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