Quilt design programs
 

I'm working on my first big quilt, an applique teacup quilt. I'm following a pattern in one of my quilting books. It's coming along nicely. I'm doing it to get back in the swing of applique quilting but I'm already thinking about designing my own quilts.

Which quilt design program would you recommend ?

If you are doing piecing, then EQ7 is my choice. For applique you may want something (not necessarily designed for quilting) with better drawing capability.

EQ7 allows you to use the blocks in the library (both pieced or applique--and you can buy additional pre-drawn block CD's, plus there are monthly free downloads), draw your own (both pieced or applique), design the quilt layout and sample colors/fabrics. It's not cheap, but pretty much does it all (you can even preview quilting motifs). If you get it, I suggest you go ahead (they are on sale for about 20-25% off every few months--sign up for their emails and blog) the step by step lesson books on doing it all on the program--much easier to use as a reference than the technical manual.

Thanks for the info !

Where do you find the free downloads for EQ7?

Thank you!

I've been seriously thinking about getting EQ7, can you tell me if it has the ability to do portrait pixelation.