Graph paper and pencil is getting old, frustrating, and non-productive. I can't keep it all in my head, and the EQ6 may be more than what I need.

So how do you all draft your patterns and figure out your yardage? I don't want to be completely at the mercy of a software program as I like to know how to figure things out, but more accurately would be nice too.

Any ideas? Something I can use right now? :roll: Or, OK, I'll take something I need to buy too.

I don't know of a better way then EQ if you don't like the paper and pencil way. :wink:

EQ5 is pretty cheap on Ebay. It does everything you need and by the time EQ 7 comes out you will know if you will really use it or not.

There are other options then the EQ sytems. I have 'Quilt Wizard' and love it. Very quick and simple. I have the EQ6 but, hardly touch it. One of these days maybe...I just want to sew!:)The QW isn't that expensive and simple to use...and, quick. I have to admit, depending on what I am doing, I still sometimes draft mine out. For paper piecing both systems are great for patterns and size:)Boy, I prob didn't help:)Skeat

i use EQ.

there's something called quilt composer - you can download it for 30 days and give it a try and then if you like it the price is $25 or so.

i've never tried it but i like the idea of trying before buying.

here's a link

http://www.quiltcomposer.com/index.php

I just went to the EQ6 website and watched the demo. OMG that is amazing! I didn't realize you could also scan in your own fabrics and threads!

I just may have to buy myself an I love me present... :D

EQ is awesome and what a wonderful present to give yourself.

we all deserve a nice present now and again :D

I love my EQ6, one difference between EQ5 and EQ6 is the amount of times you can download the program. If your computer crashes, you are going to be on download number 2, if you download it to your laptop and desk pc that is two downloads and if one of them crashes you are onto your third download. I wish I would have checked more of the comparisons of EQ5 before I bought EQ6.

the number of installs on a computer with EQ6 is a bummer. i haven't upgraded to 6 for that reason.

i have EQ5 installed on 3 different computers in my house so i can play with it from any location.

i'd never be able to do that with 6

I have to admit that was one of the big selling points for me too. I love that I can see my quilt before I cut one piece of fabric.

I'm pretty sure that if you contact Electric Quilt & can give proof that your hard drive crashed that they will "allow" an additional download of your EQ6.