Virtual Quilt Challenge 6 Accurate Applique in Electric Quilt

The monthly challenges so far have not included any instructions, as all the techniques covered so far have been well and truly covered in manuals, video lessons on the Electric Quilt site and by numerous users sharing their knowledge of the program. This month I am sharing some basic instructions which I use to draw accurate symmetrical block designs quickly. Well quickly once I get the basic pieces shaped to my liking.

These instructions are intended for those who want to draw their own symmetrical blocks with a high degree of accuracy. If you are new to EQ just play on the Block Worktable until you become familiar with the controls before you tackle drawing real, and especially complex, blocks.

Remember the KISS principle … keep it simple, silly!

You need to be familiar with Select All, as well as select individual shapes, Clone, Rotate 45, 90, 180, 270 degrees, and Centre in Block.

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Draw shapes and position them by using Centre in Block …  and then move them up or down to required position. Alternatively, start with a block from the EQ Library, delete most of it leaving just a few pieces.

Draw a diagonal lines across the block.

Select the shapes and the lines while holding down the shift key.

Select all ….

Clone …

Rotate 90 degrees …

Centre in block

Select all …

Clone …

Rotate 180 degrees …

Centre in block …

Select and delete the diagonal lines one at a time. There will be one each way for each time you cloned, but it takes very little time to delete them all, a lot less than trying to position some of the more awkward shapes you might want to use.

To complete a design similar to the one above add a centre, starting by drawing a circle …

Size it to fit in the centre, then Centre in Block.

There you have it … a simple vertical crossing design with all pieces placed accurately within the block.

If you would like a PDF copy of this post to print out, leave a comment below.

If you are not thrilled with the result, remember that you do not have to harm any fabric by making up your first block. Save the fabric until you have some blocks you love.