per strip 
(4)  Round up to next whole number  (this is the number of strips you need)
(5)  When purchasing fabric, I will add 1 to the number (just to be safe)
(6)  Multiply number of strips times the size of the strip.
Here is my manual binding calculation for an 80 x 90 quilt.
Picture
Note that 22.5 inches is the equivalent of 5/8 of a yard.

On Line Calculators

There are a number of websites that offer calculators for us that essentially go through this calculation process without needing to do the math.  Here are a couple of examples.
Cut Sew Quick Binding Calculator
Picture
Picture

Omni Binding Calculator

Picture
If you own Electric Quilt 8, you have the option of creating your own binding calculator.  No need to rely on an online version -- or go through the math.

Why is creating a separate binding calculator necessary?

​When creating my quilt projects, I typically will set the binding size at .375 - which is 3/8".  This mirrors what the front of my quilt looks like after the binding is finished. 

However it doesn't result in accurate yardage as Electric Quilt will assume that the strips will be cut .875 (7/8 of an inch).  Essentially it will add the seam allowances to the "finished" size as shown in the designed quilt.  They have no clue that I am doubling the fabric and folding it over to the back side of the quilt for the finishing touches.

So I need to be able to tell EQ the size of my strips in order for the program to work its magic and tell me the correct amount of fabric needed for my yardage.

Create Your Own Binding Calculator

See how to create your own binding fabric calculator project in this short tutorial.  You will be amazed at how easy it is to set up.  And once it is set up all you need to do is open the project and insert the size of your finished quilt.  EQ does everything else.
The first example in the video shows that for the 80 x 90 inch quilt we will need 5/8 of a yard.  Notice that it matches my manual calculation above.
To test the EQ8 Binding Calculator, I decided to manually calculate the yardage for the 2nd quilt in the video.  This was a smaller quilt (one that was 30 x 20).  Here is the manual calculation which shows I need 9 inches (1/4 yard).
Picture
Exactly the same as the Electric Quilt 8 calculator.
Picture
Give the calculator a try and let me know what you think in the comments section.
Picture
​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.
Picture

Auditioning Pictures of Quilting Designs on an EQ8 Quilt Layout

4/23/2022

 
Picture
Critters Quilt designed in EQ8 by Kari Schell
My quilt guild's show is one week away.  I really would like to include my Critters quilt.  I consider this my Pandemic quilt as it helped keep me sane during our first lock-down. 
Unfortunately I have not finished quilting the quilt.  I have done minimal machine quilting in the last three years and when I put the quilt on my longarm, I found a problem with my computerized system.  After some communication with Intelliquilter, they decided that I needed to upgrade my motors, which meant sending them off.​

While waiting for their return, I decided that I could still select the quilting designs.  I found some designs that were loaded on my Intelliquilter that looked like they would work for the corners for the center blocks and the large rectangles for the border blocks.

However, the only thing I can download to my computer is a picture of the designs.  Both designs were created by Helen Baczynski for Intelliquilter.
Picture
Picture
I could always trace the designs as applique motifs in Electric Quilt and set them on my quilt.  But sometimes we don't always have time for that.

So I thought I would share a short-cut in my video this week.  Rather that creating motifs we will use pictures of the quilting designs  for auditioning the designs on the quilt.  I won't be able to change the "color".  But I will still be able to figure out size and whether it will look good in my quilt.
Here are the close-ups of my auditioning.
Picture
Picture
Yikes.  "Only" 84 spaces to fill.  Can I get this done in time for the show?  If I do, I will post pictures on next weeks blog post.

Maple Grove Quilters 2022 Quilt Show

Picture
I would like to invite you attend the Maple Grove Quilters' in person show.  I will have a few of my "real" quilts in the show.  Hopefully including the critters quilt.

Dates:  April 29 and 30

​Location: 
Maple Grove Community Center
12951 Weaver Lake Road
Maple Grove, Minnesota

Price:  $5

Below you can see our a picture of our raffle quilt.   This was a blue ribbon winner at the Minnesota State Fair in 2021.  Tickets are only $1 and can be purchased at the show.

​With a finished size of 82" x 95" it would be a perfect bed quilt.
Picture
Maple Grove Quilters 2022 Raffle Quilt
Picture
​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.
Picture

Easter Landscape Quilt

4/16/2022

 
After seeing this picture, I was inspired to create an Easter landscape quilt.  My goal was to make it foundation friendly without too many pieces.  I debated showing you this inspiration photo as mine does not look a lot like it and I am not sure my quilt does the photo justice -- but sometimes you just need to spend time creating.
Picture
Easter Sunrise Photo from the Internet
​And creating the piece allowed me to focus on the upcoming Easter celebration.  

