I have two computerized quilting videos for you today on quilting blocks with Quilter's Creative Touch 5 (QCT 5). Let's first learn the basic method for placing and quilting a block design in QCT 5 Beginnings:
Tools and supplies from this quilting tutorial:
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Quilting Quilter's Creative Touch on a Home Machine
Using a home machine with QCT is really fun because it's basically transformed a straight stitch machine into a massive quilting embroidery machine!
With my machine and frame set up this way, I have a maximum quiltable space of 5.8 x 43 inches. While this isn't a lot of space to play, it's far bigger than any embroidery machine hoop, plus the frame supports my quilt sandwich and keeps the layers smooth and even.
By the way, my Evolution Hoop Frame is in Rolling Rail Style for this tutorial. I find I have a little more quilting space with this style than Hoop Style because I don't have to use the clamps on the back rail.
I'm quilting this spring baby quilt with designs from the Super Spirals and Maximized Feathers quilting collections. I never realized how well spirals and feathers work together in the same quilt!
Placing and Quilting Blocks with QCT 5 Beginnings
QCT 5 Beginnings is the simpler, beginner version of the software and it served me very well for a few years. To place a square design in a quilt block, I use Four Points Stretch and fit the block inside, leaving a 1/4 inch gap between the outer edge of the block and the design.
I do this because I think it looks good and it shrinks the block size. Remember, my vertical quilting limit is 5.8 inches - and that was measured at the beginning of my quilt when very little bulk was in the arm of the machine. As the quilt rolls up on the back rail, this vertical space will shrink. By reducing the size of the design, I can make the best use of my quilting space through the entire quilt.
How to Quilt Blocks Around Appliques
The yellow daisies are the star of the show in this quilt. They are bright and cheerful... but inconveniently scattered all over the green blocks. Did you know you can still quilt your block designs with QCT and clip out shapes like these flowers? Learn how to do this in this video:
Yes, this is a higher level Quilter's Creative Touch software feature. You'll need QCT 5 PRO and then add the Gold Card too. Gold Card Access is a yearly subscription to the highest level of the software and even more features like Pattern Eclipse. Yes, it's worth it - now that I've upgraded, I really can't live without these features!
As you can see, the Pattern Eclipse engine cut the feather design out around the flower shape. This was stitched continuous line - I didn't have any thread breaks within the design, though sometimes it will break thread if the program can't figure out another way to stitch it.
Sometimes QCT will quilt an outline around the shape as you can see above, sometimes it won't. I fill in the gaps and quilt around the flower again using the QCT Marking Tool:
Are you curious to see more about QCT on a Home Machine? I have more videos coming this week! Be looking forward to learning many fun techniques with all levels of the software.
Let's go quilt,
Leah Day
Tools and supplies from this quilting tutorial:
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