Quick Overview
- 1#1: Electric Quilt 8 - Premier quilt design software with over 6,000 blocks, fabric simulation, yardage calculations, and 3D previews.
- 2#2: Quilt-Pro - Professional CAD-based quilting software for precise block drafting, layout design, and fabric requirements.
- 3#3: Quilt Design Wizard - User-friendly tool for creating custom quilt blocks, sashing, borders, and full quilt layouts.
- 4#4: Quilt Assistant - Comprehensive quilt planning software featuring block libraries, color coordination, and sewing instructions.
- 5#5: Quiltography - iPad app for sketching quilt designs, importing fabrics, and exporting patterns on the go.
- 6#6: PCQuilt - Design software tailored for longarm quilters with pattern creation and machine integration.
- 7#7: BlockBase+ - Extensive digital library of 5,300+ traditional quilt blocks with search and export features.
- 8#8: Palette Builder - Fabric digitizing tool for scanning and creating custom palettes compatible with quilt design software.
- 9#9: QuiltManager - Management software for computerized quilting machines with pattern scaling and stitching control.
- 10#10: Inkscape - Free vector graphics editor used by quilters for custom pattern design and SVG exports.
We ranked tools by balancing robust features (e.g., fabric simulation, block libraries), user experience (intuitive interfaces, learning curves), and practical value ( compatibility, long-term utility) to highlight solutions that deliver exceptional results across diverse workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines popular quilting software tools like Electric Quilt 8, Quilt-Pro, Quilt Design Wizard, Quilt Assistant, and Quiltography, offering a clear overview of key features to guide users in choosing the right option. Readers will learn about each platform’s unique strengths, usability, and intended use cases, simplifying the process of finding software that aligns with their quilting needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electric Quilt 8 Premier quilt design software with over 6,000 blocks, fabric simulation, yardage calculations, and 3D previews. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Quilt-Pro Professional CAD-based quilting software for precise block drafting, layout design, and fabric requirements. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Quilt Design Wizard User-friendly tool for creating custom quilt blocks, sashing, borders, and full quilt layouts. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 4 | Quilt Assistant Comprehensive quilt planning software featuring block libraries, color coordination, and sewing instructions. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Quiltography iPad app for sketching quilt designs, importing fabrics, and exporting patterns on the go. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | PCQuilt Design software tailored for longarm quilters with pattern creation and machine integration. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | BlockBase+ Extensive digital library of 5,300+ traditional quilt blocks with search and export features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Palette Builder Fabric digitizing tool for scanning and creating custom palettes compatible with quilt design software. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 9 | QuiltManager Management software for computerized quilting machines with pattern scaling and stitching control. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Inkscape Free vector graphics editor used by quilters for custom pattern design and SVG exports. | creative_suite | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | 6.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
Premier quilt design software with over 6,000 blocks, fabric simulation, yardage calculations, and 3D previews.
Professional CAD-based quilting software for precise block drafting, layout design, and fabric requirements.
User-friendly tool for creating custom quilt blocks, sashing, borders, and full quilt layouts.
Comprehensive quilt planning software featuring block libraries, color coordination, and sewing instructions.
iPad app for sketching quilt designs, importing fabrics, and exporting patterns on the go.
Design software tailored for longarm quilters with pattern creation and machine integration.
Extensive digital library of 5,300+ traditional quilt blocks with search and export features.
Fabric digitizing tool for scanning and creating custom palettes compatible with quilt design software.
Management software for computerized quilting machines with pattern scaling and stitching control.
Free vector graphics editor used by quilters for custom pattern design and SVG exports.
Electric Quilt 8
specializedPremier quilt design software with over 6,000 blocks, fabric simulation, yardage calculations, and 3D previews.
Photorealistic fabric simulation and auditioning that lets users layer and preview real fabrics on designs as they would appear in the sewn quilt
Electric Quilt 8 is a premier quilting design software that enables users to digitally create, customize, and visualize quilt blocks, layouts, and full projects with photorealistic accuracy. It includes an extensive library of over 6,000 blocks and 5,000+ fabrics, plus tools for drawing custom blocks, auditioning fabrics, calculating yardage, and generating printable patterns and foundation piecing templates. Ideal for quilters transitioning from paper sketches to professional digital planning, it supports everything from simple blocks to complex medallion quilts.
Pros
- Vast library of 6,000+ blocks and thousands of real fabrics for endless design possibilities
- Photorealistic rendering and fabric auditioning for accurate visualization
- Comprehensive tools including yardage calculators, rotary cutting sheets, and foundation patterns
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners despite intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- No mobile or web version; desktop-only for Windows and Mac
- High upfront cost with optional expensive expansion packs
Best For
Experienced quilters and quilt designers seeking professional-grade tools for planning intricate, fabric-specific projects.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $189; expansion packs like BlockBase+ ($89) and 2020 Fabric Library ($99) sold separately.
