You can also opt to hire a graphic designer if you plan to produce mass quantities of a particular pattern.
Quilting design software programs professional#
If you’d like a more professional look, you can import your design images into a higher-end layout and publishing software such as Adobe In-design or Microsoft Publisher. Graphic designers from Camelot Fabrics imported my sketches and instructions into their layout software to create a professional pattern. It’s very basic and gets the job done and at this point matches my skill set. I copy and paste my EQ7 images into a Word document and then add text where needed. No matter which software you use (or none at all), once you have the basic “sketch” nailed down, you’ll need to do something with those designs to turn them into an actual pattern. Lindsey’s latest pattern – designed using Adobe Illustrator Several very talented designer friends of mine swear by this program and their work speaks for itself:Ĭartwheels by Lee Heinrich, designed in Adobe Illustrator This was my working sketch that ultimately led to a darker background for Spiraling Out of Control.Īnother good choice for computerized design is Adobe Illustrator. I like to finalize my design digitally before I try it out in fabric. ? (I know – that’s kind of an oxymoron, right?) I can even design modern “improv” blocks. Although I’m by no means an expert, it’s been easy enough for me to learn the basics of what I want to do. My favorite aspect of the software is that I can import swatches of fabric from any manufacturer into the program. It can be as basic as sketching your ideas out on graph paper, or as advanced as using specific design software. When it comes to designing original patterns, there are a myriad of technological choices out there. Today’s topic can be narrowed down to two main ideas: (1) designing the quilt (for business or even just for personal use) and (2) producing and selling the pattern.
See where pattern design can ultimately take you?
Vintage Quilt Revival, co-authored by three talented pattern designers Katie, Lee, and Faith. She told me that some people’s brains just don’t work that way and they are more than willing to pay for it. I recently I had a great discussion with my friend Lee Heinrich (a prolific pattern designer and recent book author) and she convinced me that it’s okay for me to share my knowledge and get paid for it. I’ve been designing my own quilts for nearly as long as I’ve been quilting, but only recently decided to start turning them into actual patterns for sale.įirst, I had to get over the idea that I thought it was somehow “cheating” for me to charge people money to tell them how many squares and triangles to cut out of a yard of fabric! I really enjoy figuring out the math when it comes to calculating yardage requirements, but I know not everyone feels the same way.
Quilting design software programs how to#
Welcome to my continuing series on How to Make Quilting Your Business.