​
See how to create your own foundation friendly Easter landscape quilt in my video for the week.
Coloring the Quilt
In my initial rendition, I played with colors instead of fabrics.  Using the colors in the inspirational photo, I added some gradations in EQ.  Then I took a few of the colors from those gradations and did a search for fabrics in the library.  I included all EQ libraries in my search, knowing that I wanted primarily batiks and tonal prints.  To keep the video under 10 minutes, I did not include this process in the video.   However for those in Tech Know Quilters, take a look at Lesson 12 in Working with Fabrics for a better understanding of grades and Lesson 13 Randomize for transitioning from colors to fabrics.
Picture
Added Gradations in the Project Sketchbook
Here are my final fabrics if you would like to look for something similar.  I probably downloaded over 100 fabrics.  Did randomize to convert the colors to fabrics and then then swapped out fabrics that I didn't like in the quilt.  Once the quilt was done, I did a compress project file size to eliminate everything that wasn't in the quilt.
Picture
Fabrics Used in Easter Landscape Quilt
Picture
Mini Heart Black Text
Adding Text 
I added text on Layer 2.  The font I used was the Mini Heart Font from Creative Fabrica.  There were actually two fonts in the download file.  In Tech Know Quilters we work with text on a quilt in Lesson 1 of the Calendar Quilt class.
Foundation Patterns
Make sure to save your block before adding the applique.  Once the applique is added, Electric Quilt will tell you that the block is too complex for EQ to automatically section and number.  You always have the option to section and number yourself.  But if you saved the version before the applique, it is already done for you.

Here is the sectioned foundation from the video -- all done by Electric Quilt 8.
Picture
Foundation Sectioning for Easter Landscape Quilt
Here is the quilt from the video.
Picture
Do you have a favorite Easter quilt that you have designed in Electric Quilt?  I would love to see pictures. (It doesn't need to be this one.)   Please feel free to post in the Learning EQ Facebook group.
Happy Easter!
Picture
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.
Picture

New Chicks

4/9/2022

 
Sometimes those applique tools in EQ8  can be a bit scary to figure out.  In my newest tutorial we will focus on three of them while creating a "new chick" block and quilts.
Picture
This block starts with the "chick" block from the EQ8 block library.  You will learn to create the cracked shells using the ellipse tool.  The edit tool will make creating the "cracked" portion super simple.  And then add a few circle with the shapes tool to decorate the egg shell.
For the quilt, I decided to carry the jagged edge of the eggshells into the first border.  With a little bit of math you can create points that are twice as wide as then are tall.  This will give a 90-45-45 degree triangle which is super easy to rotary cut.
Picture
With a few more clicks in EQ, the quilt can be modified to add a second block.  Giving me a choice of two different piecing options.  I haven't decided which one I prefer.  What do you think?
Picture
Enjoy the video.
If you would like to share a picture of your newly hatched chicks, I've set up a post on the Learning EQ Facebook group.  

EQ8 Drawing Blocks

Picture
Picture
Would you like to learn the fundamentals of block drawing.    Each chapter focuses on one of the EQ8 drawing styles. Learn how to draw the blocks below, plus many more!
Picture
Chapter 1 Drawing Pieced Blocks in EasyDraw
Learn how to set up the Precision Bar for drawing success, determine the best size to draw a block by examining the block’s grid, trace a photograph to create a foundation-friendly block, and more!
Picture
Chapter 2 Drawing Pieced Blocks in PolyDraw
Learn the difference between the EasyDraw and PolyDraw drawing styles, use the Clone and Rotate method for faster drawing, draw a block on each of the special grids, and more!
Picture
Chapter 3 Drawing Applique Designs
Learn to use the Draw and Shapes tools to create unique applique patches, use WreathMaker to make beautiful designs, modify a block from the library to make it your own, trace an antique quilt block, and more!
On sale through April 15, 2022.   I only ship within the US.

If you prefer, I can sign your copy.

Purchase EQ8 Drawing Blocks for $27.95

Picture
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.
Picture

Ribbon Border Block with Serendipity

4/2/2022

 
In looking back at some old project files, I found a quilt I drafted using the Ribbon Border block.  According to my Notecard, the block came from Block Base (the original version) and was from the Needlecraft Supply catalogue in 1938.
Picture
Picture
A search in Electric Quilt, did not reveal this block.  Instead the ribbon block options appear to be a portion of the block I had found in Block Base.  The smaller block appears both in Block Base Plus and under Classic Pieced>Eccentrics in the EQ8 library.
Fortunately the first block (from the original Block Base)  is fairly easy to redraft using the tools in Electric Quilt 8.  It also gave me an opportunity to modify the block to make it much more piecing friendly.  I can now say "no thank you" to the "Y" seams in the original block.
In the video, see how to:
  • efficiently draft the block  And how to
  • use the design in something other that a border
  • how to audition different rotation options in the quilt worktable
Picture
Here is the redrafted block colored with Cotton Supreme Solids by RKR Studio.  These solids are located under Manufacturing Basics in the EQ8 Fabric library.

​I think the fabrics give the very traditional block a very modern look.
Here are a few of the Symmetry rotation options as shown in the video.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Picture
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.
Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Free guide available for newsletter subscribers
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Kari Schell

    Electric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer.

    Categories

    All
    Art And Stitch
    Cricut Maker
    Dear Jane
    Electric Quilt 7
    Electric Quilt 8
    Goose Goose Duck Challenge
    Inkscape
    Longarm Quilting
    Patterns
    Silhouette Cameo
    Stampin Up
    Summer Games
    Tips And Techniques
    Tools And Rulers

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013

    RSS Feed

Contact:
On Point Quilter
e-mail:  onpointquilter@comcast.net
phone:  763-566-6536

GET MY NEWSLETTER FOR REGULAR EQ AWESOMENESS!

* indicates required
  • Blog
  • About
  • EQ Training
    • Tech Know Quilters Electric Quilt 8 Membership Training
    • Shoot for the Stars with EQ8
    • Electric Quilt 8 Sneak Peek
    • Scheduling a Workshop or Lecture
  • Store
  • Card Making
  • Contact
  • Free Stuff
    • Other Video Tutorials