iQ Project #1. Part 2. The Quilt Map.

Simple Custom Quilting.   iQ Project #1. 2017

2. The Quilt Map.

When starting a new project, I have an idea about what the end product will be, so I need to think about the steps to achieve that end.

What will be the first step?  I have no ready made quilt yet so In this case, the first step will be to think about the finished project and then create the blocks that will make up the quilt. The blocks will not be stitched, but they need to be on the screen so patterns can be placed in them.

This collection of blocks is called the quilt map. It is an empty template that can be saved and re-used. It will be saved at the size for this project, but that does not limit you – a quilt map can be re-sized, or scaled, to any size you like or need.

Our quilt needs blocks, sashings, sashing cornerstones, and borders.

So, let’s get started. The tablet can be away from your machine for these first installments. Setting your tablet on its stand close to your computer will make it easier to complete this installment if you prefer not to print out the instructions. Every button you need to touch, or action you need to take is listed here, step by step.

If you have printed out this installment on paper, it might be helpful to check off each section as you complete it to avoid confusion.

I do a couple of steps a little differently in the video, so don’t try and follow the written steps along with the video – watch the video then either create the quilt map as I do there, or just watch the video to get an idea about what you’re going to do, then follow the steps written here. They are just minor differences but might be enough to confuse new iQers if you try and watch the video at the same time as reading these steps. There are a couple of times when I clear my throat, sorry about that.

Here is the video. 
If you'd prefer to watch it on youtube, here's the link https://youtu.be/YGmkELjqDjA

Here are the step by step instructions.

Starting at the main menu, touch Design/Sew Quilt > Start New.

If a pop up window appears answer the questions appropriately.

Add Block > Enter Rectangle Manually.

Width: 10”, enter

Height: 10”, enter

Continue.

Turn the grid on. Using the grid will help with making the quilt map and placing the patterns later.

If the block isn’t already centered on the grid, turn snap on (look for that button in the ribbon below the image)

Move the block so that it snaps to the grid. Grab one of the reference points and move it close to a grid intersection. The block will snap to that intersection.

Finished.

Add Block > Standard Block > Enter Rectangle Manually.

Width: 10”, enter

Height: 2”, enter

Continue.

Move the sashing block so that it snaps to the top of the 10” block. You may have to zoom out if you cannot see the top of the block.

Finished.

Copy Block > touch the sashing block. It will turn red. Continue.

The copy will be slightly offset from the original – it will be red.

Rotation.

Tap the degree button in the ribbon until it reads 90º.

Touch the rotate arrow to rotate the block.

Move. Grab the block and move it until it snaps to the side of the 10” block .

Finished.

Add Block > Standard Block > Enter Rectangle Manually.

Width: 2”, enter.

Height: 2”, enter.

Continue.

Zoom out, or touch zoom full, so you can see the whole quilt.

Move the 2” square block to the upper left corner.

Finished.

Repeat Block(s) >Touch each block in turn until they are all red.

Continue.

X Repeat(s) > tap the plus sign twice.

Y Repeat(s) > tap the plus sign twice.

Finished

Repeat Block(s) > Touch the vertical row of sashing and sashing cornerstones on the left.

Continue.

X Repeat(s) > tap the plus sign once.

X Distance > touch the key pad and put in 36, enter.

Finished.

Repeat Block(s) > Touch the horizontal row of sashings and sashing cornerstones at the top.

Continue.

Y Repeat(s) > tap the plus sign once.

Y Distance > touch the key pad and put in 36, enter.

Finished.

The body of the quilt is finished, now we need to add the borders.

Add Block > Standard Block > Enter Rectangle Manually.

Width: 38”, enter.

Height: 5”, enter.

Continue.

The full image with the grid turned on isn’t easy to see, so turn off the grid.

Move the border block to the top of the quilt.

Finished.

Copy Block > touch the border block > Continue.

Move the copy to the bottom of the quilt.

Finished.

Copy Block > touch one of the border blocks > Continue.

Rotation > touch one of the rotation arrows > Move

Move the block to one side.

Finished.

Copy Block > touch the side border block > Continue.

Move the block to the other side of the quilt.

Remember to always grab hold of one of the reference points then it will snap to another on the adjacent block. I like to grab the middle side reference point.

Finished.

Now we just have the border cornerstones to add. I am going to add two triangles rather than a square because I want to see a diagonal line across the corner. It will help me to position corner patterns accurately.

Add Block > Standard Block > Load From Block Catalog > Geometric

Select triangle > Continue.

Zoom Full

Move the triangle to the top left border cornerstone. It is much too big. Grab the reference point at the right angle and move it until it snaps to the top of the left hand side border.

Stretch. Touch that same reference point for the anchor (the one that won’t move).

Grab the snappoint (reference point) at the lower right point of the triangle and move it until it snaps to the top right corner of the left hand side border. Zooming in will help.

Finished.

Copy Block > touch the triangle > Continue.

Zoom in so you can see the triangle more easily.

Flip X > Flip Y, move the triangle into place next to the original triangle to complete the cornerstone of the border.

Finished.

Copy Block > touch one of the triangle blocks > Continue.

Move the block into position at the other top corner.

Rotation > touch one of the rotation arrows.

Finished.

Copy Block > touch the triangle at the top right > Continue.

Flip X > Flip Y > Move. Move the triangle into place.

Finished.

Repeat Block(s) > Select all the triangle blocks > Continue.

Y Repeat(s) > tap the plus arrow once.

Y Distance > touch the keypad and enter 43, enter.

(Look at the diagonal lines – they are going in the wrong direction)

Flip Y.

(Now they are correct)

Finished.

Finished > Save Quilt/Pattern > Save The Quilt

Touch Clr to get rid of the existing name and call this PROJECT 1. Enter.

New Catalog is highlighted so touch select and name the catalog PROJECT.

The quilt map is now saved and can be recalled for the next installment of this project.

Did you notice where I did something differently in the video? That’s o.k. – I still ended up with the quilt map I wanted. In the end it doesn’t really matter which steps you use to create the quilt map.

By the way, I am not using the latest update in this installment.