Thread: EQ7 questions and block patterns

I would have to take all the fabric, patterns, books, rulers, cutting mats, pins, scissors, etc home with me. You will be surprised how much it costs to replace these type of items and eventually you may need some or all of them. Tables for cutting and sewing on will be nice. If she has a design board, make sure you get that.

I wish I could recommend a book, but can't. I tend to do individual patterns. Take your time with deciding what to keep, because you will probably want most of it. Even ugly fabric, cut into small enough pieces can end up being the life of a quilt. You just never know.

Originally Posted by Bequest

I've been looking for patterns by surfing the Internet, and Pinterest, and then seeking to download free, or even purchase, patterns.

now I'm wondering if that's my answer to how to get block patterns most easily and efficiently?

You need to spend some time here:
http://quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html
It has free block patterns galore, complete with directions on sewing and assembly.

EQ, for the most part, will not tell you how to assemble blocks. It's more of a design tool, and is more appropriate for quilters who are experienced enough to know the best/easiest way to assemble blocks and entire tops.

Originally Posted by Bequest

I need help with getting patterns that indicate the shapes and steps in piecing the quilt tops.

Quilting books and patterns (well-written patterns, that is) have instructions showing the steps for piecing tops. I taught myself how to quilt by watching Alex Anderson's tv show "Simply Quilts" and following instructions in books and patterns. Once you gain enough experience, you will be able to visually dissect a quilt and determine for yourself the best order and method for cutting, piecing, and assembling quilts.

That is a GREAT website, Peckish! Thank you!

Oh ... would like to add.

As for the books that your aunt has. Thumb through them and keep books that are of the general how-to genre and special techniques genre (i.e. how to applique, how to quilt feathers - etc). As for the books that are strictly pattern books, select the few that have quilts you would like to make some day - even if that day is 20 years from now, quilt books are not cheap and they go out of print fairly quickly.

If your aunt does not have any "here are the general steps to make a quilt for the beginner" books ... I can recommend "Quilting for Dummies" (seriously!). It has a lot of good instructions, reads easy, has great easy to see graphics, and covers a broad spectrum of "how to" for the beginner - from selecting the fabric all the way through storage/laundering your completed quilt 5 years from now.

Basic good books are from Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day. she is also seen on many PBS stations. I too have EQ7 but I use it in order to resize quilt patterns I need to make a smaller quilt.

EQ can certainly help, but there is nothing better than curling up with a stack of quilt books and browsing through the pages to get you acquainted with all the terms, techniques, supplies and pattern ideas to jump start your journey. I would hold onto the books and only get rid of any after you've been quilting for a while. You never know where your interests and style preferences will take you; the one book you will go to time and again could very well be in your aunt's collection. Best wishes.

Bequest ... welcome to QB!! Peckish beat me to pointing you toward the Quilters Cache website for lots and lots of blocks.

But wait ... there's more!!

Most of the major fabric manufacturers offer free patterns that you can download. Below are some links to some of the manufacturers that offer free patterns.

http://www.robertkaufman.com/quilting/quilts_patterns/

http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/...tpatterns.html

http://www.windhamfabrics.net/cgi-bi...p/projects.cgi

http://www.makeitcoats.com/en-us/dis...rafts2eproject


And there are more ... I found this blog that has most graciously listed them already for me!!

http://www.thecalicocottagequiltshop..._Patterns/1008

If you are computer savy I would go through the quilt books and pick out the patterns that you like and scan them to save space. Another good reference book is the Ultimate Quilters guide, I still refer to it after years of quilting, mine is so worn that I put it in a 3 ring binder. Also there are some Quilt magazines that are for beginners. Of utmost importance , learn how to properly use a rotary cutter and sew a 1/4" seam.Good luck and have fun.