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Over the years, I’ve collected more charm packs than I care to admit—and even went through a phase of cutting my own 5" squares from leftover fabric. There’s just something irresistible about those little bundles that showcase an entire fabric collection in perfectly coordinated pieces.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to draft a charm-friendly quilt design using Electric Quilt 8. It’s the perfect opportunity to dive into your stash—or give yourself a great excuse to pick up a new charm pack or two.
Fabric Selection
Cutting Up Your Charm Squares
Each charm square starts at 5" x 5". From there, you have a couple of options:
For this design, I challenged myself to use both sizes in the same block.
Tip: You could also cut these patches from Jelly Roll strips.
Designing Your Charm Friendly Block in EQ8
Follow these steps to draft the block:
Four Quilt Layout Ideas
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Vertical Strip Layout
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Charm Quilt Layout 1
Layout 2 Vertical Strip (Modified)
Rotate the blocks in each strip to create a fresh design.
Tip:
This version works best if you cut using templates from EQ, and you’ll need mirrored pieces—so consider cutting charms in pairs with right sides together.
Tip:
This version works best if you cut using templates from EQ, and you’ll need mirrored pieces—so consider cutting charms in pairs with right sides together.
Charm Cut #1
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Charm Cut #2
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Background Charm Cut
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Rotated Block 4" x 9" (finished size)
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Charm Quilt Layout 2
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Layout 3 Horizontal
- Set up a Horizontal Quilt
- 9 blocks across, 1 block down
- Block size: 4" x 9"
- Add borders:
- 1" inner
- 3" middle
- 1/2" mitered outer
Charm Quilt Layout 3
Layout 4 Horizontal (Modified)
Rotate every other block to add movement and visual interest.
Charm Quilt Layout 4
Video Tutorial
Be sure to watch the full video tutorial for step-by-step guidance on drafting the block and creating all four layouts.
Try It with Different Fabric Collections
I had so much fun testing this design with different fabric lines. Here are a few variations using Layout 1:
Each one creates a completely different look with the exact same block!
- Coral Reef by Deborah Edwards & Melanie Smara for Northcott
- Cheeto’s World by Kimberly Einmo for Benartex
- Winnie the Pooh by Echo Park for Riley Blake
Each one creates a completely different look with the exact same block!
Coral Reef Fabric in Charm Quilt
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Cheetos World Fabric in Charm Quilt
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Winnie the Pooh Fabric in Charm Quilt
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Piecing Your Basic Charm Block
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Step 1
Sew together four 2-1/2" x 5" rectangles. Your unit should measure 4-1/2" x 9-1/2". |
Step 1
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Step 2
Add 2-1/2" background squares to two opposite corners.
Sew diagonally and press toward the corners.
Add 2-1/2" background squares to two opposite corners.
Sew diagonally and press toward the corners.
Step 2a
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Step 2b
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Step 3
Repeat for the remaining two corners.
Repeat for the remaining two corners.
Step 3a
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Step 3b
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Your Turn to Play
Now it’s your turn—which charm pack will you use?
I’d love to see what you create! Share your quilt in the Learning EQ Facebook group. I’ve created a dedicated post just for your projects.
I’d love to see what you create! Share your quilt in the Learning EQ Facebook group. I’ve created a dedicated post just for your projects.
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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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The Lincoln Quilt Block: History & Inspiration
The Lincoln Quilt Block (#3742) from BlockBase+
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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?
The result is a Lincoln-inspired block that is both striking and achievable. |
Fabrics
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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:
It’s a perfect match for a block with historical roots like the Lincoln Quilt. |
Celebrating 250 Years Fabric Collection
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Drafting a Lincoln Quilt Block Variation
Step 1: Section the Block
Sectioning and Initial Drafting
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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.
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Step 2: Clone and Rotate
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Once your first star and checkerboard sections are complete:
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Cloned Sections
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Step 3: Build the Center
Center Checkerboard
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Use the Grid Tool:
This fills in the center checkerboard quickly and accurately. |
Step 4: Color Your Block
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Now comes the fun part—coloring!
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Lincoln Quilt Block Variation Created by Kari Schell
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Step 5: Cornerstone Block
7 x7 Star Block
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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
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To create the quilt:
Sashing settings:
Borders:
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. |
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For a quick project:
Finished size: 38" x 38" Perfect for a baby quilt or wall hanging. |
38" x 38" Lincoln Quilt
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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.
I’d love to see what you create! Share your projects in the Learning EQ Facebook Group.
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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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When 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.
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
New Block → Pieced → PolyDraw
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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:
This provides a nice balanced set of wedge sections to build the spinner shape. |
Kaleidoscope Piecing in PolyDraw
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Drafting the Corner Units
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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
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Drafted Spinner Block
Drafting the Setting Triangle Blocks
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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:
This makes it simple to adapt the block to a half-triangle shape. |
Setting Triangles drafted using PolyDraw
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Drafting the Corner Triangle Blocks
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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
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Drafting the Quilt
To assemble the quilt, move to the Quilt Worktable and create a new On Point quilt.
