Getting Started with QuiltLab: A Beginner's Guide

QuiltLab brings modern design workflows to the tradition of quilting. If you are new to the platform-or to digital quilt design altogether-this guide introduces each core feature, explains how the tools work together, and recommends next steps based on your experience level.

Watch: Digital Quilt Design Demo

See how designers map blocks, recolor projects, and export cutting guides in this software demo. The concepts mirror what you will accomplish with QuiltLab as you follow the steps below.

Why Design Quilts Digitally?

Designing in QuiltLab lets you:

• Test color palettes before buying fabric.
• Preview block arrangements and secondary patterns.
• Calculate yardage, cutting diagrams, and quilting plans automatically.
• Share designs online or collaborate with quilting friends in real time.
• Maintain a searchable archive of projects, palettes, and notes.

For a deeper look at the benefits of digital planning, read the Modern Quilt Guild's interview with designers who draft exclusively on screen.

Step 1: Create Your Account and Customize Settings

1. Visit app.quiltlab.com and sign up with an email address.
2. Set your preferred measurement system (inches or centimeters).
3. Complete your profile-add a photo, bio, and favorite quilting styles to tailor content recommendations.
4. Explore the Dashboard to access recent projects, featured tutorials, and community inspiration.
5. Enable two-factor authentication for added security if you collaborate with a team.

Step 2: Explore the Core Tools

Photo Quilt

Transform photographs into patchwork layouts. Ideal for memory quilts, travel albums, and graphic statement pieces. Learn how in Creating Your First Photo Quilt.

Block Editor

Draft traditional or modern blocks, combine them into full layouts, and experiment with symmetry or improv. The editor is powered by Fabric.js, so you get vector-level precision while working in a browser.

Swatch Editor

Build reusable color palettes by importing fabric photos or using preset solids. Organize swatches into collections for different projects and export printable swatch cards for quilt shops.

Fabric Library and Resources

Document your stash, note yardage, and tag fabrics by color or designer. QuiltLab automatically surfaces relevant fabrics when you design, helping you shop your shelves first.

Tutorials and Community Hub

Access in-app lessons, recorded webinars, and challenge prompts. Jump into the QuiltLab Community to share works in progress or ask questions. Familiarize yourself with the Quilting Daily forums for broader industry trends and technique discussions.

Step 3: Follow a Guided Workflow

Use this quick-start roadmap:

1. Inspiration. Gather ideas in the Moodboard panel or upload reference photos. Pinterest boards and Instagram collections translate well here.
2. Palette. Craft a color plan in the Swatch Editor and assign values.
3. Design. Create blocks or upload a photo depending on your concept.
4. Layout. Arrange blocks, add borders, and preview quilting lines.
5. Export. Generate fabric requirements, cut lists, and high-res mockups.
6. Iterate. Save versions before experimenting with new colors or layouts.

The Art of Choosing series by Stitched in Color offers additional lessons on inspiration, palette building, and design sequencing that pair well with this workflow.

Tips for Traditional Quilters Moving to Digital

• Recreate favorite blocks in the Block Editor to learn the interface quickly.
• Use the "Snap to Grid" and measurement overlays to mimic template cutting.
• Print your cut list and tape it to your sewing space so the digital plan stays handy.
• Leverage the ruler overlay when drafting borders to ensure units finish at classic sizes.

Tips for Modern and Art Quilters

• Leverage negative space by adjusting block scale and experimenting with asymmetrical layouts.
• Import custom swatches pulled from artwork, album covers, or brand palettes.
• Sketch free-motion quilting motifs using the drawing tools to plan thread path.
• Export transparent PNGs and layer them over interior mockups or wall photos using Canva to visualize installations.

Collaborate and Share

• Invite friends to comment on designs or upload their own color proposals.
• Export PNGs optimized for Instagram or print-ready PDFs for guild presentations.
• Use QuiltLab's version history to track who made changes and when.
• Store fabric SKU numbers and shopping notes directly in the project so collaborators can help source materials.

Essential Shortcuts and Productivity Hacks

• Duplicate (Cmd+D or Ctrl+D). Copy blocks, shapes, or palettes instantly.
• Group (Cmd+G or Ctrl+G). Group shapes before resizing to maintain proportions.
• Color Picker (I). Sample a color from any element and reuse it elsewhere.
• Undo/Redo (Cmd+Z or Ctrl+Z). Experiment freely knowing you can revert.
• Snap Toggle (Shift+S). Temporarily disable snapping to nudge shapes a tiny amount.

Refer to the QuiltLab keyboard cheat sheet in the help menu or download the printable list from our docs. For general digital efficiency, Skillshare's productivity classes have helpful techniques that translate to creative software.

Learn with the QuiltLab Community

• Join live workshops covering photo quilts, color theory, and block design.
• Browse the Community Gallery for inspiration and remixable templates.
• Follow @QuiltLabApp on social for weekly challenges and tips.
• Participate in partner events with the Modern Quilt Guild and SAQA.

Recommended Reading

• Color Theory for Quilters for building confident palettes.
• Getting Started with QuiltLab: Design Your First Digital Quilt for a project-based walkthrough.
• Creating Your First Photo Quilt to turn memories into keepsakes.
• The Modern Quilt Guild blog for ongoing design challenges and inspiration.

Ready to Quilt?

Log in to QuiltLab, start a new project, and let the software handle the math while you focus on the art. Growing your digital skills pays off every time you audition fabrics, plan quilting lines, or share your work with the world. QuiltLab was built to make that journey joyful-so dive in, explore the tools, and start turning ideas into heirlooms today.