How-To Mock-Up A Quilt Layout In Seconds

Hello, friends!

As quilters + creative people we tend to be are very visual. Sometimes it is hard for me to get a full grasp on what my finished project is going to look like (and let's be honest, the finished product is the best!). If you follow me over on Instagram or Facebook, you've probably seen me mock-up a quilt layout using my iPhone. I've found it's the best way to take a step back and look at fabric selection & balance without having all of your quilt blocks sewn...and it only takes a few seconds! I like to use the phone/tablet application called PicFrame -- it's available for purchase on both iTunes & Google Play. Here's how I do it:

First, you'll need to start with a square image of a quilt block or set of blocks. For this #ScrappyTripAlong sample I've been working on & sharing over on Instagram I chose to use 4 blocks and arranged them in a traditional Trip Around the World layout. It's important that you have a square image -- I like to take my picture from straight above the block(s) & then crop down to a square shape. It may take some practice to line things up.

Next open your PicFrame App and choose the 3x3 block layout on the last page (there are LOTS of mosaic templates to choose from!). 

Tap your finer on the first grayed out square in the top lefthand corner. 

Choose "Camera Roll".

Add the square image of your quilt block(s).

Add the same block(s) in all 9 squares. 

Tap your finger on the "Style" Tool to get rid of the white grid lines. 

Side the "Width" tool all the way to the left. 

To save your new image, tap your finger on the "Share" tool. 

Then tap on "Save".

And you are done -- it's so super simple! 

It's fun to play around with different block layout & sizes, too. 

Give a try and let me know what you think!

Happy Sewing, Megan