Quilt Design Software Programs

You’ve mastered the basics of quilting and browsed through all the different quilting patterns available so what’s next? Creating  your own patterns with quilt design software programs!

Let’s have a look first at what quilt design software programs can do compared to a graphic design software or paint program for example.

  • Quilt programs are specifically designed for quilters.
  • Each layout automatically includes the block, border and sash of the quilt.
  • Ready made libraries of blocks borders and sashes.
  • In the draw screen areas, the grids are already created specifically for quilters, for example, a 7 patch or 9 patch grid.  Some of the quilt design software programs have circle grids or star grids.
  • The edit and drawing tools are geared towards quilters, most quilt software programs have these tools.

Quilt Design Software ProgramsGraphic Design Software?

Graphic design software is an option, but the specific built-in features for quilters aren’t there. For a relatively low cost, you can have software specifically aimed at quilters.

You can get free online quilt design programs, for example, the one over at Jinny Beyer’s site. These might do you at the start, but as you move further into creating your own designs the limitations start to show.

Quilt Design Software Programs

EQ8 Quilt Design Software

One of the most well-known quilt design software programs is the Electric Quilt A-0008EQ. EQ8 is a powerful tool that allows quilters to create their own designs from scratch or use pre-existing templates to create their patterns. With over 6,000 block designs, 3,500 fabrics, and 300 quilt layouts to choose from, the options are practically endless.

One of the most impressive features of EQ8 is its ability to create custom-sized blocks, which is particularly useful for those who prefer to work on smaller or larger projects. Additionally, EQ8 offers a variety of tools to help quilters resize and adjust their patterns as needed, making it easy to modify designs to fit specific needs.

EQ8 is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and can be purchased directly from The Electric Quilt Company’s website or from various online retailers. While the software is relatively expensive compared to other quilt design programs, it is well worth the investment for serious quilters who want a tool that can handle all of their design needs.

You can create simple pieced blocks, straight layouts, on-point layouts, and experiment with color. To start, you select a layout style, the quilt and block size, then add borders. The wizard software leads you step by step with a simple point and click method.

Print quilt softwareThe blocks are color coordinated so you can play around and choose blocks that go together. Once your design is ready you can print it off with fabric yardage estimates, cutting chart and piecing/sewing instructions.

 

Free Updates

You can get free updates with new blocks and fabrics published each month ready for download. the content of your software. All the projects are archived so there’s plenty to choose from!

This video lets you see what to expect with theElectric Quilt 8 (EQ8) Quilt Design Software

Quilt Design Software Programs Advanced

Another popular option is Quilt Pro Design Software, which offers a wide range of features at a more affordable price point. Like EQ8, Quilt Pro Design Software allows quilters to create their own designs or use pre-existing templates to create patterns. The software also includes a vast library of fabrics, blocks, and layouts to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect design for any project.

One of the standout features of Quilt Pro Design Software is its ability to create border and corner designs automatically. This feature saves quilters time and effort and ensures that their quilts have a cohesive and professional look. Quilters can choose from a variety of border and corner styles and customize them to fit their specific needs.

Another great feature of Quilt Pro Design Software is its vast library of fabrics, blocks, and layouts to choose from. Quilters can choose from over 4,000 fabrics, 5,000 blocks, and 300 quilt layouts, making it easy to find the perfect design for any project. The program also includes a unique “quilt simulator” feature that allows users to see how their designs will look once they are completed. This feature is particularly useful for quilters who want to visualize their projects before they start working on them.

Quilt Pro Design Software also includes a variety of tools to help quilters modify and adjust their designs. Quilters can resize their patterns, rotate them, and adjust the colors and fabrics used.

Additionally, the program offers a variety of tools to help quilters create and modify appliqué designs, making it a great choice for quilters who prefer to work with appliqué.

The software also includes a number of features that make it easy to print patterns and instructions.

You can print their patterns on standard-sized paper or on larger sheets for larger projects. The program also includes tools to help quilters create templates and cutting guides, making it easy to cut fabrics and piece together designs.

Quilt Pro Design Software is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and can be purchased directly from the Quilt Pro website or from various online retailers.

The software is relatively affordable compared to other quilt design programs, making it a great choice for quilters who want a powerful tool without breaking the bank.

Overall, Quilt Pro Design Software is an excellent choice for quilters who want a powerful and versatile tool for creating beautiful and complex quilt patterns. With its vast library of fabrics, blocks, and layouts, its automatic border and corner design features, and its variety of tools for modifying and adjusting designs, Quilt Pro Design Software is sure to become a go-to tool for quilters of all skill levels.

Janome Artistic Digitizer Software

Cushion made by the Janome Artistic Digitizer Softwareis a powerful tool that allows users to create and edit embroidery designs with ease. The software offers a range of features that make it a popular choice for embroidery enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Here are some of the key features of Janome Artistic Digitizer Software:

Auto-Digitizing Janome Artistic Digitizer Software features an auto-digitizing function that allows users to convert any image into a stitch file.

The software can automatically detect the colors in the image and convert them into thread colors, making it easy to create custom designs.

