Systems and methods for providing pieces for quilt blocks

Abstract

A method for providing pieces of a block for use in a quilt block includes receiving a block selection, wherein the block comprises one or more pieces, and wherein the one or more pieces of the block are each identified with one or more types of fabric. The one or more pieces are grouped by fabric type. Instructions for cutting the one or more pieces of the block from one or more sheets of fabric are then generated.

1 . A computer-implemented method for providing pieces of a block for use in a quilt, comprising:
 receiving a block selection, wherein the block comprises one or more pieces, and wherein the one or more pieces of the block are each identified with one or more types of fabric;   grouping the one or more pieces of the block by fabric type; and   generating cutting instructions for cutting the one or more pieces of the block from one or more sheets of fabric.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a seam allowance for each one of the one or more pieces of the block. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the seam allowance is based at least in part on user input. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising determining an embroidery hoop for use in cutting the pieces based at least in part on user input. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein grouping the one or more pieces of the block by fabric type includes grouping the one or more block pieces on one or more sheets so as to minimize waste of the sheet when the pieces are cut therefrom. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the instructions for cutting the one or more pieces of the block from one or more sheets of fabric are machine readable by an embroidery machine. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the instructions for cutting the one or more pieces of the block from one or more sheets of fabric are printable by a user. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the instructions for cutting the one or more pieces of the block from one or more sheets of fabric are machine readable by a fabric cutting machine. 
     
     
         9 . A computer program product in a computer readable medium for use with a computerized embroidery machine, the computer program product comprising:
 one or more blocks selectable by a user, each of the one or more blocks comprising one or more pieces, and wherein the one or more pieces of the block are each identified with one or more types of fabric;   instructions for arranging the one or more pieces of a block by fabric type responsive to the block being selected by a user; and   instructions for generating cutting instructions for cutting the one or more pieces of the block from one or more sheets of fabric.   
     
     
         10 . The computer program product of  claim 9  further comprising instructions for providing a seam allowance for each of the one or more pieces of the block. 
     
     
         11 . The computer program product of  claim 9  further comprising instructions for determining an embroidery hoop for use in cutting the pieces based at least in part on user input. 
     
     
         12 . The computer program product of  claim 9  further comprising instructions for grouping the one or more block pieces on one or more sheets so as to minimize waste of the sheet when the pieces are cut therefrom. 
     
     
         13 . The computer program product of  claim 9  wherein the cutting instructions enable the computerized embroidery machine to sew a cutting template for the one or more pieces on one or more sheets of fabric. 
     
     
         14 . The computer program product of  claim 9  wherein the cutting instructions enable the computerized embroidery machine to cut the one or more pieces from one or more sheets of fabric. 
     
     
         15 . A method for cutting pieces of a quilt block, comprising:
 selecting a quilt block design with a computer, wherein the quilt block comprises one or more pieces;   receiving, from the computer, cutting instructions for cutting the one or more pieces of the quilt block from one or more sheets of fabric; and   cutting the pieces for the block in accordance with the cutting instructions.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising selecting a seam allowance for the one or more pieces of the quilt block after selecting the quilt block design. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the pieces of the quilt block are grouped by fabric type in the cutting instructions. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cutting instructions are machine readable by an embroidery machine. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cutting instructions are printable by a user. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cutting instructions are machine readable by a fabric cutting machine.