EQ is not a necessity..but it IS alot of fun! I took 2 classes at the AQS show in Phx in Feb. When I mastered the basics, it became much easier, even if I had not used it in awhile. I even discovered I can take a picture of a top, import it into my quilt and design borders around it. That was an ahHA moment for me! I seem to get the center of the top done, and then lose interest when I get to the border. I now have it loaded on my Windows Surface Pro 2 so I can play with it when I travel. Nothing like having a portable design wall sitting in an airport waiting room! Heaven! lol