What is the best quilt design software?
I love using traditional patterns, but if I want to change the colors or where the light and dark fabrics go, I’m not good at envisioning what the result will be. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been disappointed with the way a quilt turned out because it looked different in my head.
I wish I had a way of auditioning my ideas before I cut the pieces. I know I can make a few sample blocks, but the full quilt still looks different than I expect. I’ve thought about drawing my ideas out by hand, but it’s time consuming, and sometimes I would like to try multiple settings. That would be very tedious.
If you use (or know of) a computer program that previews what a quilt will look like if you change the color placement, could you recommend one in the comments below? Add a link if you know a website or an online article about it.
ARHtistic License 
I have used Electric Quilt for years, now in version EQ8. You can read about it or buy it at electricquilt.com You can scan in your actual fabrics to see how things will look or can use any of the hundreds of fabric images that come with the program. There are free fabric collections to add each month if you care to. As with all computer stuff, there is a learning curve, but I love this program and design most of my quilts in it. And BTW, if you subscribe to their newsletters, they have frequent sales : ) Good luck!
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Thanks, Mary. I have heard of Electric Quilt. I will sign up their newsletter.
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I have used Electric Quilt for a long time but have never REALLY learned how to use it. Primarily I use it if I
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Oh, Frances! Please complete your thought. I think I’ve seen posts of yours where you’ve played with EQ. I know I have lots of software that I don’t use to full advantage. I’m sure I’m not using all the functionality of my phone!
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I don’t know why it cut the rest off!!! I mostly use it when I am working on a scrap quilt and want to see how the blocks are going to work together. I work mostly in grey scale and then add colors in after I have an idea of where it is heading. Again, it can do SO much more but I haven’t had a chance to learn!!
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Frances, if EQ does everything you mentioned, it will be perfect for my needs. And if I learn to do more than that, it will just be an additional blessing!
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