Sunday, June 26, 2011

Create A QR Code Quilt!

After receiving word that a GO!Baby Accuquilt cutting system was coming my way, my son decided that the 2" square die I ordered would be perfect for creating a QR Code quilt. A quick google search showed us that others have already crafted QR Codes in various fibre media, including quilts, cross stitch, embroidery and knitting.

QR Quilt Tutorial by Poppyprint
QR Code Quilt basted

I've written a tutorial explaining how I created my 37" square quilt using my GO!Baby cutter. It's a pictorial tute on flickr with the instructions appearing in each photo's description. Just click through each photo and read the descriptions below. As always, be sure to read the entire tutorial before starting as there are time-saving tips that appear under each photo.

This particular quilt was created for the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild. I thought it would be so cool to have this modern quilt to hang at public events. Anyone with a smart phone can scan the quilt and they'll be taken directly to our website for more information, membership details and inspiration!

Quilting the QR by Poppyprint

I was quilting my QR Code yesterday at Vancouver's first Mini Maker Faire and the response was fantastic. People thought it was pretty awesome (I was a good mom and made sure to give T credit for the idea). I kept having to remove it from the machine so people could scan it!

I already wrote a bit about the preparation of this project. Based on some of the comments I received on that post, and subsequent email correspondence with friends, I think the kids and I were a bit ambitious cramming 8 layers of fabric through the GO!Baby. Next time, I'll limit it to 4 layers. I did find that the fabric shifted a bit and some squares (very few, but some) were skewed and unusable.

QR Quilt Tutorial by Poppyprint

The other thing that wasn't ideal for me (being a bit of a perfectionist) is the fact that the die blades have to pass through the machine at a slight angle to the roller. This means that square shapes with right angles will have edges slightly off grain, resulting in some fraying. Normally this wouldn't phase me, but when working with black and white it's frustrating to have all of those little black threads shadowing through the white fabric. I tried trimming, but it was a losing battle! NEXT time, perhaps I should orient my fabric so that the grain is parallel to the blades on the die, instead of making them parallel to the edge of the cutting mat. So really, it seems that this issue is more of a newbie-operator error. I would appreciate feedback from some experienced Accuquilt users here....

The good news is that the QR Code Quilt looks super cool, and it is totally functional! Worked every time someone scanned it. I still have more quilting to do, so hang tight and I'll be back later in the week with a Full Frontal!

I'd like to thank the Accuquilt company for making it possible to cut 400, 2" squares in 20 minutes. And for making quilting 'cool' for my teenagers.

Accuquilt has a new offer for people that sign up for their informative newsletter; you will instantly receive 22 free quilt patterns as .pdf downloads! Click on my sidebar button to sign up. It's FREE and who couldn't use 22 new patterns? An Accuquilt cutter is not required to make many of them, but it sure would speed up the process!

36 comments:

rubyslipperz1052 said...

O! this is sooo COOL!! My kids would LUV a quilt similar to this...thanks for sharing! I'm online trying to figure out what to order...All dies for the Studio (if you order 4 or more) are 25% off. They only do this sale....MAYbe twice a year! So, I can't decide what to do...maybe I need to add the 2"?

hugZ,
annie
rubyslipperz106.blogspot

felicity said...

Super, super cool, Krista!

Amy Friend said...

You are just too hip! I think it is so neat that it is really functional and worked just as planned! Awesome!

Live a Colorful Life said...

I have often looked at those codes and thought they would make a perfect quilt. Yours is amazing and totally cool!

MariQuilts said...

great quilt.....I mark where the blades are on the dies with a sharpie felt pen, then it's easier to line the fabric up to the blades.

paulette said...

Stunning quilt...and I can't believe your son got involved in helping you...a budding quilter perhaps?? I was just going to tell you how important it is to mark your blades with a sharpie...but MariQuilts did it for me. This way you always line the grain of the fabric with these lines NEVER with the edge of you die. Try it...if you google "marking accuquilt dies" there are videos on this.

Riel Nason said...

