How to Make Memory Quilts in EQ6
Memory quilts are created to honor a loved one or to commemorate a special occasion. They fall into two basic types. In one, photos and images are printed on cloth and combined with fabrics then sewed as simple squares. The second approach creates a fabric collage. Memorabilia and embellishments are layered onto the fabrics and photos to tell a story of a life or event.
With Electric Quilt 6 program, or EQ6, quilters can plan either type of quilt on a computer screen, right down to trying out fabric patterns and layouts. Designs can be drawn and then scanned into the program and images digitized and translated into embroidery programs.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- paper and pen for journaling
- fabrics
- photos
- images
- photo-sensitive fabric sheets
- coordinated threads
- batting and backing fabric
Instructions
-
-
1
Journal your thoughts and emotions about the person or event. What personality traits stand out? What is the first phrase that comes to mind when thinking of them? Sometimes it helps to provide a title for the theme such as "Grandmother's Kitchen."
-
2
Assemble fabrics, photos and embellishments that support the mood and theme of your quilt. For instance, a favorite grandmother who was a baker might inspire colors of a 1950s kitchen, fabrics with foods and coffee pots, and apple pie buttons. A favorite recipe can also be imported into the software to be printed on fabric.
-
-
3
Scan photos into computer and save as jpeg files. Resolutions on fabric don't have to be as high as when printing photos. A resolution of 150 dpi will work well.
-
4
Open the EQ6 program and click on "Worktable." This will provide a screen where you can design your quilt.
-
5
Select "Adjust tool." This is the tool that will allow you to draw in a quilt square and begin designing.
-
6
Select "File" and the "import image" to import sketches or photos. A dialog box will open and allow you to navigate to the directory where your image is stored. As you design, resize photos and images and then save to your directory.
-
7
Arrange the components within the block using the various adjust tool functions and then click on "block" in the main menu to save the design. When the dialogue box opens, click on "Add block," and then use the "Add block to sketchbook" function.
-
8
Return to "Main Menu" and click on "Save quilt" and "Save quilt to sketchbook" when complete.
-
9
Print out photos on photo-sensitive fabric. This fabric is available from quilt stores and online.
-
10
Piece together fabrics that will make the top of the quilt.
-
11
Choose embroidery patterns and threads to support the theme of the quilt and add to the quilt surface.
-
12
Sandwich together the top, batting and backing fabric and quilt using the method of your choice.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Write a small narrative about the memorial and print out on a small piece of fabric to be attached to the back of the quilt.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
