iQ Project #2 , part 6. The final instalment.

This is the final instalment of the line pattern project. 

I demonstrate a way to set the parallel line pattern in place so that all the sides can be clipped. These screenshots clarify that process. 

I place my needle slightly above the top seam line of the triangle that will become the clipping block.

I move the machine to the center of the long side for one repeat of the pattern and I make sure that the pattern matches the horizontal needle line (the green line) making it perfectly straight. I do not follow the seam line's slight downward angle.

I then move over to the other end of the triangle for the second repeat, again making sure the pattern is straight. If that's not done, the lines will not be parallel.

The top of my triangle was not perfectly straight, so following the seam line would have made my lines crooked and the lines in the second repeat would not have been parallel to the lines in the first repeat, as shown below. 

Making this pattern larger than my clipping block allowed all three edges to be clipped.  

The video goes on to explain once again how to set the border pattern in place with a description of placing the corner lollipop.

I hope this project has shown the usefulness of line pattern. I didn't need to mark any blocks once I had determined the height of each pattern because I knew the piecing was good. If this had been a quilt where I could see that the piecing varied, I would have marked more blocks and changed the height of the patterns as necessary so that they sat correctly in the piecing. 

If the borders had varied in width, I would have marked them all and changed the height of each pattern repeat to suit the piecing. Rather than keep all the patterns the same height, which will draw attention to the piecing, I look at the space between the top of the pattern and the edge of the quilt and try to keep that consistent. Any slight difference in the height of each repeat will not be noticeable.

There is one last thing to do after finishing the project, and that is to move the patterns into their final destination catalogs. If you want to keep them altogether but not at the top of your library list, simply rename the catalog without the spaces before the name. I will move individual patterns into other catalogs - for instance, I have one named Swags so all the swag patterns will go into that catalog so that they'll be easy for me to find next time I want a swag. Others may go into my P2P catalog, or just into the Patterns by Helen catalog. In the end how patterns are organised is a very personal decision. They just need to be easy to find.

iQ Project #2, part 5.

Another advance of the quilt. This time I place and stitch several line patterns together. It's a test to see if I get good results or if the quilt has drawn up too much. Practice projects like this are very helpful in building knowledge - mistakes are always good because we learn so much from them. I don't usually correct things on practice quilts. If this had been a customer's quilt, I would have picked out the stitches that weren't exactly where I wanted them to be - you'll see some in the ditch work that didn't hit the ditch. To make practice projects really useful for future reference, you can make notes about what you did and and how you might change the way you did things. 

I do not finish the pass in this video because I think you should be able to do that now. After completing this pass, I then went on to complete the next section of my quilt, which included the rest of the center medallion. For me that meant another advance, but those of you with larger machines can probably finish this part without advancing, allowing you to stitch the center motif as one complete line pattern..

Before the next instalment, please stitch everything shown in this screenshot. 

iQ Project #2, part 4.

This is part 4 of the project with the third video. I have advanced my quilt and am ready to stitch all the patterns within my reach. I start with the stitch in the ditch, which stabilises the quilt somewhat. I move on to add more line patterns. 

In the square, 4 swags create a new motif. This could be re-created using a perfect block on iQ as a guide and then saved to be used as a block pattern in the future. Triangular patterns, or any point to point pattern can be combined in this way to make new patterns for blocks.

Marking the block helps in sizing the patterns correctly when I first place them. If my quilt is pieced pretty accurately, I will not need to mark any blocks after this. 

Now, I can hear some of you questioning why I didn't keep the large triangle stitch in the ditch pattern and just convert it to a block for the clipping block. My answer is simply - quilt draw up. Once that stitch in the ditch was sewn, my quilt would have moved ever so slightly - it would have been drawn in. I also stitched several more patterns before getting to the clipping block, which would have also moved my quilt. It was safer to mark-on-quilt the block for the clipping block.

You'll also notice that I didn't pay attention to the heights of the patterns that I had carefully written down. I often just look at the patterns on my screen and guess which one is correct, but I need to get into the habit of referring to my notes in order to place the correct pattern. iQ will remember everything so I need to remove the patterns with the incorrect heights to avoid mistakes or confusion. Let's see if I remember to do that in the next episode.

iQ Project #2, part 3. The quilting begins.