That is the definition of a modern quilt!! So cool!!!

Holly said...

I have to agree with the above comment, this is the epitome of modern quilting! I'm so glad I was at Maker Faire when you started quilting this so I could see someone scan it and get directed to the VMQG website. Tell your son he had a great idea!

carol said...

Well, how cool is that? Figures that you would be the first one to try this magnificent endeavor! Bravo!

Patti said...

Wow Krista! Such an amazing quilt..so creative. Something my godson would love. Now, if I could just transport myself over to your house and borrow your Go Baby to cut all those squares!!

Dianne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dianne said...

Hurray it worked at planned! So cool that people can scan it and be led to VMQG. I did send you some links re marking and fabric alignment. There are also lots of videos with ideas for the dies. I've ordered mine yippeee!!

Tracey Jacobsen said...

OK, how freaking amazing is that... it actually works!!!
Wow, I was already impressed by you, but seriously... (tell your son I know from where he gets his genius... or at least 1/2 of it). ;)

Tracey Jacobsen said...

RE the Accuquilt -- I haven't loved it for shapes like squares, triangles, and strips, partially for that reason. I feel more accurate with my rotary cutter. Also, if you get the grain wrong, you can sometimes be off 1/8 inch.

machen und tun said...

what a great quilt! love the idea and it looks beautiful, too!!

PinkGranny said...

The quilt is amazing. I don't understand the QR apps as I don't have a smart phone yet, but I am seeing these on cars and many many things that I wouldn't have thought about. I like the initiative you took on this project. Oh that cutter has me drooling. Ever since you mentioned using one last week I've been thinking of the possibilities of getting one and using it. I will continue to look forward to feedback on your experience with it.

Susan said...

What an amazing idea! Your son is a genius! I see big things fro him one day! Look forward to seeing the entire complete quilt!!

Unknown said...

Wow Krista (and T), it looks awesome! Can't wait to see this bad boy all quilted up and ready to go (baby)!

ladybugquilting said...

You are amazing!
I have downloaded my code and put it on my blog so I can find when i use it.
This is such a great idea for shows and markets.

karen said...

I am amazed too that it works - such a cool quilt you made - thanks for sharing this.

dutchcomfort said...

That’s a totally awesome QR code quilt! Hurray for Mr junior T’s idea!

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

That is such a cool family project! I can understand all those little black threads showing through get annoying but I am sure you will figure it out.

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Can't wait to see it in full - the techie side has me lost - I am determined to have a camera for photos, phone for calls and texts and computer for the web - I feel it could become a losing battle!

Katie B said...

My mouth is hanging open! This is so extremely cool! And I love that the kids got involved!

(Thanks for the Go Baby tips! I haven't taken mine out of the box yet, so I'll keep those things in mind.)

Jennifer said...

This is so stinkin' awesome! Can't wait for the full frontal! Did I really just type that??

Jennifer :)

**nicke... said...

oh my! it is beautiful!

Krista said...

Absolutely amazing! And even more so that it actually functions. I'm really impressed.

Trish said...

That is just freaking awesome!!!

Helen said...

Its just amazing! Taking quilting into the next century!

Lynne (Lily's Quilts) said...

Oh wow Krista this is just one of those super cool quilts - fab

Uli said...

Just found your blog!! The QR code is fabulous!!!!

Tiffany said...

Really Awesome! You're such a COOL mom. Reminds me of a crossword puzzle, and makes me want to try the Go!Baby Cutter.

Michele said...

The Indiana State Museum as has a QR Code quilt: http://indianastatemuseum.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/qr-code-quilt/

Pretty awesome ideas!

Eryn said...

Hi Krista,

I found you from the twitter feed on the RK blog... too funny. Looking forward to working on the swap between our Guilds!!

Anonymous said...

YES!! This is so quool. Great use of the Go and it's perfect!

Kristi said...

I decided to make/create a QR quilt code for the TMQG, and I thought I was clever one and here you already beat me to the punch. Anything special I should know before I proceed?