Use modern software to create a colorful folk-art-inspired quilt. This green apple will look just as delicious hanging from your wall or on a bed as it would at the fruit stand. Download printable instructions and templates.
Materials:
- Quilted Photo Express software from Mosaic Quilt Studio
- Personal Computer with a printer
- Baby Lock Jewel with Grace Pinnacle frame
- Grace Start Right Leader cloths
- Image file of a green apple
- Rotary cutter mat and ruler
- All-purpose thread to match fabrics
- Fabrics as directed by software
- Fusible gridded interfacing
- Warm & Natural cotton batting
- Backing fabric
- Fabric for borders and binding
- Clover white marking pen
- Blue water erase marking pen
- Assorted colors of decorative thread
Tools:
- Baby Lock sewing machine
- Baby Lock 1/4” foot with guide
- Baby Lock longarm machine and frame
Steps:
-
With Quilted Photo Express loaded onto your computer open the image file into Quilted Photo Express.
-
Adjust the photo details fabric quantity printer resolution print square size and color palette as desired.
-
Print the palette for the design. Select fabrics according to the hue and value of the colors in the color palette.
-
Print the pattern for the design.
-
Cut the fabrics into blocks (for this quilt we used 2” blocks). Stack the fabric into separate piles according to color
-
Lay a gridded fusible interfacing with the fusible side up across the printed pattern.
-
Match the color blocks according to the printed pattern. Align several rows and then fuse in place.
-
Thread the machine with all-purpose thread and attach the 1/4” foot with a guide. Select a straight stitch.
-
Once the rows of one section are fused stitch the rows and columns together using a 1/4” seam allowance.
-
Press the section. Repeat this process for the remaining sections
-
Once all the sections are stitched and pressed stitch the sections together to form the complete image.
-
Measure the width and length of your finished image
-
For the border strips cut strips of fabric 6” wide and slightly longer than the measurements from the previous step
-
Attach the side strips first then the top and bottom. Press.
-
Load fabric onto Pinnacle frame using the leader cloths with the batting on the lowest rod pieced top on the next and the backing on the top rod.
-
Bring the quilt top and batting up and over the backing fabric and secure to the leader cloth on the take up rod.
-
On this quilt the thread was changed often as the variations of color in the background changed.
-
Using the optional thread stand allows you to use smaller/ standard spools of thread.
-
This attachment saves lots of time because you do not have to reach or walk around to the back of the machine every time you change color.
-
-
Another option is to use monofilament thread and not worry about changing colors depending on the use of the quilt and how much it will be washed.
-
Sketch leaf designs on dressmaker’s tissue. When sketching the leaves think about the imperfections of real leaves such as leaves with caterpillars munching on them.
-
By adding in some leaves with a bite out of them it gives a more realistic look to the design.
-
-
Cut out the leaves and transfer them to the quilt using the blue marker or your preferred marking method.
-
The apple leaves will not show up with a single quilting line especially with a stickery feeling to the edge of the leaf.
-
To accomplish this look up/down and side to side motion was used to get enough quilting to show without it overdoing it into looking like crewel work or satin stitching.
-
-
The apple basket coordinated with the quilt theme and was added to be a fun way to change up the quilting while adding interest in the lower part of the quilt.
-
It was quilted it in same color family as that part of the background apple hoping to keep it subtle.
-
The basket was also sketched on dressmaker’s tissue cut out and then transferred it to the quilt using the blue marker.
-
For the words measured the width and length of the borders. Draft the letters on graft paper to fill the space accordingly.
-
Then cut them out and trace around them onto the black border using the Clover white marking pen. It’s so easy to apply and steams right out when you’re finished.
-
-
The inspiration for the quilting filler within the letters came from the thought that perhaps “Green Apples 5¢” might be written on old barn board signs.
-
Smaller apples and bees finish off the quilting. Make sketches as before cut them out and sprinkled them throughout the border.
-
Once you have a pleasing arrangement draw them with the white pen.
-
-
Once the quilting is complete remove the quilt from the frame
-
Lightly press or steam the edges. Trim all layers to square up the quilt.
-
Attach a rod pocket to the top back of the quilt.
-
Bind the edges in a matching or coordinating color.