im trying to make a picture quilt, and not sure how to get started, is there a web sight i can look under?

Answer 1

There are basically two parts to photo quilts - putting the photos on fabric, and sewing the quilt. If you've quilted before, the second step is easy - just do what you've always done, incorporating the photos into the center of open blocks or using them as setting squares. If you've never quilted before, well, we'll get to that later.

As for putting the photos on fabric, there are two methods - iron on transfer sheets, or printable fabric sheets. Your should avoid the iron on transfer sheets for quilting because they do not hold up in the long run. There are many different kinds of printable fabric and you can find them in your local craft store. Read the instructions before you buy to make sure you get the best product for your needs. Some require heat setting, some are not washable. Samples are below, along with great step-by-step instructions from HP.

As for the quilting, you can make a simple quilt by just sewing "frames" - strips of fabric - onto your photos, then sew the frames together. If you want to get more creative, try making a snowball block with the photo by sewing triangles onto the corners, then alternating the photo blocks with shoofly blocks (that would be a "snow shoo" pattern, also called "snow churn" at the link below). You could make picture frame blocks, or any other block that has a medium to large center square. Another one that would work well (and is easy to do) is a log cabin variation. Put the photo in the center, then sew strips around it.

If you've never quilted before, check out Alex Anderson's book "Start Quilting" or one by Eleanor Burns, like "It's 'El-'ementary." They can give you the basics of quilting. One suggestion - instead of worrying about perfect cutting and perfect seams, cut your pieces slightly larger, sew them together, then trim the finished piece to the correct size. This works especially well with the log cabin block. Trim after each round, and you'll have a perfect block.

Answer 2

Do you mean you would like to make a quilt that has photographs on it? If so, they are often called "Memory Quilts". There are lots of books available with patterns for some amazing memory quilts. A search on Amazon.com might help you. Also you could search Yahoo! for something like "How to make a memory quilt" or "Memory Quilts".

I have not made one yet, but some on-line quilting friends of mine have. They have suggested to me using a product called Bubble Jet Set 2000 (here is just one place you can find it http://www.dharmatrading.com/bjset.html) to transfer your photo onto your quilting fabric.

I hope that helps to get you started! Good luck! :)

Answer 3

Try this one for a starter:

http://www.alexandersonquilts.com/main.php