Quilt-Pro
specializedProfessional CAD-based quilting software for precise block drafting, layout design, and fabric requirements.
Advanced block morphing tool that allows seamless customization and combination of quilt blocks for unique designs
Quilt-Pro is a powerful Windows-based quilting design software that enables users to create custom quilt patterns from an extensive library of over 1,000 blocks, sashing, and borders. It offers realistic fabric simulation, precise yardage calculations, and versatile output options including foundation piecing patterns, rotary cutting sheets, and embroidery files. Ideal for both hobbyists and professionals, it streamlines the entire design-to-quilt process with tools for block editing and quilt layout customization.
Pros
- Vast library of customizable blocks and patterns
- Accurate fabric simulation and yardage calculations
- Comprehensive printing and export options for patterns
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Windows-only compatibility, no Mac or mobile support
- Interface feels dated compared to modern apps
Best For
Experienced quilters and designers seeking professional-grade tools for complex pattern creation and precise production outputs.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $289 for the full version, with a free trial and optional upgrades.
Quilt Design Wizard
specializedUser-friendly tool for creating custom quilt blocks, sashing, borders, and full quilt layouts.
Instant PDF export of full quilt patterns with precise cutting instructions and fabric requirements
Quilt Design Wizard (quiltdesigner.net) is a free, browser-based quilting software that enables users to design custom quilt blocks using geometric shapes, colors, and fabrics. It offers tools for creating block libraries, arranging quilts into layouts, and generating printable patterns and templates. Ideal for hobbyists, it simplifies the design process without requiring downloads or installations.
Pros
- Completely free with unlimited use and no subscriptions
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface accessible via any web browser
- Generates high-quality printable PDFs for patterns and yardage estimates
Cons
- Limited advanced features like 3D previews or photo-realistic rendering
- Smaller block library compared to premium software
- Occasional browser compatibility issues on mobile devices
Best For
Beginner and intermediate quilters seeking a no-cost, straightforward tool for designing traditional geometric quilts.
Pricing
Free forever; no paid tiers or upsells.
Quilt Assistant
specializedComprehensive quilt planning software featuring block libraries, color coordination, and sewing instructions.
Piecing Assistant that automatically generates detailed sewing diagrams, cutting lists, and foundation patterns from any block design
Quilt Assistant is a desktop quilting design software primarily for Windows users, offering tools to create and customize quilt blocks from an extensive library of over 1,000 patterns. It enables users to design full quilts, simulate fabrics and colors realistically, calculate yardage, and generate printable templates, foundation piecing patterns, and sewing diagrams. The software supports both pieced and appliqué designs, making it suitable for planning complex quilting projects digitally before cutting fabric.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 1,000 traditional and original blocks
- Realistic fabric rendering and accurate yardage calculations
- Comprehensive printing options including foundation piecing and rotary cutting templates
Cons
- Windows-only compatibility with no Mac or mobile versions
- Dated interface with a moderate learning curve for beginners
- Limited integration with modern design tools or cloud saving
Best For
Intermediate quilters who need precise design planning and printing tools for traditional pieced quilts on a desktop PC.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $149.95, including free updates and no subscriptions.
Quiltography
specializediPad app for sketching quilt designs, importing fabrics, and exporting patterns on the go.
Enormous library of over 1,000 pieced quilt blocks ready for instant customization
Quiltography is a web-based quilting design software featuring an extensive library of over 1,000 pieced quilt blocks that users can customize with colors and fabrics from a vast swatch collection. It enables drag-and-drop layout creation, precise yardage calculations, and generation of printable patterns and foundation piecing files. Ideal for hobbyist quilters, it offers cloud access without downloads, making it convenient for quick designs on any device.
Pros
- Massive library of over 1,000 customizable quilt blocks
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for beginners
- Accurate yardage calculator and printable patterns
Cons
- Subscription model adds up over time
- Requires reliable internet connection
- Lacks advanced tools like rotary cutting or 3D previews found in desktop competitors
Best For
Hobbyist quilters who want a simple, browser-based tool for quick block-based designs without software installation.
Pricing
Subscription-based at $9.95/month, $59/year, or $99 for 2 years; free trial available.
PCQuilt
specializedDesign software tailored for longarm quilters with pattern creation and machine integration.
Real-time stitch simulation and preview for accurate pattern testing before quilting
PCQuilt is a Windows-based quilting design software tailored for longarm quilters, allowing users to create, edit, and sew custom quilting patterns, blocks, pantographs, and motifs. It supports integration with popular quilting machines like Statler, Gammill, and Innova for precise computerized quilting. The software includes tools for stitch regulation, point-to-point quilting, and pattern scaling, making it suitable for professional quilting businesses.
