Prism99

Having struggled to learn EQ7 for five years before finally figuring out the basics, I figure this could be a good place for people like me to ask questions, get answers, and post user tips. If you have EQ software sitting idle because you are frustrated with it, ask some questions here!

I am thrilled to finally be able to create some quilts in EQ7. What really jump-started me (after 5 years of getting mostly nowhere) was a free video tutorial series by Kari Schell called "Catch the Waves":
https://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/...-quilt-newbies

She also has a blog with short video tutorials in her archives: https://www.onpointquilter.com/ . I found her Irish Chain quilt helpful: https://www.onpointquilter.com/blog/double-irish-chain

coffeecozy

Thank you Prism99.
I went to the link you suggested and found an Irish Chain lesson for EQ8. Finally I found out how to add my applique designs to blocks that I have created. So easy and yet I was always missing that one important step, click the serendipity button and there was the merge block function.
The first tip and already I have a big frustration resolved.

Prism99

So glad it helped!

Cheshirepat

You all have my interest piqued, I never considered buying the software before...but I also have a lot of unfinished things I've just 'winged', lol. So, basic question, I see it says you can 'design your own' but how flexible Is that? What I'd like to do is use some fabric I have (several years OOP) which contains both rectangular panels and smaller pieces I would complete in a square. Could I customize my design to use the dimensions of the pieces I have? Do the 'squares' all need to be the same size when drawn?
TIA!

Murphy224

Thanks for this thread. I have EQ7 and have never taken the time to learn it. I tried to learn when I first got it, even bought a book to help. But it seemed there was just so many "things" that had to be done/remembered that I never got the hang of it. I "tried" to make it a resolution last year but you know how those resolutions go. Anyway, my question is: I understand that EQ8 is much easier to use (so the promos say), and EQ7 has so many steps to get something accomplished....the layers, so many buttons to choose, etc. Would upgrading to EQ8 eliminate some of those steps, buttons, layers, etc.? Is it more intuitive? Is it really easier to use?
Thanks for any input. I do know I need to spend some quality time with the program and the instructions.

QuiltnNan

it is very flexible, but the more complicated patterns may be tricky. that's why a thread like this is a good idea. yes, if you have pieces, you can design that specific size. no, they don't need to be the same size, the squares can vary to anything you desire.

coffeecozy

Cheshirepat, there is an easy to follow, step by step lesson in the on board lessons that tells you how to make a custom quilt(much easier in 8 than 7). You can design the blocks in any size combination you want. I have made quilts from designs I created this way. it is was really helpful.
I think you can also photograph your fabric and use it in your block design but I haven't gotten around to trying that yet.
Murphy224, there was a bit of discussion on this when they first offered the upgrade. I found it much easier to find things but not everyone did. Most things are easier to find instead of buried in menus and functions that are down a level are under more obvious spots. I haven't even got through the lessons yet and have found pretty well everything I have thought I wanted to use. If you go to EQ ,product support, EQ8 and look up videos, there are some basic intros to some features. You could see what the new version looks like and if it seems helpful to you.

Cheshirepat

Thank you QuiltnNan and coffeecozy! So, I happened across an email this morning from Massdrop and guess what product they have a drop for? Yes! EQ8! And the price was $179! I guess it sent me over the commitment edge...heh. Not affiliated, but I've gotten a few decent things via that website/program.
I'm going to have to replace my ancient PC so, this lower price is just really helpful right now. I'll jump over to take a look at the board lessons, thanks so much!

coffeecozy

Cheshirepat if you subscribe to the EQ newsletter you will also get a new lesson every month. They are very helpful. There is also a download for a free set of new fabrics to add to your software.

Murphy224

Coffeecozy: Thanks for the links. I must have been dozing when those discussions were happening. I think for now I will stick with EQ7 and try again to learn it. I also was dozing when EQ8 was released, missed that too. It will cost me 99 dollars to upgrade and I just can't justify that expense right now. Maybe if I get a good handle on 7 then will look into it. Will continue to follow this thread.
Murphy