Custom Stitch Creation

One of the standout features of Janome Artistic Digitizer Software is its ability to create custom stitches. Users can create their own stitches by drawing the shape they want and then choosing the stitch type, length, and width. This feature allows users to create truly unique designs that cannot be found in any pre-existing embroidery libraries.

Editing Tools

Janome Artistic Digitizer Software offers a range of editing tools that make it easy to modify existing designs. Users can resize designs, change colors, and add or remove elements. The software also includes a stitch editor that allows users to adjust individual stitches to ensure that they are perfectly aligned and spaced.

Lettering

Janome Artistic Digitizer Software includes a range of lettering tools that make it easy to add text to embroidery designs. Users can choose from a variety of fonts, adjust the size and spacing of letters, and even curve the text to fit a specific shape.

Applique

Janome Artistic Digitizer Software includes a range of tools for creating applique designs. Users can create an applique design by selecting an outline and then choosing the fabric they want to use for the applique.

The software will automatically create a stitch file that includes the outline and the applique fabric.

Multi-Format Compatibility

The Software is compatible with a range of embroidery machine formats, including Janome, Brother, and Singer. This means that users can create designs using the software and then transfer them to their embroidery machine without having to worry about compatibility issues.

Conclusion

Overall, the Janome Software is a powerful and versatile tool for creating and editing embroidery designs. With its auto-digitizing function, custom stitch creation tools, editing tools, lettering tools, applique tools, and multi-format compatibility, the software is a great choice for anyone who wants to take their embroidery skills to the next level.

 

22 thoughts on “Quilt Design Software Programs”

    • I’m excited about this, I love new computer software so having one for quilting is a big bonus for me!

      Reply
  1. My family always participates in 4H and quilting is one of the subjects they cover. I will share this article with the quilters there. I think they would love it!

    Reply
    • Hi Travis. Nice to know quilting is being covered as a subject in 4H, everyone should learn to quilt in my opinion! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Oh, just in time, I could say. My son’s teacher from kindergarten has given the parents a pretty hard job. To make a hat from recycled materials, for the 1st June parade.
    Can you believe the way she’s torturing us? I have absolutely no idea what to do.
    Maybe I can find something in this quilting design software? Can you give me an advice?
    thanks
    Laura

    Reply
    • The quilt design software won’t help with this I’m afraid.
      Have you got an old t-shirt or curtains kicking around? The simplest way is to make a tube, then gather it at the top with some tape or ribbon or string of some sort.. Measure the circumference of the head and cut a rectangle a 1/2 inch wider all the way round. Fold in half long ways and sew the long side with right sides facing. Turn up a hem at the bottom and thread some elastic through and gather it so it fits on the head. Turn right side out then gather the top as described before.If you have some sort of logo on the t-shirt you could incorporate it. Hope this gives you some ideas! 🙂

      Reply
  3. I am totally a beginner when it comes to quilting. I don’t think I could ever imitate my grandma who did it free hand or create a design entirely on imagination. This program will be very helpful for me when I want to start my quilting project once I become a work-from-home mom. Thanks for introducing this to me.

    Reply
    • Yes, time is always a factor when making quilts, I always want to finish the same day! Modern technology can be a great thing, have software to create designs can really help, and save so much time. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Hi Kathy. I always thought of quilting as an old grandma hobby. Who would have thought that these days people use programs to come out with sophisticated designs like the ones mentioned above. Time have definitely changed and its for the better. Takes the image of quilting to a higher level.

    Thanks for this article Kathy. I have learned something today. Good luck to you and bless you!

    Cathy

    Reply
    • Yes, quilting is a very modern thing now with computerized sewing machines and software programs! Quilting started off as a way to save money, these days it’s become a popular hobby. I’m glad you enjoyed the article and thanks for leaving a comment. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Hi Kathy!
    I didn’t know that there are software programs for quilt design.
    Great tools to create different patterns and enjoy quilting.
    The design software program for beginners looks great, monthly free updates is very attractive. 😀
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Hi Sylvia. 🙂 Everything seems to have a computer program these days, including quilting! It certainly easier than drawing your quilt designs by hand! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Kathy, your website is so amazing and has so much valuable information. i never know that there are quilt design program like this. it is something to look for. In a video is mentions that it is good for beginners as well.
    do you know if they are teaching from beginning to the end product on how to choose fabric, cut it correctly and how to sewing together?
    thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • Hi Lyubov. That particular video doesn’t but there are plenty “how to patchwork quilt” type videos on Youtube, that cover the full process of making a quilt.
      I’m glad you enjoyed your visit and thanks for leaving a comment. 🙂

      Reply
  7. I am looking for a program that not only allows for uploading specific fabric patterns and colors, but also allows you to combine parts of blocks to make new ones. Is this possible with Electric Quilt?

    Reply
  8. Have you looked at ficklefabrics.com ?
    It’s a webapp, so you can snap photos and add them to your design from your phone when your shopping which I love. Plus it’s free and upgrading gives you lots of shapes to choose from. Upgrading is only a couple bucks a month..

    Reply
  9. I see no response to Jane’s question of 1/29/2020 so I wonder if I’ll get any response on this one…

    What I’m looking for is overall design features. As in the ability to draw the base & distort it/warp it on the computer. Is a quilt design software going to be better at this or should I go with a general computer graphic program (Print Shop etc)?

    Reply

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