Pros
- Extensive library of quilting blocks and pantographs
- Seamless integration with major longarm quilting machines
- Powerful custom design tools including morphing and resizing
Cons
- Dated user interface with a steep learning curve
- Windows-only compatibility, no Mac or mobile support
- Limited modern updates and customer support responsiveness
Best For
Experienced longarm quilters seeking robust pattern design and machine control without subscription costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $495 for basic PCQuilt, up to $995 for Pro edition with advanced modules.
BlockBase+
specializedExtensive digital library of 5,300+ traditional quilt blocks with search and export features.
Unparalleled database of 6,307 pieced quilt blocks with antique photos and encyclopedic historical documentation
BlockBase+ from Electric Quilt is a dedicated quilting software library containing over 6,307 authentic pieced quilt blocks sourced from antique collections like Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Blocks. It enables users to search blocks by name, number, shape, or construction method, view high-resolution photos of blocks in antique quilts, colorize designs, and print precise rotary-cutting patterns. While standalone, it integrates seamlessly with Electric Quilt 8 for importing blocks into full quilt designs. Ideal for quilters focused on traditional patterns and historical accuracy.
Pros
- Vast library of 6,307 traditional blocks with historical details
- Powerful search and customization tools including coloring and pattern printing
- Seamless integration with Electric Quilt software
Cons
- Limited to block reference; lacks full quilt layout and design capabilities
- Steep one-time price without ongoing updates
- Interface feels dated compared to modern design apps
Best For
Traditional quilters and EQ8 users needing an exhaustive, historically accurate block reference library.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $149.95; no subscription required.
Palette Builder
specializedFabric digitizing tool for scanning and creating custom palettes compatible with quilt design software.
Comprehensive database of thousands of actual manufacturer fabrics for realistic quilt block previews
Palette Builder is a free web-based tool from Electric Quilt designed specifically for quilters to create and preview custom fabric palettes. Users can search through thousands of real fabrics from major manufacturers, add them to palettes, and visualize how they appear in various quilt blocks and layouts. It serves as a companion to the full Electric Quilt software, aiding in color and fabric selection before full quilt design.
Pros
- Vast library of real fabrics from top manufacturers for authentic previews
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick palette building
- Seamless integration and export to Electric Quilt software
Cons
- Limited to fabric palettes and block previews, no full quilt design tools
- Web-only access requires reliable internet
- Advanced features gated behind purchase of Electric Quilt software
Best For
Beginner to intermediate quilters seeking an easy way to experiment with fabric colors and previews without committing to full design software.
Pricing
Completely free to use online.
QuiltManager
enterpriseManagement software for computerized quilting machines with pattern scaling and stitching control.
Advanced precut inventory tracking with automatic categorization for fat quarters, layer cakes, and charm packs
QuiltManager is a comprehensive desktop software solution tailored for quilt shops and fabric retailers, providing tools for inventory management, point-of-sale operations, customer tracking, and class scheduling. It specializes in quilting-specific features like tracking precuts (fat quarters, layer cakes, charm packs), managing block-of-the-month clubs, and generating mailing lists for newsletters. Ideal for small to medium-sized quilt businesses, it streamlines daily operations on Windows systems.
Pros
- Extensive quilting-specific inventory tools for precuts and fabrics
- Robust customer management with wish lists and club tracking
- Reliable POS system with quick sales processing
Cons
- Dated Windows-only interface lacks modern responsiveness
- No mobile or web access for on-the-go management
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
Best For
Established quilt shop owners seeking a feature-rich, desktop-based all-in-one solution for inventory and customer management.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $495 for basic edition, up to $1,295 for Pro version with lifetime updates available for $199/year.
Inkscape
creative_suiteFree vector graphics editor used by quilters for custom pattern design and SVG exports.
Advanced node editing and boolean path operations for crafting intricate, scalable quilting motifs
Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that can be repurposed for quilting by designing custom blocks, patterns, and layouts using scalable vector tools. It excels at creating precise motifs, appliqué templates, and repeating designs but requires manual work for quilt-specific tasks like assembly or calculations. While versatile for digital pattern drafting, it lacks dedicated quilting libraries, yardage estimators, or sewing simulations found in specialized software.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Powerful vector tools for precise custom block and motif design
- Exports to SVG, PDF, and other formats compatible with cutting machines
Cons
- No built-in quilting libraries, yardage calculators, or block rotators
- Steep learning curve for non-graphic designers
- Manual processes for layout assembly and fabric planning
Best For
Experienced quilters or graphic designers seeking a cost-free tool for custom vector-based quilting patterns.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers)
Conclusion
The reviewed tools span a range of needs, from comprehensive design to specific machine integration, with Electric Quilt 8 leading as the top choice due to its vast block library, fabric simulation, and 3D previews. Quilt-Pro stands out for precise CAD-based drafting, appealing to those prioritizing accuracy, while Quilt Design Wizard excels in user-friendliness, making custom layouts accessible. Together, they showcase the versatility of modern quilting software.
Begin your quilting journey—try Electric Quilt 8 to unlock its full potential, where creativity meets practical design to bring your ideas to life.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
