I've been sewing for many years, but have been quilting for just one year. I've made four quilts so far this year -- all machine quilted.

I have a pattern for a table runner that I plan to make, and would like to quilt a design in the middle of the table runner (I already have a design that I'd like to use). My question is, . . . how do I do it? How do I get my design from a piece of paper that I printed, onto the material? Or do I pin the paper to the material and trace the pattern that way?

Thanks for your help!
Jodi

You could, or you could grid the both of them and transfer it freehand, if you're having size issues. I sometimes use the transfer sheets I have to trace clothing patterns. It all depends on what you're comfortable with, and the details of what you'd like to do.

It might help if you were a little more specific about the design, size, etc. Can you post pictures?

you can actually sew right on the paper then tear it away

You could also transfer your quilt pattern onto freezer paper, iron it onto the tablerunner where you want it to be (that will keep it from shifting) and then sew over the freezer paper. Tear away after stitching. Don't forget to shorten your stitch length so that the paper will be easier to remove.

Sue

I do not like the feel and sound of sewing over paper (and I do not like to tear the paper afterwards) but I do not mind drawing my design on Sulky or press and seal and sewing over it. That method works better for me.

tissue paper! I use it all the time.

yes, I use tissue paper alot - mostly because I've yet to find a good marking pen and I'm really a FMQ chicken. I use Golden Threads paper - easier to remove yet more sturdy for tracing. It comes in a roll in two widths. Not terribly expensive.

AHA! This is my chance to ask about a light box ------ is this the kind of situation where you could place the paper with the design on top of the plexiglass and mark the quilt? I think I'm going to branch out to find a better marking technique.

need to know more about the design . it is difficult to give informaed comments without knowing the specific design.

I would have to say that depends on the color and weight of the fabric...a heavy thread count dark fabric would be unlikely, I would think, but if you were working with say, white...absolutely.