From the print fabric, cut one 36" square for the backing, twelve 2 1/2" x 7 1/2" strips for the sashing and two 3 1/2" x 25" strips for the side borders. Note the direction of the pieces if the fabric has a one-way design. Cut one 7 1/4" x 28 1/2" rectangle for the hanging sleeve. From the remaining fabric, cut enough 2 1/4"-wide strips on the bias to equal 130" in length when pieced.
From the light-blue fabric, cut four 2 1/2" squares for the sashing blocks and two 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles for the upper and lower borders. Note: The dimensions of the upper and lower border rectangles may vary depending on the words and type size chosen for the messages.
From the dark-blue fabric, cut four 3 1/2" squares for the corner blocks.
From the batting, cut one 36" square.
Printing
Using the prepared photo files, follow the fabric manufacturer's instructions to print the pictures onto the prepared fabric sheets. Remember to allow a 1/4"-wide seam allowance on all sides.
If the fabric requires post-printing treatment, such as heat setting or rinsing, follow the manufacturer's instructions for that process.
To create message blocks, choose words and type sizes so the message fits within a single line less than 11" long. Change the page set-up to "landscape" so the word file is 8 1/2" tall and 11" wide. The sample lettering is 120-pt. type for the upper and lower borders. The center "Congratulations" block uses 82- and 88-pt. type.
If desired, add clipart or a small photo to the center block. The featured cap and diploma image is from Microsoft Clipart. The finished size of the center block should be 7" plus 1/4" on each side for seaming (7 1/2" square).
To economize fabric, stack the upper and lower border words on a single fabric sheet, allowing room to cut the strips apart to make two 3 1/2" x 11" strips with the words centered vertically (1). You may need to adjust the page borders or change the type size depending on the words you select to personalize the quilt.
After printing, trim the upper and lower type borders to 3 1/2" x 11". Cut all photos and the center block to 7 1/2" (1/4" on all sides for seam allowances).
