I use graph paper and EQ5.

I have only used one pattern. Most of mine are my designs. I draw the pattern, figure what size the blocks will be and then figure out the size of each piece in my head. I have to learn how to put pictures on here. I have completed several and have pictures of them.

I trace photos. Easier for me than Corel or the other vector programs. Otherwise I use patterns and change or add to them.

That's amazing! I love it.

I design all my quilts, never used a published pattern actually. I use MS Excel and Publisher mostly for now, but am looking at CAD programs for the future. I have no interest in quilting software at all. My background is in art and math. I start with an idea, sketch it out, transfer it to computer, then to fabric. It always changes along the way, but that's the joy of it.

Tips:
- take Math for Quilters at Quilt University if math is a struggle for you
- read up on the Principles and Elements of design...what applies to art, applies to quilts of all types, not just art quilts
- know and understand the color wheel...how colors relate to each other, how they impact the viewer, how to blend them, and how to combine them
- allow yourself to make mistakes...it's how we learn and how we discover some exciting new things!
- have fun!!!

I recently downloaded a free shareware quilt design program: Quilt Assistant. I haven't experimented with it much yet but I think it might do the trick for me at the moment. I prefer to design my own quilts/blocks and it can be done on this program. I doesn't have any fabrics stored as some of the way more expensive programs do. However, when I get going on this program I may take the time to copy and past fabric images on to a word document so I can use the "browse" feature insert fabrics I might want to use into the design. Anyway, for what its worth, there are alternatives to the pricier EQ7, etc. Foundation Factory is reasonably priced and you can demo it before you buy.

I usually design my own. Once in awhile I'll put it down on paper but not very often. I might take a block idea and make my own changes to it also.

Whenever you add something or change something from the original pattern...you are modyfing it and I think thats when you are designing a quilt....
You may add extra sashing to blocks or take some sashing away or distribute the blocks in another way.....
Of course you may also invent your own blocks...(use a square paper sheet with some colors and play with it.....
You can always add some your choice borders to it
When I first started to quilt I didn't even know anything about blocks.....LOL the quilt on my avarat was done like this....
I don't recomend it since you need to "brake your head harder" on every corner of the way....LOL
Good luck.....

haha thats is me to a tee feline fanatic !!!!

I must design in my dreams. Several times I have woken up with a design idea ! I make small wall hangings and they are often for a gift. My last dream-quilt was a Kaffe Fasset
piece for my doll quilt partner. I was thinking about it, remembered I had 2 charm packs, woke up & know what to do!