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EQ Lessons: CTRL + click and the Layout Library

by Andrea Poulimenos

Probably one of the coolest things I've learned in EQ5 was from Barb Vlack. This technique is actually one of the tips from her book "EQ5 Quilt Design: Border, Layout and Setting Secrets" and also inspired the June 2003 ClubEQ challenge "I'm Seeing Stars."

By now you should know that CTRL + click will put a block in every space in the quilt. But did you know that also applies to quilts from the Layout Library?

Let's try CTRL + clicking!

1. Start a new EQ5 project.
2. Click Libraries - Layout Library.
3. Click EQ Libraries - 2 Basics by Style - Stars.

4. Click a quilt layout which appeals to you and click Copy.
5. Copy as many quilt layouts as you like. You can also try some of the quilts from the Special Effects style.
6. When you are done copying quilts, click Close.
7. Click Libraries - Block Library.
8. Click EQ Libraries - 1 Classic Pieced - Classics.
9. Copy at least 3 or 4 blocks from this section.
10. Copy other blocks from any styles or libraries.
11. Click Close when you're done.
12. Click the View Sketchbook button.
13. Click the Quilts tab.
14. Use the arrows to scroll through the quilts in your Sketchbook. When you find one you like, click Edit. This will put the quilt on the worktable in front of you.
15. Click the Set tool.
16. Click a block in the Blocks palette to select it.
17. Hold down your keyboard CTRL key.
18. Position your cursor over an empty block in your quilt and click in your quilt.

19. Click the Rotate tool and rotate the blocks into a pleasing configuration.
20. Click the Eyedropper tool.
21. Click on a color in the quilt to pick the color up in the color palette.
22. Click the Plain Block tool.

23. Click on top of blocks already set in the quilt (without the CTRL key) to erase the piecing and replace them with plain blocks. This will simplify piecing and complex seams.
24. Fill with fabrics and Save in Sketchbook.

How to print the blocks in the quilt

1. Click the Select tool.
2. Click a block in the center of the quilt.
3. Click File - Print - Foundation Pattern.
4. Click the Options tab.
5. Put a check in "size from quilt."
6. Click Preview.
7. Click Print.
8. You can also try Templates and Rotary Cutting. Remember Foundation Patterns and Templates will be the most accurate.