As a quilt pattern designer, I need good quality, full pictures of my quilts. My husband holds my quilts up for pictures sometimes, but for when he is not available I needed another solution.
I would like to show you today how I take quilt pictures of my quilts.
To hold up my quilts I use a backdrop stand. I got mine from Amazon for only $40! There are more expensive versions, but mine has lasted and works well. Disclaimer: If you have a very heavy or large quilt, the top bar can sag a little due to the weight. You can find the backdrop I bought from Amazon right here (affiliate link)
Once I have the backdrop stand setup (I take almost all of my photos outside due to better lighting), then I pin on little ribbon loops using straight pins on the top of my quilt.
To make the loops: I cut ribbon that had wrapped a fat quarter bundle cut into about 6" lengths and then stitched the edges together.
You can see the loops from the back and front of the quilt below. For a lap sized quilt I usually use about 5 loops spaced across the top of the quilt.
Once the loops are attached to the quilt top and threaded onto the top pole, I hang the quilt up and take my pictures. Note: If you are outside, be sure that it is not too windy because the quilt now acts as a sail and the backdrop will blow over.
You can either leave the pole and tabs in the photographs, or you can edit them out using programs like Adobe Photoshop, Corel PhotoPaint, PicMonkey, or others.
I love this method for being able to take consistent, high quality flat shots of my quilt without the need for helpers to hold the quilt.
Thanks for such a great suggestion ...
ReplyDeleteshould we resubmit our mystery quilt photo if ours looks like a trapezoid?
I do have the backdrop stand. I still find it difficult because any breeze at all will topple the stand or fold the bottom corners back. I still have not found a reliable way to photo outside flat. Inside, I use the design wall, LED light stands (also cheap), and a tripod.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize the stand was so cheap. Now to consider if I have room in our small house to store it!
ReplyDeleteThose tabs are genius! I really need to figure out the photo editing part, I don't do it enough to be well versed. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteVery cool idea!
ReplyDeleteI bought a stand like this for indoor pictures. But never yet took it outside. Might have to consider that ;) xo
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I was wondering where the tabs went to! I have a stand like this, too, and need to get it back out of the closet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific idea! Is it easy to put up and take down?
ReplyDeleteHi Mary - I had to respond here because your comment did not have an email address associated with it. Yes, it is very easy to put up and take down and it even comes with a carrying case.
DeleteYes..
DeleteWill have to look into that! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great info! I have pinned for later and may possibly purchase this backdrop.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this clever idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! I am strongly considering this. Are you able to hang the quilts on the bar yourself, or is that a 2-person job? Or do you need to be tall to do it?
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant! I had my husband construct something but am lazy about sleeves/tabs unless it will be hung. If you don't mind, my tips is open and I'd love to see this linked up! Adding this to my amazon list!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up! (no need to reply)
ReplyDeleteLove your mystery quilts AND the Quilt holder doohickie. (Mine is a Savage) Have had mine for umpteen years now and always hang my quilts either inside or outside to take photos. Don't remember how much I paid for it, but think it is a great investment to document your quilts.
ReplyDeleteWhat I use to hold the quilts up are 'cafe curtain' clips. They are circles with clips that hang down.
This is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/AMZSEVEN-Decorative-Interior-Diameter-Rustproof/dp/B08B59PCWH/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1ECO5B8WRGI70&keywords=curtain+cafe+ring+clips&qid=1658533785&sprefix=curtain+cafe+ring+clips%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-3
or get them at walmart - about 10 for around $10
Great idea!
DeleteI use the same backdrop stand but use clip on drapery rings to attach the quilt
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea
DeleteI use the rings designed to hang cafe curtains - they have a small clasp perfect for grabbing the binding of the quilt.
ReplyDeleteVery good idea
DeleteHow did you go from the loops with a gap at the top, to the quilt flush against the stand?
ReplyDeleteHi - I had to respond here because your comment did not have an email address associated with it. I take pictures of the quilt with the loops attaching the quilt to the stand and then I use photoshop to edit out the loops.
Delete