Frequently asked questions
How do I turn a photo into a quilt pattern?
Click Import photo, choose an image, set how many blocks wide you want and the number of fabrics, then convert. The tool maps every square to the closest Robert Kaufman Kona cotton solid and lays it on the grid as a pixel or patchwork quilt, where you can keep editing with the pencil, fill, and rectangle tools.
How does the cutting plan work?
Each square on the grid is one fabric patch. The cutting plan lists every Kona color with its square count, the cut size (your finished square size plus a quarter-inch seam allowance on each side, so a 2" finished square is cut at 2.5"), and a yardage estimate. It also shows the finished quilt size from the grid and square size.
What size should I make each square?
Set the finished square size from 1 to 4 inches in the side panel. Smaller squares hold more photo detail but take more piecing; larger squares are faster and better for bold, simple images. The finished quilt size updates as you change the square size and the number of blocks across.
How much fabric will I need?
The cutting plan estimates yardage per color based on 42" usable fabric width. It figures how many cut squares fit across the width, how many strips you need, and converts that to inches and yards. Buy a little extra for squaring up and mistakes.
What is a pixel quilt?
A pixel quilt is made from a grid of small solid squares that together form an image, like cross-stitch in fabric. This tool builds one from any photo: it downsizes the image to a grid and matches each square to a Kona solid, then gives you the numbered layout and cutting plan to piece it.
Are the colors real Kona cotton solids?
Yes. Every square maps to one of 369 Robert Kaufman Kona cotton solid shades, so the cutting plan names the exact colors to buy. Enter a hex code and it snaps to the nearest Kona solid. On-screen colors are approximate, so confirm against a physical color card.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser on your own device. Your image is never sent to a server, so your designs stay private.
What supplies do I need to start?
Cotton fabric in your Kona colors, a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, a quilting ruler, thread, and batting. Quality Sewing & Vacuum carries rotary cutters, rulers, quilting thread, and the sewing machines to piece and quilt it.