Do you ever get frustrated trying to figure out how much binding you will need for a project? Or which color will really match this project? How do I put together certain blocks to make my quilt? What type of needle or thread should I really be using for this project? My list could go on.
I seriously cringe when trying to figure some of these things out, but guess what? Cringe, no more!
I have rounded up some of the best quilting apps that will help you save time and save yourself some future headaches! Best of all, they are all FREE!!!
*some of these I have yet to play with their full potential, but what I have seen so far, I’m in love!
1. Robert Kaufman Quilting Calculator. {For apple and android}
Hands down, this is my go to app when I need to figure out something for quilting.
Seriously, if you haven’t tired this, stop what you are doing and go try it.
From finding our how much backing and batting your project needs, to how much fabric you need for your border, or binding. This is a great resource.
2. Schmetz
This one is new to me, but I like the information it provides.
This app explains needle types and knowledge. What type of fabric to use which needle and WHY. That’s why I like it, it explains why you are choosing certain needles.
3. Quilt Fab & Block Fab
4. Color Snap by Sherwin Williams
Now really this one is supposed to help you pick your paint colors for homes or projects, but guess what, works for quilts too!
Use in two ways.
a.Match a Photo: have a photo you want to get a color from and try to match with another photo color? Easy. Snap a picture and the app with tell you the closest color match and coordinating colors { granted these are paint color names, but you can match the paint color names to see if your fabric selections match!}
b. Explore Color: That’s exactly what you do, scroll through color families and compare up to 8 different swatches, what a great way to see if your stash of fabric will look good together in no time!
5. Thread Selection by Superior Threads
What thread should you be using for your project? With so many threads available, it can be hard to decide. No worries, this app helps you out. Whether you are working with clothing, applique, quilting or a serger, this app has you covered.
6. How Much Thread Does It Take by Superior Threads
Ever wonder if you’ll run out of thread when you are quilting, or if you should have gotten another spool? This app will let you pick based on size of your quilt, amount of quilting you anticipate doing and then give you an approximation of how much thread your project will take! How great is that?!
What do you think of these apps? Any more that you would add to this list? Let us know, we always love finding things that will help us enjoy our craft just a little bit more!
October 31, 2018 at 1:28 am
Hi Davina,
You should use http://prequilt.com. It’s a free web app you use on your browser.
June 16, 2018 at 8:38 am
Kelly, I have a quilt top that I need to repair and extend from a twin size to a queen size. I would love a Microsoft friendly quilting design app that would allow me to import a picture of my existing quilt and create a new design around it. Can I use any of these 6 apps to do this? A free app or a free trail would be great since I’m not sure I want to pick up quilting as a hobby.
January 23, 2015 at 12:01 pm
All aps are nice.
December 31, 2014 at 3:12 am
Thanks for the aps! One that I am super excited about is Quiltography! I’m surprised I don’t see more people talking about it. Just being able to put all of my fabric into an organized, cross-referenced library would have been cool enough for me to love this ap. it does a lot more, though. I can play with quilt patterns and audition my fabrics in the patterns and all kinds of stuff. The ap wasn’t free, I think it was around $15, but I think it will be well worth the money. I’m not paid by this company at all, I just think it’s a very useful quilt ap that I’m excited to play with more 🙂 magistra13 at yahoo dot com
Beth