| Once you find the right Christmas art, quilt patterns to | | | | paper especially formulated for dark fabric. Follow the |
| showcase it generally fall right into place. If this is your | | | | directions included to create your photo Christmas art |
| first attempt to use art to appliqué a Christmas | | | | quilt pattern. |
| art quilt pattern, getting started may seem a little | | | | Another method of transferring photos is through |
| overwhelming. It's really easy when you keep these | | | | direct to fabric digital printing. It will cost a little more |
| tips in mind. | | | | than doing the transfer yourself, but the water-based |
| First, select simple art. Maybe your first Christmas art | | | | ink goes straight into the fibers of your cotton fabric. |
| quilt pattern design shouldn't be an intricate scene. Try | | | | The photo will be soft to the touch because it actually |
| starting first with a Christmas tree. | | | | becomes part of the fabric. |
| A Christmas art quilt pattern that centers on a | | | | Digital printing has long life, which is important if you plan |
| Christmas tree can be very simple or more intricate, | | | | to use the quilt and will need to wash it frequently. |
| depending on your skill level. It could be as easy as | | | | Some photo transfers do not last through multiple |
| stitching a large green print triangle for the evergreen | | | | washings. Call area t-shirt printers to ask if they offer |
| and a small rectangle for the trunk. | | | | digital garment printing services. Most are screen |
| Use your computer's clip art collection - or your | | | | printers so be sure to ask for a digital direct to |
| favorite online clip art - for design inspiration. Once you | | | | garment printer that does not use a sublimation |
| find the Christmas art you want to use for your quilt | | | | process. Wording your question that way should help |
| pattern, print it out and you'll have your Christmas art. | | | | you weed through to find a good photo printer for |
| Once you've selected your Christmas art, quilt pattern | | | | your Christmas art quilt pattern. |
| selection is next. Will you appliqué your Christmas | | | | If you're not interested in appliqué, there are |
| art one large 12-inch squares or incorporate it into | | | | several quilt patterns that have Christmas trees, bells, |
| another pattern, like a nine patch? Maybe you'll choose | | | | or wreaths pieced into the design. Choosing one of |
| to appliqué your Christmas art onto a large panel | | | | these traditional Christmas quilt patterns would be an |
| in the center of your quilt and border with several | | | | easy way to create a holiday family heirloom. |
| blocks of your favorite quilt pattern. It's up to you! | | | | If you chose to piece a Christmas art quilt pattern like |
| Maybe the Christmas art you want to incorporate into | | | | that, appliqué wouldn't be necessary. To add |
| your quilt pattern is a favorite family Christmas photo. | | | | your own flair to the traditional pieced tree pattern, you |
| What an exciting way to create a family favorite! | | | | could embellish the trees with buttons, iron on |
| There are a couple of ways to get your photo onto | | | | rhinestones, rick-rack garland, etc. |
| the quilt. I recommend putting the photo on a quilt block | | | | Once you have completed your Christmas art quilt |
| prior to piecing. In case something goes awry in the | | | | pattern, don't forget to sign and date the quilt. Use a |
| transfer process, it's much easier to cut another block | | | | fabric marker to pen your information onto the quilt. |
| than to create a whole other quilt! | | | | You may also choose to use simple embroidery to |
| Photo transferring is easy. The transfer paper is | | | | stitch your name and date into the quilt. Remember, |
| available at most craft stores. If you'll be printing the | | | | your creation won't be complete without your name |
| photo on darker fabric, make sure to get transfer | | | | and the date on which it was completed! |