Thread: Quilt Design programs/tips/tricks

I have been designing quilts on paper and using programs like Photoshop for a while, but I know there are programs out there specifically for quilt design that might make the process easier/faster. I was wondering what was recommended (or not recommended, if that's the case!) and if any of the programs have a free trial. I am very computer literate, but I am also way too set in my ways for someone in her 20's! I don't know if I will have to change my process more than I am comfortable with, and I want to make sure I'll use the program before I spend the money.

Thanks for any and all advice/recommendations!

I have extensive experience with both vector based and paint type programs. I found EQ7 to be counter intuitive, however, the program is very powerful and worth the learning curve, but Photoshop & Illustrator background doesn't help. I usually start with paper, go to Illustrator to refine, then go to EQ7 to refine the block(s) some more & lay out the whole quilt with borders & colors.
Use the advanced search on the Tutorial board for the string: "Rhonda's Electric Quilt Class". There are 20+ classes. You can get a good idea of the basics from there. Don't know if there are any trials out there.
Quilt in a day usually has the best price by far. She can't advertise it, but put the program in your basket to see the price.

Thanks for the tip, that is definitely the lowest price I've seen on EQ7!

Since you seem to have a background similar to mine - would you mind taking the time to elaborate why EQ7 was counter intuitive for you and what features make it worth the learning curve for you?

I will definitely check out those videos. Thank you.

You might even go to their website to check out information that is there. There is also a tutorials done by Rhonda located her on QB. I bought the version 3 when I was at Quilt Market in 1995 and have own many versions of this program. There is a simpler version that is called QUILT DESIGN WIZARD. I bought a used copy of EQ7 on eBay for a little over $100. So easy to resize patterns, print out PP patterns and print out rotary cutting instructions. I can't imagine doing any quilting without it.

I understand why PaperPrincess says EQ is counter intuitive, but I didn't find it that hard to learn. I have been a computer user since I was in my 20's, and that was a very long time ago, long before the personal computer was around. I can't imagine using paper for designing - just not my style. I use EQ7 for some stage of every quilt. I don't rely on it for fabric requirements (it's too conservative) and I've run across some things it doesn't do well, but for 99% of the things I want to do, it is more than adequate. I also bought Quilt Design Wizard, but I found it too limited.

Thank you both for your input!

I had an earlier version of EQ and l liked it a lot, especially the automatically generated cutting instructions, but I, too, found it counter-intuitive. It was what I call "PC-ish," because I am a Mac person and I am used to things that flow well. I also like to use graph paper, and that's what I use the most now; I haven't been willing to spend the money on any upgrades or newer versions of EQ.

If you can find an older or used version, you will probably have fun with EQ. I would find myself hard pressed to go out and buy it at full price, though. My two cents!

I have been using EQ since EQ4. I have met the owner of EQ and the original code writer, her husband. They are wonderful people. The EQ7 program is huge. Even as an instructor I continue to learn. I design my patterns in EQ. I teach EQ and I love EQ. I did try the Quilt Pro programs. I find them very restrictive. Quilt Pro is a good program for non technical people. EQ has many many many add ons. I can't think of a time that I would not use my EQ program for a quilt. I make my labels in EQ as well. I am a fan because it is a great product and has excellent service. Luann

I have EQ 6. I may just continue to learn it as an upgrade to 7 is considerable, and I wouldn't get the manual with the upgrade price. I'll probably hold out for EQ8.

I love it, though. I use it almost daily. I can't imagine designing without it. I am constantly changing colors, designs, etc. with it.

I have been using computers since the late 70's/early 80's (I'm 52) in the form of typesetting machines where I worked as a teenger/early 20's. My husband had a Commodore 64 which I also played with some. That's a long time ago.

I don't find EQ that hard to learn. Mostly it just takes time to sit down and read the manual and use it. It can do way more than I know how to do yet. That's why I've not felt an overwhelming need to upgrade.

Originally Posted by justflyingin

I have been using computers since the late 70's/early 80's (I'm 52) in the form of typesetting machines where I worked as a teenger/early 20's. My husband had a Commodore 64 which I also played with some. That's a long time ago.

That's interesting, I used typesetting machines in high school and college. I don't know many people with that experience