This video instalment shows how to use a presentation clicker when placing patterns, and when changing patterns. If you do not have a clicker, you can, ofcourse, just touch the buttons. Touch 'ok' each time you have placed a pattern, and touch the button labeled 'pattern' when you want to change the pattern. 

I use 'Flip Y' to change the orientation of the continuous curves - I am saying that on the video but I'm a bit quiet.

I find the clicker allows me to be more accurate because I am not running the risk of moving my machine slightly when I touch the on screen buttons. However, I used iQ for years quite successfully before getting a clicker so don't feel you have to get one.

In this video I stitch in the ditch, stitch the top border and part way down the sides, and stitch continuous curves in the small squares.

NOTE: A very good question was asked about how I decided to make one repeat of the border equal 4 squares of the inner border. I omitted counting the inner border squares in the video to show how I decided. There were 16 squares so I knew I could make each repeat of the swag border pattern equal to either 2 or 4 squares. 4 was best for this swag. 

iQ Project #2, part 2 - the Line Pattern Project. Loading the patterns.

This is a screenshot of the finished project. 

We will only be using line pattern and clipping block for this project. All the patterns have been created by me and can be downloaded from this link line pattern project patterns 

The pattern file includes the quilt map, which we will not be using for this project but I have included it because you might like to use it in the future for designing your own quilts.

Once you've downloaded the patterns to your computer, look for the quilt map which has the suffix .iqq. Move this to a folder titled quilts on your usb. If you do not have a quilts folder, just create one with that name.  

The patterns have the suffix .dxf and should be moved into the folder named patterns on your usb. 

I tried out several different patterns before deciding upon the ones shown in the screenshot - all my try-outs are included in the file.

This video should help with downloading the patterns and organising them on your iQ. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Check the patterns folder on your thumb drive - if there are patterns in it, either load them onto your tablet and then delete them from you thumb drive, or simply delete them if you've already loaded them onto your tablet.

Custom Quilting With Line Pattern. iQ Project #2. Part 1 - making the quilt.

If you wish to make this project, here are the directions. It is a small 40" by 40" finished quilt. The quilting will show really well on plain fabric, but of course, you can use whatever fabric you please. I just used some from my stash. (The two dots at the top are just pin heads.)

In this project we are using line pattern for the whole quilt.

Cutting and construction. 

The picture shows where the pieces are located. 

You will start in the middle with piece A and work your way out to the edges.

A – cut one 9” square.

B – cut one 10 ¼” square. 

Cut that square in half diagonally in both directions - from the upper left corner to the lower         right corner, and from the upper right corner to the lower left corner – making four triangles.

Sew the long edges of those four triangles to the sides of square A. 

Trim this square in square piece to 12 ½”.

 

C – cut one 13 ¾” square.

Cut this square in half diagonally in both directions, making four triangles.

Sew the long sides of the four triangles to the 12 ½” square in square piece you made in the previous step. (Refer to picture for placement)

Trim to 17 ½”.

 

Sashing - cut two strips of fabric 1 7/8” by 171/2”. Sew them to two opposite sides of the 17 ½” square.

Cut two strips of fabric 1 7/8” by 21 ¼”.

Sew them to the remaining two sides.

 

D – cut four 7 7/8” squares.

Cut each one in half diagonally.

 

E - cut four 7 ½” squares.

 

Sew two D triangles to each E square. (Refer to picture for placement.)

 

The piece should now measure 28 ½” by 28 ½”.

  

Inner border – cut sixty 2 ½” squares.

Sew 14 squares together for each of two borders.

Sew these to opposite sides of the 28 ½” quilt.

Sew 16 squares together for each of the remaining borders.

Sew these to the remaining sides of the quilt.

 

Measure your quilt at this point. If your quilt does not measure 32 ½” by 32 ½”, cut the length of your outer border pieces in the next step to match your quilt.

 

Outer Border – cut two strips of fabric 4 ½” by 32 ½”.

Sew them to two opposite sides of the quilt.

Cut two strips of fabric 4 ½” by 40 ½”.

Sew these to the remaining two sides of the quilt.

Placing a motif using snap to needle - custom quilting

In this video Crystal Smythe demonstrates how to use 'snap to needle' to move motifs and set them in place when doing custom quilting. This is a good method to use when the motif to be stitched isn't going to be very close to the edge of the block. If you have sized it to allow some space between the block perimeter and the stitched motif, this is the fastest method for placing a pattern that will be repeated many times on a quilt. Each block doesn't need to be marked. The space left between the motif and the block perimeter when you first set up the motif, allows for any slight difference in the piecing.

Adding Width to the Quilting Design after Starting the Quilt, by Sheridan Carter.

Oops there's been a mistake. The quilt on the IntelliQuilter screen is smaller than the one that's on the frame and this video will show you how to correct the problem.

Properly Shutting Down, Saving Needle Position and Restarting a Panto, by Sheridan Carter.

Join Sheridan Carter as she takes you step by step through saving your needle position, saving your project and properly shutting down. . Next, you are guided through restarting.

Quilting a Lone Star with Continuous Curves Line Pattern, by Sheridan Carter.

This Lone Star was the perfect design to quilt with Continuous Curves and Line Pattern makes it so easy. Join Sheridan as she takes you step by step through the process of quilting with IntelliQuilter.

Using Adjust when Stitching a Panto

Adjust the edges and include a pause marker to allow Intelliquilter to assist you! Never quilt too far off the edges or stop short of the quilt you planned. Adjust is the perfect answer and it so easy.

Realigning Two Ways, by Sheridan Carter

In this video we show two ways to realign after finishing a row and moving the quilt. Anytime you move the quilt, you must tell Intelliquilter where you are. Intelliquilter is easy to realign and there are two methods to use

Using Line Pattern to Stitch in the Ditch, by Sheridan Carter.

This video demonstrates how to use line pattern for stitching in the ditch. Sheridan uses an APQS machine so she shows how to direct her laser light down through the machine's foot. Sheridan also shows her clicker and how to use it. Any type of presentation clicker can be used to activate some of the buttons on iQ.

Restarting After a Thread Break Alert, by Sheridan Carter.

Join Sheridan Carter in the studio when her APQS Lucey runs out of bobbin thread. No need to worry when Intelliquilter allows you to move the machine to change the bobbin and makes it so easy to resume quilting. Restart is a fabulous option and makes it super easy to get quilting again.

Tutorial for Setting up and Saving a Pantograph or E-2-E, by Sheridan Carter

Sheridan Carter takes you step by step in setting up a pantograph on the ClassIQ. Follow along and get comfortable using the IQ tablet off the frame to design and save a quilt to be stitched out later.

Part 3. Crosshatching, by Sheridan Carter.

Stitching the crosshatching.

Part 2. Crosshatching, by Sheridan Carter.

Editing, sequencing and previewing the crosshatching.

Part 1. Crosshatching using line pattern, echo and clipping block, by Sheridan Carter.

Here Sheridan shows how to create a crosshatching pattern using echo pattern. Watch Part 2 and Part 3 for the complete demonstration, including further editing, sequencing and stitching.

Custom Quilting Blocks With Intelliquilter Tutorial, by Sheridan Carter.

Custom quilting will involve working in the different areas of the quilt and adding special quilting to make the quilt sing! One way to place custom work in a block is by marking the block and placing a design with easy editing. After stitching in the ditch, Sheridan walks you through marking a block and placing a design within that space. Modify the design with simple changes to make the design a perfect fit.

IntelliQuilter Tutorial for No-Sew Zone, by Sheridan Carter.

Here's a fun tutorial for you to practice a no sew zone. Relax and enjoy the video as I take you step by step though a small quilt project. I chose a dense background which will really make the no sew zone pop! No sew zones are fabulous around applique or you may have an area that you need to avoid while stitching. That could be a bulky patch or part of a decoration and this will help you be prepared. Let's do this! Sheridan Carter is the owner of Sheridan Kay Quilting in Hendersonville, NC skquilts@gmail.com

Faux Ruler Work on the IQ

This is an excellent video lesson by Sonya Chinn. It explains how Sonya quilted what looked like Ruler work in blocks, with the appearance of the line continuing into surrounding blocks, on the Intelliquilter. Sonya describes every step,and at the end she shows how she uses the snap to needle button to realign a pattern. Sonya also uses the reset handles tool of distort. Custom quilting is never fast but iQ stitches these kinds of straight lines perfectly so it well worth using iQ for custom quilting. While it takes a bit of time to create the patterns, once they are saved you never have to do that again. Thank you Sonya for an excellent demonstration.

Helen's iQ - using snap to needle to realign patterns.

Recently there was a question about how to use snap to needle that appears at the page titled 'Modify Pattern', so here's a quick demonstration showing how to use it to move a pattern, or realign it, to a new location.

Helen's iQ - local configurations, and the stop marker.

I encourage everyone to look at the local configurations when you come across them. They allow you to set iQ to do what you want - for instance, if you are tired of seeing some pop-up windows, you can turn them off. I also demonstrate the stop marker, which lets you set iQ to stop at a sepcific place on your quilt so you don't have to stand and watch ready to touch pause. Why might you want to pause the stitching? If ther's an open seam, a thick seam, and embellishment, or if you want the stitching to pause close to the end of a panto row so you can check if the pattern will end where you want it to end.

Helen's iQ - Transitions for no-sew zones.

A talk about the different transition options for no-sew zones. This is another good test to run, if you haven't used no-sew zones or clipping blocks before, in order to find out how the different transitions stitch out and which you prefer. It's not necessary to do this every time you need a no-sew zone because once you understand the differences, you'll be able to decide which one is best for each no-sew zone you create.  These transition choices will also appear when a clipping block is created.

At about the 2:30 mark there's bit of skipping where I stopped to change my bobbin (poor planning on my part). It sounds as if you have missed something, but it was nothing important. I finished stitching the block without starting the recording again and that's why I used Close Block. At the 12:50 mark, I get into a loop by hitting the back button - I finally realise that hitting the cancel button is the right thing to do. You cannot hear me say that clearly, which is why I'm writing this.

Helen's iQ - using a digitised alphabet.

In this video I show how to use the complete alphabet pattern from Laurie Thomas (itsaquiltthing.com) to make a word.

This method works for any alphabet that comes as one pattern that has all the letters joined with jump stitches.

As with every video I make, I say the name of the button I am touching so if you miss seeing me touch a button, don't worry - just listen.

Helen's iQ - stitch length

In this video I make a test piece that helps in understanding, and remembering, how to set my quilting machine and iQ to get the stitch length I prefer. This can be a challenge for new iQ owners so taking a little time to do this is well worth it. I am using IntelliQuilter on my Gammill Premier whic has the IntelliStitch stitch regulator. I am stitching on an old sheet with scrap batting.

After doing these simple lines, sew a few more lines where you change both the settings on iQ and your machine speed. Make clear notes on the fabric.

I encourage you to stitch many samples - more than I show in the video. Label them so you have a quick reference guide. With experience you will get to know your settings but this is a good way to start out.

Helen's iQ - cleaning the drive wheels.

In this video I am cleaning the drive wheel on my Y motor. The video is a bit choppy right at the end where the camera was turned off by mistake, but nothing important was missed. This was also a hand held camera which got the best view of the drive wheel. After cleaning the Y motor drive wheel, I would go on and clean the X motor drive wheel.  Do this at least once a month, but more often if you are quilting a lot, or know that your tracks oxidise like mine. I also have to clean my EdgeRider wheels frequently, along with the tracks, to remove the black.

IQ Spiral Echo Change Start Point

In this video Sonya Chinn shows how to create a spiral echo and change its start point.

IQ Catalog Organization - Naming Conventions

This video by Sonya Chinn explains how the naming of catalogs works on the Intelliquilter and how to move patterns into new catalogs. You can find a hand out for much of what is in the video (it might help the video make sense) at Sonya's blog

IQ Angel/ Bird Feathers and Shingles

 Sonya Chinn made this excellent video showing how to design a pattern to be used on wings, and another for roof shingles. All done very quickly on your iQ.