On the Layout tab, set:
On the Borders tab, add two borders:
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.
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:
This keeps the units manageable and helps maintain accurate points.
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
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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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Are you a fan of English Paper Piecing? Or maybe you’ve been curious about trying it with a small project.
If so, this tutorial is for you.
In this lesson, we’ll draft a five-pointed star in Electric Quilt 8 that works beautifully for English Paper Piecing. The surprising part? The entire star begins with the Ellipse tool in the Appliqué workspace.
Once drafted, we’ll also explore how to use the star to create a wreath block and a simple quilt design.
If so, this tutorial is for you.
In this lesson, we’ll draft a five-pointed star in Electric Quilt 8 that works beautifully for English Paper Piecing. The surprising part? The entire star begins with the Ellipse tool in the Appliqué workspace.
Once drafted, we’ll also explore how to use the star to create a wreath block and a simple quilt design.
Drafting the Five Pointed Star
In Electric Quilt 8, open the Block Worktable and select:
New Block → Pieced and Appliqué → Easy Plus Appliqué
Many EQ users think the Ellipse tool is only useful for drawing circles. But with a few adjustments, it becomes a powerful drafting tool.
New Block → Pieced and Appliqué → Easy Plus Appliqué
Many EQ users think the Ellipse tool is only useful for drawing circles. But with a few adjustments, it becomes a powerful drafting tool.
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Follow these steps:
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Five-Pointed Star Colored with Glaze fabrics from Andover
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Creating a Star Wreath with Wreathmaker
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Once the star is drafted, you can easily create additional designs using EQ8’s Wreathmaker tool.
Start by creating a wreath of five stars, then add an additional star in the center for a striking focal point. This simple transformation shows how quickly a single block can evolve into a more complex design. |
Five Pointed Star Wreath Block
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Designing the Five-Pointed Star Quilt
Next, place the block in a quilt layout.
Create a Horizontal Quilt Layout with one block. For my quilt, I set the block size to 20″ × 20″, but you can adjust the size to fit your project.
For the borders:
To echo the geometry of the star, set the number of border blocks so the diamonds visually align with the five star points. I used:
This creates a border that reinforces the star’s structure and rhythm.
Create a Horizontal Quilt Layout with one block. For my quilt, I set the block size to 20″ × 20″, but you can adjust the size to fit your project.
For the borders:
- Add 1″ horizontal borders on each side of the center border.
- Between them, create a diamond border.
To echo the geometry of the star, set the number of border blocks so the diamonds visually align with the five star points. I used:
- Border width: 2″
- Blocks: 8 horizontal and 8 vertical
This creates a border that reinforces the star’s structure and rhythm.
Five Pointed Star Quilt
Five-Pointed Star Quilt Video Tutorial
For a full walkthrough of the drafting and design process, watch the video tutorial below.
Construction Suggestions
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For construction, I recommend English Paper Piecing the star units, then appliquéing them onto the background.
EQ8 makes it easy to generate the templates you need. Print:
To simplify printing:
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English Paper Piecing Templates from EQ8
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Tip for Users of Electronic Cutting Systems
If you use an electronic cutting system such as a Cricut Maker, you can generate cutting files from EQ8 templates.
Here’s one method:
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
One important note: always double-check the scale when moving between programs. Some software—particularly Cricut Design Space—can change sizing during import.
If you use an electronic cutting system such as a Cricut Maker, you can generate cutting files from EQ8 templates.
Here’s one method:
- Print the templates from EQ8 to a PDF writer.
- Import the PDF into Inkscape.
- Save the file as an SVG.
- Import the SVG into your cutting software.
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
One important note: always double-check the scale when moving between programs. Some software—particularly Cricut Design Space—can change sizing during import.
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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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Do you struggle with drafting foundation blocks in EQ8? If you’ve ever wondered how to break a complex image into foundation-friendly sections—or how to draw lines in the correct order so EQ sections it properly—this tutorial will walk you through the process step by step.
In today’s post, I’m sharing how tracing an image can help you clearly “see” the sections before you ever stitch a seam.
In today’s post, I’m sharing how tracing an image can help you clearly “see” the sections before you ever stitch a seam.
Inspiration: The Beauty of Ice Dance
While I don’t watch much television, I become completely captivated by the Winter Olympics every four years. My favorite event? Ice dance in figure skating.
I’m fascinated by the intricacy of the step sequences and the precision required for partners to stay perfectly in sync. The elegance and athleticism of these teams is truly spellbinding.
Ice skating is also my personal exercise of choice. I love visiting rinks in the Twin Cities to take ice dance lessons and practice patterned dances. No jumps, spins, twizzles, lifts, or dramatic holds for me—but skating has given me a deep appreciation for the incredible skill Olympic athletes bring to the ice.
That love of skating inspired today’s foundation-friendly designs.
I’m fascinated by the intricacy of the step sequences and the precision required for partners to stay perfectly in sync. The elegance and athleticism of these teams is truly spellbinding.
