I have spent hours with graph paper and colored markers. I sometimes also take free block patterns, scan or photocopy them in black and white, cut the components apart and use the glue stick to play that way. I find however that to really get the final design I often go to the scrap bin and also stitch. The end result usually doesn't resemble what I started with but that's okay. I had a blast all the way! I really like working with traditional patterns and try to incorporate them to get a secondary design. I designed the fill in block to connect the fans in the round after the Ohio Star.

I don't know what happened to the photo of this quilt in the previous post. This is the quilt I am speaking about.

thats a beautiful quilt!

Quilt Mama, Thats a wonderful quilt!!!

You might really want to check ebay for a program to use to design. Its great even if you use it for nothing more than to print out templates. I got EQ for $35.00

Quiltmama, love the quilt!

I use Excel. Changing the grid size to squares makes it just like graph paper except computer drawable.

I like Quilt Wizard because you can combine blocks and rotate them to see what the overall design will look like.
You can't design your own blocks with this software but you sure can use the blocks in the program to make some great combinations.
And each month you can download a new pattern from the website. It is a great program for the price.

Beautiful quilts. What great designs.

I too just bought Quilt Design Wizard and am very happy with it. It's the same company who sells EQ. I use graph paper and colored pencils, but I was trying to try out different colors on my latest project and was frustrated.

I have also used brown kraft paper and rulers and pencils. I do that sometimes with a new block, make it full size on paper and the measure the components.