Originally Posted by CarolynMT

Hello all, I am currently working on a group project. There are 25 blocks with each block made by a different person. The quilting needs to be freehand (no pantographs) because some blocks are applique and/or embellished. So on the other kinds of blocks, I was trying to get some designs from my book to the quilt top. I played with different methods and sadly took entirely too long to figure this out. I thought you all might like to know how to do what I did.

So here is a quick tutorial on how to transfer a design for a block from book to quilt using methods similar to doing pantographs (from back of machine)

1. So here is the block all ready to go

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2. Lay plexiglass piece down on quilt (make sure the side on the quilt is clean) and draw an outline of block and any key pieces you want with a dry erase marker (make sure it is dry erase or you wont be able to reuse the plexi)

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3. Now lay the plexi on the book, position the design where you like it

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4. Draw the design in, you can always erase and redo if you dont like it, I had to monkey around with mine a bit to get it to fit and look nice:

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5. Place on your pantograph table, align your corners of the drawn block with the corners of the block, adjust either the plexi or laser light to get it to line up nice.

6. Drop needle in a good place to tie off, then go around front and do your knot/tie off.

7. Move to back of machine and do a few stitches, then go cut your threads (or bury them) from step 6. Then continue from back with design.

8. Stop and repeat step 6 & 7 until all designs are done.

9. Viola, your block is complete using techniques you use for pantographs. I find my stitching is smoother and more controlled, it might be because I am used to pantos and not so much free handing. But this is a great way to transfer designs easily.

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Originally Posted by lolita

I was wondering, I am new to long arm quilting as I inherited my mothers gammill and saw a miniature device that is like a overhead projector. I wondered if you could project from a computer your design on the block using this device and that way you could work from the front of your machine.