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| If you thought scanners were just computer add-ons, you're in for a pleasant surprise. With the help of one of these handy machines, you can add a whole new creative dimension to your quilts. |
All about scanners
Scanners come in many shapes and sizes. Here are the most common types:
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- Flatbed: The most popular type of scanner in homes today. A flatbed scanner looks like a small copy machine, with a pane of glass upon which you put the item you want to scan.
- All-in-one: Flatbed scanning is only one function of all-in-ones. Because they can also print and copy without a computer, they are ideal for quilting.
- Sheet-fed: These are excellent for scanning large numbers of loose, individual sheets, but since they can't scan books or objects, they're not perfect for these kinds of creative projects.
- Handheld: Capable of scanning 2" to 5" at a time, these are useful for scanning small images or passages of text, but not whole pages or objects.
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| So a flatbed scanner or an all-in-one is the best bet for quilters, especially if you're interested in using scans of three-dimensional objects in your quilts. Learn all about scanning 3D objects into your creative projects. |
Before you scan
One of the most important things to consider before you scan is resolution. Resolution refers to how much information is contained in an image. It is measured in DPI, which stands for "dots per inch." The more dots per inch, the sharper the picture. But the higher the DPI, the larger the file size will be.
Here are some resolution tips for getting the best results when you scan.
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- Files scanned for e-mail or the Web should be 75 DPI, to make sure they send and load quickly, unless you're e-mailing them to someone who wants to use them in a printed project. In that case, scan and save the file at a higher (150 DPI) resolution.
- A scanning resolution of 300 DPI works wells for most text and images that are printed on paper.
- It's a good idea to first test different resolutions when scans are printed on fabric. Scan and print a photo at 75, 150, and 300 DPI. You can see for yourself – lower-resolution images have jagged edges, especially in the detailed areas.
- For most fabric-printing projects, a resolution of 150 DPI should work fine.
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Before scanning, you should decide in which format to save the file. The two most common formats for image files are TIFF and JPEG. TIFF compresses the image with no loss of detail, which is ideal for printing high-resolution pictures for a quilting project. Use JPEG for pictures you want to use in quick image-placement projects (like the photo placemat). They're also good for posting on the Web or sending in e-mail.
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Step-by-step scanning
| Using a flatbed scanner to get a picture for a quilting project can be summarized in these easy steps: |
- Place the artwork, object, or photo on the scanner glass.
- Open your scanning software.
- Choose 150 DPI.Scan by selecting either Scan or Acquire from the File menu (or push the Scan button on the device itself).
- If you are using an all-in-one, you can scan and print directly on fabric, but it's recommended that you print a copy on paper first.)
- Save the image to your computer in either JPEG or TIFF format.
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There are other imaging options, depending on the software you have. For example, you can adjust the brightness and contrast of an image, reduce red-eye, and if an image is damaged, you can fix some of its flaws. Learn more about repairing vintage photos.
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Inspiration and ideas
The best way to perfect your scanning skills is by practicing. Here are some ideas to get you started in using scans in your creative projects. The only limit is your imagination!
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- Scan a whole collage at once: Layer small items like coins and jewelry on the scanner glass, then place other items behind them like letters, the deed to a house, a map, and more, and use the collage as a centerpiece for a memory quilt.
- Scan pictures of your friends and loved ones and make a photo pillow.
- Create your own textiles from scanned images by creating fabrics or backgrounds that look like leather, canvas, leaves, and flowers.
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Learning more
| Once you've started scanning artwork, photos, memorabilia, and everything else you can get your hands on, it's hard to stop! Plus, there is a world of options for scanning fabric – learn how to scan in order to restore a vintage quilt for example. Look around, dig out those old photo albums, and imagine the myriad possibilities in scanning and quilting. It's a combination that's hard to beat. |
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