Ice skating is also my personal exercise of choice. I love visiting rinks in the Twin Cities to take ice dance lessons and practice patterned dances. No jumps, spins, twizzles, lifts, or dramatic holds for me—but skating has given me a deep appreciation for the incredible skill Olympic athletes bring to the ice.
That love of skating inspired today’s foundation-friendly designs.
Blocks for Tracing
I created two skating-inspired images specifically designed to be foundation friendly:
Download and save the images to your computer. Then import them into Electric Quilt 8 and trace them on the Block Worktable.
Tracing is one of the most effective ways to understand how a pictorial design can be divided into logical foundation sections.
- Ice Dance Couple
- Female Figure Skater
Download and save the images to your computer. Then import them into Electric Quilt 8 and trace them on the Block Worktable.
Tracing is one of the most effective ways to understand how a pictorial design can be divided into logical foundation sections.
Ice Dance Couple Image for Tracing
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Female Ice Skater Image for Tracing
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Tips for Drafting Foundation Blocks
Here are my top drafting tips from the video tutorial:
1. Adjust Your Snap Settings
After importing your image, change your snap settings to Snap to Lines and Arcs only.
This gives you maximum flexibility when placing lines.
2. Use Undo Immediately
If a line connects incorrectly, select Undo right away and redraw it.
Extra nodes can create unintended bends in your lines—and those bends affect how EQ automatically sections the foundation.
3. Save Frequently
Save your block after completing each section.
If a later section causes issues, you can return to a clean version instead of starting from scratch.
4. Preview Foundations as You Go
After completing each section:
5. Use Snap to Node Strategically
When starting or ending a line at an existing node:
1. Adjust Your Snap Settings
After importing your image, change your snap settings to Snap to Lines and Arcs only.
This gives you maximum flexibility when placing lines.
2. Use Undo Immediately
If a line connects incorrectly, select Undo right away and redraw it.
Extra nodes can create unintended bends in your lines—and those bends affect how EQ automatically sections the foundation.
3. Save Frequently
Save your block after completing each section.
If a later section causes issues, you can return to a clean version instead of starting from scratch.
4. Preview Foundations as You Go
After completing each section:
- Go to Print & Export
- Preview the foundation
5. Use Snap to Node Strategically
When starting or ending a line at an existing node:
- Turn on Snap to Node in addition to Snap to Lines and Arcs.
- Draw your line.
- Then immediately turn Snap to Node back off.
Ice Dance Foundation Video Tutorial
Watch the full video to see the complete drafting process of the Ice Dance block—from sectioning to tracing to previewing your foundation results.
Featuring a Single Block in a Quilt
Pictorial foundation blocks often shine brightest when they are the star of the quilt.
Consider:
Consider:
- A single large-block layout
- A framed center medallion
- A border that enhances the design
Ice Dance Quilt by Kari Schell
Ready to Improve Your Foundation Drafting Skills?
If working through today’s Ice Dance block sparked new ideas — or highlighted areas where you’d like more confidence — I’d love to invite you to go deeper.
In my Foundation Friendly Designs with EQ8 class, we focus on understanding the process behind foundation drafting so you can confidently create your own designs — not just follow steps.
Right now, the class is on sale for $49 through February 28, 2026.
What Is Foundation Piecing?
Foundation piecing (sometimes called paper piecing) is a technique where fabric is sewn directly onto a printed foundation, stitching precisely on the drawn lines. It’s ideal for designs that require accuracy or include unusual shapes.
Why Foundation Drafting Matters in EQ8
Foundation piecing truly shines when designing:
And in this class, we cover all of these — step by step.
You’ll learn how to:
Class begins Wednesday, March 4th.
If foundation drafting has ever felt intimidating — or if you're ready to confidently design your own pictorial blocks inside EQ8 — this class will give you the structure, clarity, and guided practice to make it click.
In my Foundation Friendly Designs with EQ8 class, we focus on understanding the process behind foundation drafting so you can confidently create your own designs — not just follow steps.
Right now, the class is on sale for $49 through February 28, 2026.
What Is Foundation Piecing?
Foundation piecing (sometimes called paper piecing) is a technique where fabric is sewn directly onto a printed foundation, stitching precisely on the drawn lines. It’s ideal for designs that require accuracy or include unusual shapes.
Why Foundation Drafting Matters in EQ8
Foundation piecing truly shines when designing:
- Miniature blocks and quilts
- Blocks with odd-sized or angled pieces that aren’t easy to rotary cut
- Realistic or pictorial designs
And in this class, we cover all of these — step by step.
You’ll learn how to:
- Break complex designs into logical sections
- Draft lines in the correct order
- Avoid common sectioning problems
- Confidently print foundations that work
Class begins Wednesday, March 4th.
If foundation drafting has ever felt intimidating — or if you're ready to confidently design your own pictorial blocks inside EQ8 — this class will give you the structure, clarity, and guided practice to make it click.
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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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Free guide available for newsletter subscribers
Kari Schell
Electric Quilt Expert and Educator and Pattern Designer.
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