For someone just starting out in quilting, planning a quilt pattern appears like one of the hardest things you could ask them to do.
The better news for you budding quilters is that it appears harder than it really is, all you need is the knowledge.
The Basics of Designing A Quilt
When you're planning a quilt for the first time, the simplest way to do this is by designing a block. A block is a square section of quilt that holds the pattern. The concept here is that you make a number of the same blocks and then sew them together to form the pattern.
Just be sure to work out how big your quilt must be and then calculate how many blocks you will need to make the quilt sufficiently big.
When you are ready to start working on a design there are two techniques that folk ordinarily use, these are graph paper or software.
Graph Paper
This is the most common way that people design quilt patterns. You can get graph paper ruled in all different sizes.
On the graph paper, draw a square that represents the whole block, If at all possible try and make the square a ratio of the size of the block ie 3:1 or 2:1. This will help you enormously when it comes to measuring and cutting up the material for the pattern.
Then start to work out your pattern within the drawn square. Its simplest to divide the squares into smaller shapes like squares and triangles. When you have worked on a few quilts you may then move on to something more complex like a rose quilt design.
Quilt Design Software
More recently, quilters have been turning to PC software to assist them with designing their patterns.
This program acts as virtual graph paper, letting you draw shapes, divide and resize your square on a whim. It does also help with importing custom shapes and photos to add into your design.
There is a significant variation in the capabilities of different bits of software so be certain to do your homework!
Hopefully this has helped you learn a little more about the way to design a quilt and has motivated you to give it a go yourself!
The better news for you budding quilters is that it appears harder than it really is, all you need is the knowledge.
The Basics of Designing A Quilt
When you're planning a quilt for the first time, the simplest way to do this is by designing a block. A block is a square section of quilt that holds the pattern. The concept here is that you make a number of the same blocks and then sew them together to form the pattern.
Just be sure to work out how big your quilt must be and then calculate how many blocks you will need to make the quilt sufficiently big.
When you are ready to start working on a design there are two techniques that folk ordinarily use, these are graph paper or software.
Graph Paper
This is the most common way that people design quilt patterns. You can get graph paper ruled in all different sizes.
On the graph paper, draw a square that represents the whole block, If at all possible try and make the square a ratio of the size of the block ie 3:1 or 2:1. This will help you enormously when it comes to measuring and cutting up the material for the pattern.
Then start to work out your pattern within the drawn square. Its simplest to divide the squares into smaller shapes like squares and triangles. When you have worked on a few quilts you may then move on to something more complex like a rose quilt design.
Quilt Design Software
More recently, quilters have been turning to PC software to assist them with designing their patterns.
This program acts as virtual graph paper, letting you draw shapes, divide and resize your square on a whim. It does also help with importing custom shapes and photos to add into your design.
There is a significant variation in the capabilities of different bits of software so be certain to do your homework!
Hopefully this has helped you learn a little more about the way to design a quilt and has motivated you to give it a go yourself!
About the Author:
Curious about more rose quilt design ideas? Then head on over to Jane Green's how to make a patchwork quilt site now!