# 01 | Create a quilt grid {% hint style="danger" %} **ATTN:** All measurements in PreQuilt are for **FINISHED** block measurements. {% endhint %} ## Exercise 01 **01** | *Create a rectangular grid quilt.* ***Objective*** | To start a new project by creating a new [*quilt grid*](https://app.gitbook.com/s/6bPmBgJH7XZ5gcieNGS3/pq-glossary/qs#quilt-grid-also-digital-design-wall), selecting the [*default block size*](https://glossary.prequilt.com/pq-glossary/ds#default-block-size) and setting its grid dimensions. ### 01 | Create a Quilt 1. From the main dashboard, click on the **QUILTS** tab.

PreQuilt Dashboard -- Menu options

2. Click on the **Create Quilt** button.
3. Once you click on **Create Quilt**, a pop-up window will appear.

Grid pop-up window

### 02 | Choose Your Grid Type & Block Size In this exercise, we'll be creating 12" square blocks and using the [*Rectangular grid*](https://glossary.prequilt.com/pq-glossary/qs#greater-than-rectangular-grid). 1. In the Rectangular Grid box, enter the **12** for both the block width and height. This will set the quilt grid's [*default block size*](https://glossary.prequilt.com/pq-glossary/ds#default-block-size).

Rectangular grid option

2. Click on the **Use This Grid** button.
### 03 | Set Rows & Columns Now that you have your [*quilt grid*](https://app.gitbook.com/s/6bPmBgJH7XZ5gcieNGS3/pq-glossary/qs#quilt-grid-also-digital-design-wall) selected and the [*default block size*](https://glossary.prequilt.com/pq-glossary/ds#default-block-size) chosen for the [*cell blocks*](https://app.gitbook.com/s/6bPmBgJH7XZ5gcieNGS3/pq-glossary/cs#cell-block), you can now input the number of rows and columns for your quilt. The number of columns in the quilt will impact the overall width of the quilt, while the number of rows will impact the overall height. 1. Click on the **GRID** tab on the [*left-side control panel*](https://app.gitbook.com/s/6bPmBgJH7XZ5gcieNGS3/pq-glossary/cs#left-side-control-panel).
2. The **GRID** tab will expand with options for changing the quantity of rows and columns as well as the default block dimensions. 1. ***NOTE:*** In this expanded section, you can change the block dimensions, number of columns/rows OR control the overall width/height of the quilt. 2. ***NOTE:*** The overall width and height of the quilt will automatically change according to the block size and number of columns and rows are in the quilt.

Expanded GRID tab

3. Change the number of columns (width of quilt) and rows (height of quilt) to **6**.
4. To save, click on the **Update** button.
### 04 | Name the Quilt The default name for a new quilt is the date created. Let's change the name to something a bit more memorable and meaningful. 1. Click on the **Quilt Settings** tab on the left side control panel.
2. **Delete** the date copy and **type** a new name. In this example, I'll name my quilt "*Deep Dive Sawtooth Star*".
### 05 | Save the Quilt {% hint style="warning" %} **Alert:** Periodically save your progress while working on your quilt. Or turn on AutoSave if you're forgetful (like me). {% endhint %} Now it's time to save your quilt! This will save all the work done on your quilt - blocks, color tags, and overall quilt dimensions. 1. Click on the **Save** button () in the central [*Toolbar*](https://app.gitbook.com/s/6bPmBgJH7XZ5gcieNGS3/pq-glossary/ts#toolbar).
2. Click on **Save** to save and continue working on your quilt. * **Optional:** You can also turn on AutoSave by toggling the button to On.