Designing Applique Quilts in EQ, Part 1

Designing Applique blocks and borders in EQ  

When you tackle a quilt like this  spring flowers quilt, the first step is to design the basic quilt structure in Electric Quilt. 

I like using a large block size for applique blocks. Floral blocks tend to get pretty big when you are working with 2 1/2″ and 3″ leaves. Since I have a 24″ design board, I like working with blocks that are between 18″ and 24″. 

First, decide on your quilt style. Are you going to set your blocks on point, make a medallion in the center, or do a straight-set? This is your very first decision because your designs will all depend on your setting. 

Make sure you don’t draw any applique blocks until you have your quilt block size set in stone. While it is possible to change the block size easily in EQ, this will also change the size of all the applique shapes. 

To avoid resizing the applique, change the block size with a plain sashing in EQ. You don’t have to construct the quilt with sashing, just add that measurement to your block size. 

Both of the quilts below use a 14″ block size. 

 

When I make the quilt, I want the added space around the blocks to give the eye a place to rest.  

I’ll make my blocks 17″ and it will look like this one with the 3″ sashing, and I won’t have to jump through hoops in EQ to resize the entire applique block.  

Watch for a future blog post where I will show you how to “Jump Through EQ Hoops” to resize applique elements if you do want to change the block size permanently. Are you curious how I made the border that goes over the seam lines? I can show you that too…in another blog post!  

Happy Applique!  Sue