I usually sit down and draw out everything on graph paper. Very time consuming!!! Been thinking about getting a computer program to design, i.e. electric quit, quilt-pro etc. Does anyone have experience with these programs and, if so, what's your opinion?

I do the same thing you do, but I love it because I can use my drafting skills. (I've been out of that line of work for a while and it keeps some of my skills current.)

There are quite a few members who use the EQ program. (EQ6?)
Have fun

I guess I'm really excited that you can import your fabric and then play with it before you cut into any of your fabric. Sounds like soooo much fun!!

I'm thinking of purchasing the EQ6. I look forward to hearing the comments about it.

I saw a program at Joann's the other day was thinking about getting it also. I usually just eye ball my quilts but then they usually come out smaller than I want. Does the program help you with size accuracy? and how much material you need? I usually have to go back to the store 2 -3 times for the same material.

I had Quilt Wizard for a while and used it a lot. I recently upgraded to EQ6 and it's excellent - the block and fabric libraries are really comprehensive plus you can download updates, import images of your own fabrics, draw and design your own blocks, etc, etc. It figures yardage for you but it DOES overestimate. For example, if you have a pattern that uses HSTs, it'll figure a whole square of fabric for each HST, rather than assuming you'll get two from one square. You can also print out PP patterns, draw and print appliqué templates, etc, etc... The only thing I would say is it does take a little investment of time to learn how to use it to it's full capability. :-D

PS Plus now I have 'E-WIPs' - in other words, stuff I've designed but not got round to making yet... :mrgreen:

lol@k3n 'E-WIPs'

TK I love your avatar! Is that stained glass?

sorry - hijack in progress! :oops: :lol:

I got the EQ6 program for Christmas. It is a great program. I am still learning how to use it. I am taking a class currently and there are a lot of things you can do with that program!!!

How difficult has it been using it? Should classes be taken?

Classes would be nice, but are not necessary...most of us sit with a cup of coffee, and go through the lessons they provide in the manual :wink: The lessons are pretty well written, humorous, not your normal, dry, boring writings...

For you engineers....my DB showed me how he could make the same blocks I was designing in EQ on a free CAD program he uses LOL He could get more technical with his, but mine came out prettier colored :D:D:D

For a beginner I love the Quilt Design Wizard. It is very basic and easy to use but limited on designs, only basic patterns that they say are 200 but I dont think there are that many.
It only costs 29 dollars and worth every penny especially if you want to change the size of blocks. That comes in real handy.
You cannot design your own blocks with it but it does have a connection to the web to download a new pattern every month for free. You can rotate, resize and it has several border options.

Hi Rose Marie - I started with QDW and I think it's worth it! It's much simpler than EQ but very similar in lots of ways. Once you get to grips with QDW (and my 7 year old designs on it now!), it makes the learning curve on EQ a little less steep. For those not sure about investing the bucks in EQ, I'd say start with QDW and see how you go. :-D