Ribbon Quilt in EQ8 Personalized with Serendipity

One of my favorite quilt layouts starts with just two simple blocks. The design itself is easy to create, but the possibilities are almost endless.

The real magic happens when you combine the layout with the Serendipity tools in Electric Quilt 8. By inserting different blocks into one of the layout blocks, you can create unique quilt designs that showcase a favorite fabric collection—or finally put those treasured fabrics you've been saving for years to good use.

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Drafting the Blocks

This quilt uses two simple blocks:

• A Square-in-a-Square block
• A Sashing block with two diagonal lines

Both can be drafted quickly using the EasyDraw toolkit in EQ8.

One question I hear frequently is, "Where can I find that block in the Library?" For simple designs like these, I often find it faster to draft the block from scratch rather than spend time searching through the Library. Save the Library for more complex blocks and specialty designs.

For coloring, I chose to use solid colors rather than fabrics. Since I knew I would be experimenting with multiple fabric collections later, I didn't want to become attached to a particular color scheme too early in the design process.

To create the ribbon effect in the finished quilt, I made two different color versions of the sashing block.

12" x 12" Square in a Square Drafted in EQ

6" x 12" Sashing Coloring 1 Drafted in EQ

6" x 12" Sashing Coloring 2 Drafted in EQ

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Creating the Ribbon Quilt Layout

Move to the Quilt Worktable and create a new Horizontal Quilt.

On the Layout tab:

• Set the desired number of blocks horizontally and vertically.
• Set the block size to 12" x 12".

I selected a 12-inch finished block because it works perfectly with the Large Square Squared ruler from Deb Tucker's Studio 180 Design, making construction much easier later.

For the sashing:

• Set the sashing width to 6 inches.
• Include sash borders around the quilt.

Using sash borders creates a finished edge that eliminates the need for an additional border, although you can certainly add one if desired.

On the Design tab, place the blocks into the layout. Don't forget to rotate the sashing blocks used in the horizontal border sections.

​Once the layout is complete, add it to your Sketchbook so you can easily return to it later.

Ribbon Quilt - Greyscale Option

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Adding Interest with Serendipity

EQ8 offers several Serendipity options, but for this project we'll focus on Merge Block.

After selecting Merge Block:

1. Scroll to the bottom of the block list on the left and select the Square-in-a-Square block.
2. On the right side, choose the default Variable Star block.
3. Select Add to Sketchbook.

The resulting block combines elements from both designs, creating an entirely new block while preserving the framework needed for the quilt layout.

Continue experimenting by selecting additional blocks from the EQ Library and merging them with the Square-in-a-Square block. Every combination creates a fresh design opportunity.

Ribbon Merged Block 1

Ribbon Merged Block 2

Ribbon Merged Block 3

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Updating the Quilt Design

Return to the Quilt Worktable and select:

Block Tools > Set Block

Scroll to the end of the block list to find your newly created merged blocks.

Hold down the Control key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) and click on one of the Square-in-a-Square blocks in the quilt. Replace it with one of the merged blocks from your Sketchbook.

To quickly explore fabric options, use the Swap Fabrics tool under Coloring Tools.

For my sample quilts, I used the following fabric collections:

• Coral Reef by Deborah Edwards and Melanie Samra for Northcott Fabrics, the April 2026 Fabric of the Month download from DoYouEQ.com.
• PUNC*T by e bond for FreeSpirit Fabrics, the May 2026 Fabric of the Month download from DoYouEQ.com.

The same layout takes on a completely different personality depending on the fabrics you choose.

Ribbon Quilt Option 1

Ribbon Quilt Option 2

Ribbon Quilt Option 3

Ribbon Quilt Option 4

Ribbon Quilt Option 5

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Ribbon Quilt Video Tutorial

Watch the full video for a complete walkthrough of drafting the blocks, building the layout, creating Serendipity variations, and recoloring the quilt in Electric Quilt 8.

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Piecing the Center Block

For the center block, I plan to use Deb Tucker's Large Square Squared ruler.

One advantage of this method is that the center section can be pieced slightly oversized and then trimmed precisely to size.

For the corner triangles:

• Cut 7¼" x 7¼" squares.
• Cut each square once diagonally.

These triangles are intentionally oversized and will differ from the cutting instructions generated by EQ8.

Mock Up with Changes for Using Deb Tucker's Square Squared Tool

​After assembling the block, use the Square Squared ruler to trim the center unit to approximately 9" x 9" if needed.

Then use the ruler again to align the seam intersections and trim the completed block to an accurate 12½" x 12½" unfinished size.

​This extra trimming step helps ensure precise points and accurate block sizing.

Use the Square Squared Ruler (Part A) to Trim the Pieced On Point Square

Use the Square Squared Ruler (Part B) to Trim the Final Block to 12-1/2" x 12-1/2".

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What Will You Design?

This is one of those quilt concepts that can quickly become addictive. Once you start experimenting with different merged blocks and fabric collections, it's hard to stop at just one version.

I'd love to see what you create.

​Which blocks would you merge into the design? What fabric collection would you choose? Share your creations in the Learning EQ Facebook Group and inspire others with your unique ribbon quilt designs.

Learning EQ Facebook Group Ribbon Quilt Designs

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​Ready to Explore Even More Quilt Layout Possibilities?

Then my Quilt Layouts with EQ8 class was designed for you.

For a limited time, I'm opening this popular Tech Know Quilters class to all EQ8 users.

During this one-month class, you'll learn how to:

• Work confidently with Layers 1, 2, and 3
• Add quilting designs directly into quilt layouts
• Use custom set tools to create advanced quilt designs
• Modify and personalize standard EQ library layouts
• Design one-patch and stained-glass style quilts
• Create sampler quilts with custom block sizing
• Build dimensional "baby blocks" quilts
• Turn photos into pixel-style quilt designs
• Simplify pixel quilts for easier piecing
• Analyze existing quilts and determine the best EQ8 layout tools for recreating them

By the end of the class, you'll have a much deeper understanding of quilt layouts and the confidence to create designs that go far beyond the standard options.

Special Sale Price: $53 (Regularly $73)

​Enrollment is open through May 31, 2026.

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