Technology and quilting? Surprisingly compatible. Whether you’re planning your next layout, calculating fabric needs, or organizing your stash, these apps can help streamline the process—and maybe even spark a little inspiration while they’re at it. Here's a roundup of five quilting-friendly apps worth downloading.
1. PreQuilt
Best for: Visualizing quilt layouts before committing
PreQuilt lets you design your quilt digitally and play with color before cutting a single square. You can toggle colorways, test values, and even collaborate with others—perfect for indecisive designers or team projects.
Why quilters love it:
- Modern, intuitive interface
-
Color palette import from photos
- Community inspiration and designer tools
2. Quiltler - Quilt Designer (iOS)
Best for: Planning and tracking your projects
Quiltler is a newer app that helps you plan, organize, and track your quilting projects. Snap progress photos, jot notes, and track deadlines—it’s your digital project notebook.
Why quilters love it:
- Clean design and easy photo logging
- Helps manage multiple projects
- Encourages accountability (hello, WIPs)
3. Robert Kaufman's Quilting Calculator (iOS & Android)
Best for: Fabric math without the brain fog
This free app includes eight calculators covering everything from backing and binding to corner triangles. If you’ve ever been burned by cutting math, this one’s for you.
Why quilters love it:
- Fast and accurate calculations
- Simple interface
- Great for planning quilt backs and borders
4. PatternJam (Web-based)
Best for: Designing custom quilt patterns with real fabric previews
PatternJam is a user-friendly, web-based quilt design tool that lets you create and customize quilt patterns using a vast library of fabrics. You can also upload your own fabric images to see how they'll look in your design. It's perfect for visualizing your quilt before making any cuts.
Why quilters love it:
- Free and easy to use
- Extensive fabric library with real designer fabrics
- Ability to upload personal fabric images
- Downloadable PDF patterns for your designs
Start designing with PatternJam →
5. Procreate (with quilt-focused brushes)
Best for: Creative sketching and experimental design
Though not built just for quilters, Procreate becomes a powerhouse design app with the right custom brushes. You can sketch block ideas, test repeats, and even mock up full quilts.
Why quilters love it:
- Precise control over shapes and color
- Ideal for print designers and improvisational quilters
- Import fabric scans or textures for mock-ups
Wrapping It Up
Technology isn’t replacing handwork—it’s enhancing it. These apps support your process, not your perfectionism, so you can focus on what really matters: creativity, color, and connection. Whether you’re designing on the go or just trying to calculate borders without reaching for a calculator, one of these apps might become your new go-to tool.
Got a quilting app you love that’s not on this list? We’d love to hear about it—drop us a note or tag us @saltyhippostudio on Instagram.
