Last month, I was inspired by one of the weekly newsletters I received from SplitCoastStampers, and subsequently Googled "quilt cards." Wow! What a lot of different techniques for achieving the quilted look on a greeting card!!! Some used a definite pattern while others were randomly assembled... some used real stitching, and some 'faux'... some even incorporated real fabric! Hmmmmmm. Where to start? Since I really wanted to "quilt," but was thinking of making multiples, I also wanted something fairly uncomplicated, scrap friendly, and time efficient.
Based on this criteria, I decided to start with a patchwork design, but instead of following one specific tutorial, I incorporated a variety of tips gleaned from several sets of directions. Then, after completing my first card, went back and tweaked things a bit to streamline the process. The result being what I'm sharing with you today, or my version of
Creating A Paper Patchwork Quilt
Materials (Specifics -- what
was used)
Paper (4 prints from a Making Memories paper pad, and a 3.75" x 4.75" cardstock panel)
Paper cutter or square punch (1" square by EK Success)
Ink - color to coordinate with papers (Ancient Page Chocolate, Archival Coffee)
Sponge Applicator (sponge dauber)
Sticker/label paper
Paper adhesive of choice (Scotch ATG gun)
1. Choose several coordinating papers. You can use a mix of prints, prints and solids, or even make your own prints by stamping on plain stock. For best results, however, the weight of the papers should all be the same.
2. Determine the quilt size. The finished size of the quilted piece depends on the size of the squares you use. Personally, I think it's easiest to work with 1” squares, but any size can be used... You just need to determine the total number of columns by rows needed for the look you want to create.
3. “Cut” the squares. Even though “square” should be easy enough to cut using a paper cutter, a punch produces true uniformity, and for me was faster. I used a 1” square punch by EK Success. I also kept all my squares separated by pattern… Not necessary if you really want to “patch at random,” but if you plan to repeat in any order, separated “stacks” will save time.
4. Ink the edges of each square. This is the most time consuming part of the whole project, and can actually be omitted… It does, however, add depth and will help camouflage the “seams.” Choose a coordinating color of ink that will compliment the base you plan to use. My applicator of choice? A sponge dauber.
5. Preview the layout. This is entirely optional, but I find it provides a chance to see exactly how the finished design will look, and allows for adjustments to be made -- especially if you know how you're planning to finish the card because you may want a certain print showing in a certain place, etc. Note: If you use the selected papers in regular order, the finished piece will be balanced and still look randomly configured.

6. Assemble the columns. For each column, press squares one at a time onto the sticky side of a ½” strip of label/sticker paper.
7. Adhere the columns to a base. Mount columns side by side onto a dark base (same color as the ink used works very well) which has been sized slightly smaller than the proposed size of the finished quilt. For example, if the finished quilt is to be 4 x 5, size the base to 3.75” x 4.75”. Work left to right starting with the two outer edges of the first column slightly extending beyond the two outer edges of the base. Add additional columns, edge-to-edge, across the panel.
8. Emboss the panel. Sandwich the assembled panel inside any embossing folder you choose, then run it through a die-cut/embossing machine 'hinged' edge first. My favorite folder so far? The Argyle folder by Cuttlebug because it has what looks like raised "stitching."
Note: It may be tempting, but DO NOT combine steps 6 & 7 into one and use sticker paper as a base for adhering all the squares in a single configuration. Things will start out looking great, but the embossing process in step 8 will cause the edges of the squares to separate slightly, and the the sticker paper will be exposed.
9. Use the quilted piece as desired -- As shown in the samples, a 20 square (4 columns x 5 rows) quilt makes a great background for an A-2 card... To make a single column, "longways" border for an A-2 card, use 6 squares, then center the border across the card, and trim each end flush with card -- for the "shortways" version, do the same thing with a single column of 5 squares. You can also find on-line samples of the quilted piece having been punched, or die cut etc... Endless possibilities!
Additional Details:
Stamps: smARTworks from Garden Tea, Changes, SBO Cookie Plate Botanicals
Dies/Punches: Nestabilities Labels 9, Martha Stewart (butterfly), Marianne Design Creatables (flourish swirls, flower)
Ink: Versafine Smokey Gray (gray card)
Embossing Folders: Cuttlebug Pop Culture, Sizzix Damask
Other: Diamond Stickles applied to punched butterfly