Blocks & shapes

Trace a photo to make a shape

Lay a photo or sketch over the Shape Designer's grid from Overlays, then draw round the part you want with Free form, Pen or Draw. The photo is a guide only and isn't saved in the shape.

Where to find it

Shape Designer → left panel → Overlays → Add

Open the Shape Designer
In the Shape Designer, Overlays → Add lays a poinsettia photo over the grid, then Free form clicks round one petal and Enter makes it a shape

How to do it

  1. In the Shape Designer, find Overlays at the bottom of the left panel and press Add.
  2. Choose an image you've added before, or Add an image to bring one in, then press Add overlay. It's fitted to the piece.
  3. Set See-through so the grid shows through. Reframe moves and resizes it; Fit puts it back.
  4. Choose Free form, Pen or Draw and trace round the outline you want.

Good to know

  • Turn on Locked so clicks land on your shape, not the photo.
  • Images you add stay in your library for every quilt and shape.
Who can use it
Part of a subscription
Where it works
Web studio

This guide answers

  • How do I trace a picture to make a shape?
  • Can I draw a shape over a photo?
  • How do I make an applique shape from a drawing?
  • How do I put a sketch behind the Shape Designer?
  • How do I make the photo see-through?