Basically you just need to scan the fabric and save it on your computer. Where you save it and what size it is is not that important. Changing the resolution and the size is only so you can see the print in your fabric. Once you have your fabric saved on your computer you can use any program to change the file type. that only matters if you have EQ5. I didn't know about the resolution until just recently. I just used my fabric files as is. It didn't show the print as well as I wanted but it worked well enough that I didn't worry about it. I was scanning them at 200 DPI. But I didn't know about pixels or understand all that when I first started scanning.

So as long as you can save a scanned picture on your pc then that is the bottom line of what you need to do to be able to import that pic into your EQ. You can learn to fine tune the picture later. If you have EQ5 then yes you need to save it as a bitmap file.

Let me know if you get it figured out or if you are still having trouble.

Thanks Rhonda. Scanning makes a big difference in making my designs--look like mine!

Hi Rhonda,

TY so much! I having a problem with my fabric once I import it in. it only shows the fabric in the corner of the pic, instead of the whole pic like it is saved. Very strange.

Which EQ do you have? where are you seeing only the corner of the pic? In the file after it is saved or in the pic after it has been imported or in the preview window in the scan wizard?

Make sure you do the preview on your scanner and check to see if the preview lines are set right so all of your fabric or as much as you want is showing inside the preview lines.

Just wanted to let you know I was finally able to import the fabrics into EQ7. The image however does look as if you can see the weave in it very clearly. Do I need to change the resolution? Seems all I can do is crop the image. TY for all you help.

I used to crop the image but if you fix the resolution to 75 it won't matter the size of you pic. The EQ will adjust the pic no matter the size. I experimented with it and it works.

However when I first started scanning I just used the size of the pic that came out of the scanner. My pics were in the 1000 range. By the time I understood the need to resize to a smaller size I had scanned in more than a hundred fabrics. My pc kept telling me there was no more memory. The lady at EQ told me to resize my pics. Well with that many fabrics I never did but I am more aware of the need for smaller pics now. It doesn't make them look any differant in the EQ but it makes more room in your files. The resolution or how many dots per inch is what makes the differance in the look of your picture.

I often buy a pattern that I like but it doesn't offer a king size option and all my kids have king sized beds. I'd like to be able to take that pattern or block into EQ, make it king size, scan my sample fabrics in, rearrange colors to suit me and then find out how many blocks I need to make and HOW MUCH FABRIC I need to buy. It takes me 4-5 trips to a fabric store to finish a quilt...initial fabric, sashing, borders, backing.

Thanks Rhonda. Your lessons are great. I'm probably just ahead of you with my questions.

My EQ7 software arrived yesterday, Santa does not know that I saw it on the front porch when I got home from work before him. I ask if he got the mail and he said NO...I'LL GET IT!!!. Now it is wrapped and under the tree and you have no idea how hard it is to not rip open that box and get started. Hope I can catch up with you guys. I have read the posts but its hard to follow when I haven't used the software yet. Rhonda, sounds like you'll make it easy to learn. Can't wait......I wonder if Santa would notice if I loaded the software then rewrapped the box..... Never mind! I wouldn't really do that.

when my 33 yr old son was in 4th grade I bought the new fad the very first Nintendo deck for him for Christmas. I had it wrapped up and under the tree. I am a big puzzle fanatic and gamer and while the kids were in school I would open one end of the box and wiggle the game out of there. Hook it up and play it while I was the only one home and then put it back before everyone got home again! LOL I was addicted before the kids ever saw it!

Donkey Kong, PacMan or Mario? My son is about that same age. Can't wait to get started on the EQ Classes with you. I've read your posts and I'm sure to get alot from it. Thanks Rhonda!