I am new to this forum but wondered if anyone has a good pattern to use printed panels?

Im sorry I have not used panels before in any of my quilts but I am sure that there is someone here who can help you. Good luck!

I have used panels and depending on what size you are working towards sometimes it is as simple as using borders if the panel is a single picture, or I have fussy cut panels that have multiple pics and set them in a pattern similiar to warm wishes

Try mixing them in with 9 patches, pinwheels, checkerboard, ect. The simple quilting pattern might make the panels "be all they can be".

I havent, but I wanted to say Welcome!

Me too. Welcome.

When DD was two she loved tigers. I got a tiger panel and four tiger pillow panels. I used the large one in the center, two smalls on top and two on the bottom. I put them together with a complimentary sashing and border. I tied the quilt except for the tigers. I hand quilted them with several strands of black embroidery floss. It turned out beautifully---you can see the tigers from the back too. Panels are fairly easy to work with---just like any other fabric, you're only limited by your imagination. GO WILD!!!

I love to use panels for charity quilts. It's kind of the "jumping off place" for me. Then I add blocks and borders to make the size I want. I'm always looking through magazines trying to find a panel similar to the size of mine, so I can just insert my panel in their quilt layout. Finally, I have ordered EQ6. Now, I can use the software to do the work in figuring out how to layout my panel quilts. Yeah!

use a simple design to go around it

I'm doing one now using a simple pinwheel pattern. Just take out the center blocks and replace it with the panel

Check out Judy Sisneros' book, Nine-Patch Pizzaz. It is fabulous for using large focus fabrics or smaller panels. Like the potato chips, you can't make just one of these quilts, they're so much fun.

Thanks anyway. I call them cheater quilts but they sell well.

good Idea, I will try that.

I will look for that book and try that. Thanks.
Wow, I just read all the comments and the welcome and I am really touched by your sharing. Lots of time I have a question and no one to ask. This is a great community. I love Quilters!

Go to "Search" and type in the word "Panel(s)". You will be amazed at all the quilters on this board whose ideas you can look at and try from the pictures. I just ordered some panels from Fabrics.com and can't wait to work with them. Have fun and create. You will be so excited to see the finished creation you made. I never thought at 63 yrs old I would start a new hobby and after a year of learning I am so excited every time I see fabric I like for another quilt.

I am working on one now with the WInter Berry by Red Rooster snowmen panels (http://store.cottage-quilts.com/stor...8018&Photo=One).

I found that the different pictures were odd sizes. So I started out drafting the pattern in such a way that I did it a step at a time. I would cut the accent material a bit bigger and then square up/trim as needed rather than try to measure exactly 11 and 7/8s or some such nonsense. And I ended up with 3 large rows and then added two rows in between.

It's definitely a scrappy quilt! I did some piano keys, 4 patch, 16 patch,raw edge applique, etc.

I need to take a picture....i have two quilts in front of it before I actually get to quilting it!

I was given this panel last year & loved it so much that I hated to cut it up. So I made a quilt around it....and then bought another panel for cutting & playing. Now I just wish I knew where I packed it.

:thumbup: :thumbup: Love this quilt and the way you did it. Where did you get the panels? Really cute. Can you tell that I love this quilt. Good job. BrendaK

I use this book for ideas. I add squares and rectanges and it's just fun t play around with the smaller panels. My next one will be with farm animals.

Thanks!!! It's Nancy Halverson by Bernitex called Believe. I kinda doubt any are still out there in LQS but maybe someone can part with one for you. When I hand quilted it I free hand drew pine trees & snowflakes on the back (muslin) and went nuts. I was so bored looking at muslin by the time I was finished, I'll not do it that way again but it's different! :lol:

Thanks will try to look for it.BrendaK

I finally got a picture of mine.... it still needs its last border though.... And I will raw edge applique the fused pieces when quilting (snowflake, snowman, birds, poinsetta, christmas tree and bows)

What a cute and whimsical quilt! I love quilts that have this look!! :thumbup: