Today’s Topic: Make a Transparent Overlay To Test Quilt Design
Welcome to the Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.
(Find all of the previous Lessons HERE. Sign up for emails of the class HERE.)
Good Morning, Quilters!
As you begin to learn new motifs, it is important to see how they will work within your quilts. One of my favorite ways to audition motifs is using a transparent overlay made of vinyl. I recommend adding a border to the vinyl so you don’t accidentally draw off the edge and onto your quilt. (Don’t ask me how I know!)
Supplies for Transparent Overlay
It is easy to make your own with a few basic supplies:
- Lightweight Vinyl –Approximately 20 x 20 (I used 12 Gauge from JoAnn Fabrics)(Not an affiliate link)
- Cotton fabric- Four strips: 1-1/2 inches x 21″ (I use left over binding fabric)
- Wet Erase Pens or Dry Erase Pens
- Basic Sewing Supplies Including Sewing clips
- (Sewing clips work better on vinyl than pins)
How to Make a Transparent Overlay for Quilt Design
To create the overlay, fold the long cotton strips in half, wrong sides together and press.
Clip the fabric to the borders and zigzag in place. Use the standard zig-zag foot and cotton thread.
Add the words “Do Not Write” on one of the borders –and heed the advice! By keeping one side clean, you won’t risk getting ink on your quilt. (Don’t ask me…)
How to Use the Overlay
Both wet erase and dry erase markers write well on the vinyl and I use both.
The advantage of dry erase markers is the ability to try designs and wipe off readily with any cloth. It’s also the disadvantage–as your quilt can be the “any cloth” (Don’t ask…)
The wet erase markers come off only with a wet cloth or by running the overlay under water. A little safer, but if YOU are more careful than you know who…
Audition YOUR Motifs
As you build your repertoire of motifs, use the vinyl overlay to see how the motif will look on your quilt.
It is the best way to test the scale of a pattern.
Take your time to test more than one design, your first idea is rarely the best idea!
Low Tech is Often Best
I am really thrilled with this low tech way to audition quilt motifs and hope you will give it a try as well!
If you have leftover vinyl, you might like these folder/pouches. (I’ve made dozens–everyone loves them!)
What about YOU?
How do YOU audition quilt motifs?
Have YOU ever used clear vinyl sheets?
Do YOU have another method?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Doodling Away,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of LoriKennedyQuilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thanks!You might also enjoy my motif books: Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 and More Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3
19 comments
Mary McCarty
I made a couple from clear plastic sheet protectors: open the side near the binder holes, then either top or bottom to get 11×17”. Bind edges with blue tape. Then I marked a 3” grid (because I have a 3-x18” ruler), using my cutting mat to keep the grid true. I’m not sure how I’ll use it, but it seems like a cool tool!
Gayle Miller
Just made two! I had been using the vinyl but in it one large piece that I kept rolled up it was awkward and I wqs always afraid I would go off of the edge (which I did once). It took a little more time to use fabric binding over duct tape but it sure is pretty! Now to keep the marker off of my cute binding! .
nina777743
Thank you a Lori! What a great idea! Can’t wait to make mine, but I’ll take the faster route and use colored duct tape around the edges. I have a large roll because I use it to make 8”x11” flannel boards for my friends and wrap the edges in the tape. I plan to write THIS SIDE UP on all four sides of the tape so I can’t miss it (one is not enough).
Thanks everyone for your tips!
With joy, Linda
Diana Lassahn
I first used overhead projector plastic. It worked ok, but was too small. Then I bought light weight plastic yardage – enough for a medium size quilt. That worked also. Thanks for the reminder to NOT go off the edge. I like the idea of blue tape for that.
Ellen
Lori, the post you did on refining the flowers was extremely helpful, not only in my “doodle life” but in my “doodling on fabric life” as well! I have never used any of the flowers in groups because I couldn’t get them to look nice. Just that little suggestion about shortening the stems when you branch off into the next flower made all the difference!
Lois Moran
I have a small strip of edging for the vinyl overlay that is a different color. I know it always goes in the top upper right so the inky side is facing me. This is such a super solution for quilting ideas!
Marta
Recently I discovered craft size clothes pins.. actually in 3 sizes.. They work so well for me ! Got some more !!
Lora Stovall
I use a piece of plexiglass. Any hardware store will cut it to size. Put painters tape around the edges. Mine is the right size for the space in my longarm.
sondra ordway
I use a piece of ridgid clear plastic to both practice doodles and to audition quilting motifs. You can buy the
gladquilts
Lori, great suggestion. Using the fabric binding on the edge is a very good idea. I made my vinyl sheet with painter’s tape on the edge and after a while the tape shrunk and caused the vinyl to puff up and made it hard to use. I had to cut off that edge and start over with fabric. Also, writing TOP or some indicator that you should only write on one side is important. Even if it looks like the wipe off marker is gone, dust from the ink could still be there to cause damage to the quilt top. I use this method to show my customers what ideas I have for quilting their quilts.
msdaisie
A BRILLIANT idea! Both the vinyl AND the “Do Not Write” on the binding. Thank you for the million “try this, try that” to come up with a plan that works!
Janet Norman
I draw the pieced design on paper, and then put “ press and seal” over it. I use dry erase markers to draw my quilting design on the press and seal. If the design is good, I can take it off the paper and save it, while I try another design.
Lynn
Good idea!
Karen Salemi
I use sheet protectors for three ring binders with tape around the edges so I don’t write on my quilts.
Brenda Perry
Nice overlay! I have a minor correction: Your directions: “To create the overlay, fold the long cotton strips in half, right sides together and press.” should read “To create the overlay, fold the long cotton strips in half, wrong sides together and press.” I use an acrylic panel that I’ve put blue masking tape along the edge in similar manner.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Yes!! You are right! I will correct! Thank you!
Joni
Hi Lori,
Wanted to let everyone know what great customer service you have! About the time, I thought my order for your new book was lost in the ginormous maw Of the USPO, I received an email, worried about the delayed arrival with an offer to send me the eversion of the book. I gratefully accepted and was thrilled with it. And now your lively REAL book has arrived! Not too many companies would go to such lengths to keep their customers happy so thank you doublefold.
Barb
I use a clear sheet of plastic and dry erase markers too to audition quilt designs, but I just taped the edges of mine with colored duct tape and wrote “TOP” on it so I know which side is up.
GrrannyH
Same here!
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