I had EQ5 and later upgraded to EQ7. I never used either to their full potential. I’ve started using it again after a long break and now I’m thinking about getting EQ8.
Have any of you used these? Is there a big difference between 7 and 8? Do any of you use this for designing patterns?
So many questions, I know! I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice. Thanks!
KatyQuilts 
I just upgraded, but cannot offer a review yet.
I’ve been an EQ user since EQ4. By far EQ8 is the best version so far because of the user interface is more intuitive. I have the new Block Base and book too. I definitely think it is work the upgrade. They have a promotion going currently and so now is the time… I think they offer this only twice per year. All my older project files can be used in the EQ8 version. Great tutorials and supportive FB EQ 8 users group.
i’ve been with EQ since the beginning. i started learning to quilt with their PBS program in 1991. i have upgraded each time but have not utilized it to its ability. i did design a quilt in EQ7 as a donation quilt with different people doing different blocks. i’ve briefly played with EQ8. my favorite is block base. i love that one. one of these days i’ll get around to taking a class. patti in florida
I have EQ6, and used it to make one quilt. While it did save me lots of math at getting the size of the diamond blocks right, it wasn’t really fun to use. BUT – I jumped into it cold with no tutorials. I got the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns when that came out, and just got Block Base (haven’t used it yet), am seriously waffling on whether to do EQ8. Nothing against EQ! My hesitation is more about my intentions to use it vs reality. I look forward to seeing what your readers have to say about it.
I have E8 and previously had E7 and E6, upgrading each time. E8 is easier to use once you get used to it (not long) but it doesn’t have all the fabric choices as the older versions. I know that you can scan your fabrics into/save but I would rather have more of a choice to start with. Other than that, I like it for ease of design and knowing how much fabric a project will need. I’m sure there is lots more I don’t know about but I love the ability to change colors in a quilt and choose the look I want. I do this for my own use, not a pattern designer. I do “design” patriotic quilts for our local QOV group.
I upgraded from 7 to 8 and noticed a big difference. I took the same online course and greatly improved my understanding of the program.
Several years ago I was given EQ5. It was a lot to try to figure out and even had discs. 😳😳 Does EQ7 consist of discs?
I’ve used EQ since EQ5, upgrading along the way. I think EQ8 has the easiest user interface of all the versions. After using it for a while, I took six months of online classes from OnPointQuilter, which made me a lot more aware of the software’s capabilities I’m not a pattern designer, just using it for my own projects.
Having used it since EQ6, I find version 8 much easier to navigate once you get used to where things are. Not a pattern designer, just for personal use.
I have EQ8, but not well versed. I did take an online course, which helped a lot. https://www.onpointquilter.com/