Do you design your quilts? If so what tips do you have to share with us?

Do you use graph paper to sketch out your quilt?

Do you use EQ computer program to plan your quilt? Is so what # for the version are you using?

I use EQ.

I use graph paper and sketch out. Also a LOT of math. There is much cussing, wailing and gnashing of teeth when I screw up simple equations.

what # on EQ?

I have done a couple on graph paper. One because I was being paid for it. Usually though I have kind of an idea what I want and make up my mind as I go.
Fortunately for me maths has never been hard. I use to draft clothing patterns years ago. I can look at a quilt and generally work out the pattern. I may change a few things. I do a lot of picture quilts and I Spy quilts for kids.
I like to make something outside my comfort zone every now and then. Just wish I had more hours in the day. Would get more sewing done if I stayed off the computer. When I leave it turned off I do get some sewing done.

I use EQ and graph paper :D:D:D

what version # of EQ program are you using???

I love graph paper. It kinda gets me mentally prepared to begin.

Yes I do design my own patterns I use my lil ole brain. as for tips i dont have any to pass on Yet. well one tip would be, if it is something stuck in yer brain take the extra time and sit down and design it. i.e. drasft it or sketch it.

I use EQ7 the most but I have Foundation Factory and several other quilt design programs. I use them all for different type quilts. Usually I'll design a block in one program and import it to EQ7 to design the quilt. Once you learn the programs it's fast and instant changes when you want to change a detail or the whole design.

thanks for your information, never heard of Foundation Factory!

I design most of my quilts, or sometimes I'll see a pattern I like and modify it to suit my taste.

I use EQ7, and have been using it since V4 I think. I wouldn't quilt without it!

For me one of the best features is the ability to quickly and accurately design borders. I'm a mathematical idiot, I know it, and without EQ, I doubt I'd be making many quilts! :mrgreen:

I do and for now just use graph paper. I also brain storm with DH. Unfortunately I do not write everything down in detail or keep the directions. So if I want to do a similar quilt I have to reinvent the wheel again. You'd think I learn!

Knowing some basic math and techniques is very helpful. Also I do not cut everything in the beginning. My quilts change and develop as I go, especially where it comes to color.

It's easy to modify a pattern to suit using the EQ programs. I like converting a block pattern to paper piecing. Usually just leaving out or adding to the block is all it takes to make it just what I wanted.

EQ5-6-7

I use a good 'ole pencil and ruler. I just did one yesterday as a matter of fact where 1" on paper = 3" on fabric. Was pretty easy to do, I just draw it up what I want it to look like finished and the add seam allowances after.

Rachel

Graph paper and colored pencils mostly, but I've been known to use Excel or MS Paint when an idea strikes me while I'm at work.

I use graph paper but then I have mostly done my own designs for bargellos.

I have EQ but most often use graph paper or sketch paper.

I use graph paper and I did find a book that taught the basics of quilt design I really liked it gave me freedom to create. I use colored pencils and I love it. I have the EQ5 and well I honestly have no idea how to use it correctly.

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!

Debbie, that ocean themed quilt with the turtle is absolutely beautiful. You captured the turtle beautifully. Did you design the quilt and the turtle?

graph paper and colored pencils, EQ, traditional squares...

or just make something up...

Where can we find *Quilt Assistant? Would love to have a link.
I have had Quilt Design Wizard by EQ for a couple of years but haven't played with it much.

Sketch book, for my applique projects. so does my sister when she does applique quilt blocks. It's more fun and it's "more you" than a store pattern or something off the Internet.

I am a sucker for sea turtles. Very nice!

I wish I was that talented.

I just did a quick search for Quilt Assistant, not sure if it is the same one that is mentioned, but it does state that it is NOT designed to be a cheap alternative to commercial software like EQ. What it is designed for is to turn photos into quilts and quickly draft quilt blocks or paper piecing patterns.

http://www.cosman.nl/software_en.html

When I design a quilt, I use EQ. I started with version 5 and have 6 and 7 now. Once you learn how to use the program it is fast and fun to change blocks, colors, borders, sashing etc. You can even put your quilting designs on the blocks and change the color of the thread you want to use for that, to see what it would look like when youu are done.

I used EQ to help me plan out a quilt from blocks that I had started early in my quilting life and never finished. I wanted to see what different settings would look like, and what I would need to "add" to the quilt to get it to the size I wanted, with out adding more blocks since I didn't have any more of that fabric left, and couldn't get any more. I probably would have never finished that quilt if I had to try and do it all with out the aid of the computer.

Quilters who design their quilts always suggest that I put my ideas on paper.
Keep a journal, in other words, for ideas.
I'm trying this, but still I am not where i want to be in terms of designing my quilts.
Actually, I think mine would be more interesting if I started to use more curves and circles.

I design by both EQ and by graph paper. But even the quilts I design on EQ, I end up editing on graph paper. Old habits are hard to break! When using EQ, I like to pick a classic block and go to the worktable and "work on the block". Just by changing a line here, a curve there, makes an entirely new and original quilt square.

I start with a pattern, and then I change some of the details to suit my tastes, or the amount of fabric I have to use, or just because I can.