Hi...I was wondering if anyone had a special technique for making the diamond quilt pattern on a cake. It is so beautiful, but I got a C in Geometry in school, and I can't manage this one alone!! Is there a certain tool to use or do you just wing it?? Thanks for the help!! Ellen

One way of doing it is by using an impression mat.

Here is a link to one that is sold by Sugarcraft.com
http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/gumpaste/diamond.jpg

I have only done the quilted look once. All I did was use a sharp (non-serrated) knife to press lines along the cake. It was a cross shaped cake for my nephews Baptism (I'm still waiting for pictures!!) Anyway, it didn't come out perfect, but it was the first time I had ever worked with fondant and I didn't realize the diamond impression mat existed so I did what I had to do. I think it will most definitely work better with the diamond impresson mat though. I plan on investing in one as soon as I start to make some $$ with my new cake biz.

Just did a quilted wedding cake (see in my photos). Once you get the hang of the impression mat--it's great. On my first try with it, I ended up having to re-smooth my cake and start over. Buut I really love the look.

I've always wanted to do one as well so for my step-daughter's cake I just used the back of a butterknife and held it on an angle going one way and then coming back the other way. It actually turned out pretty well considering it was a spur of the moment decision.

OK...I have a question about the different impression mats out there....I get how to use them, but when the fondant is placed on the cake, doesn't the impression get smoothed away and warped with all the smoothing, trimming and stuff? I don't really pull the fondant but sometimes it stretches a bit. Does this effect the design at all? Thanks!!!

I think you use the mat right after you put the fondant on the cake, but I'm not sure.
Anyone?

Wondering about that, too. I don't use fondant too much. Not many bride's like the taste when they sample it. But in it's defense, I have only sampled Wilton's. Just started making my own and it tastes better.

You put the fondant on the cake, smooth it til you are happy with it and then you use the impression mat. Start at what you decide will be the back of the cake so that if the pattern doesn't quite meet you can fudge a bit in the back. You need to use the mat while the fondant is still soft

If you go here, Earlene has some sketchy instructions on this page:
http://earlenescakes.com/store/impression_tools.html

If you can get hold of them patchwork cutters do an excellent quilting embosser in 2 different size diamonds

Holy cow! You use them after the cake is covered? I have to get one & try it out. I would have sworn you press it into the fondant when it's still flat on the counter. Thanks!

While we are on this subject, what about the different rolling pins that make impressions? I always wondered, if you roll out the fondant with those impression rolling pins, wouldn't it stretch a bit putting it on the cake, your design would be off.

I am glad for the explaination on the impression mats, I was going to order a couple but wasnt' sure until now. Can you use them with bc as well?

In answer to your second question....yes, the impression mats can be used the BC, but let it crust over first!

You can use them with buttercream. Just have to make sure it is crusted very well. A good friend of mine made an anniversary cake this summer using the mats and b/c and they were beautiful!