Learn how to design unique quilts and create professional diagrams using free professional software.

With Affinity Studio, you are only limited by your creativity! This course will give you the technical skills needed to create your own quilt designs using Affinity. This course was recently updated and now includes Foundation Paper Piecing lessons - hooray!
Join now!

Join now for instant and lifelong access to this course, plus access to future updates.

Who is this class for?

Most students will fall into one of these categories.

  • Crafty Quilter

    If you enjoy designing your own quilts for personal use but feel stuck using graph paper or limited block based programs, this course will unlock your creativity and give you the tools to design amazing things!

  • Pattern Designer

    If you are already a pattern designer and are experienced at writing patterns but are stuck using restrictive or expensive software, this course will up level your design skills and give you the ability to create polished and professional diagrams.

After this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand what vector graphics are and how to use them

  • Draw simple and complex quilt design shapes

  • Create coloring pages of your designs

  • Create templates for curved piecing

  • Easily create professional diagrams for your designs

  • Have lifetime access to course materials

  • Apply the cost of this course to the Pattern Writing Academy if desired

Affinity Studio is a robust, professional tool that is free! No subscriptions, no catch.

FAQ

  • Is this a live course, or can I take it on my own time?

    This course is entirely prerecorded and can be taken at your own pace. You will have access to it indefinitely!

  • What kind of computer or laptop do I need for this course?

    You can take this course with a Mac or a PC. You must be able to download Affinity 2, but there are no other software or hardware requirements!

  • Will this course teach me how to write patterns?

    No. This course focuses specifically on drawing and designing quilts with Affinity Studio. You will be able to use the skills learned in this course to design quilts and create the diagrams for a patten, but for a full pattern writing course please see the Pattern Writing Academy.

  • What if I want to take the Pattern Writing Academy after this course?

    This course is a small subset of the Pattern Writing Academy. If you take this course and then decide to take the PWA, the cost for this course will be applied towards your PWA costs.

  • How expensive is the software I need for this course? Is the software included?

    It's free!

  • What quilting skills do I need for this course?

    This course doesn't require a particular quilting skill level as it focuses on the technical abilities of Affinity Designer. You should have enough quilting knowledge to be able to figure out the assembly and math of quilts that you design.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Getting Started

    • Welcome!

    • Software Tool Introduction

    • Introduction to Vector Graphics
  • 2

    Designing With Affinity

    • Introduction to Affinity Studio

    • Vector Tool Tour

    • Workspace Setup

    • Basic Diagrams and Shapes

    • Exploring Fill & Stroke

    • Creating Curves

    • Creating Angles & Complex Shapes

    • Cutting Blocks

    • Creating Templates

    • Fabric Mockups

    • Color and Coloring Pages

    • Exporting Diagrams

    • Image Trace
  • 3

    FPP Design with Affinity

    • Introduction to Foundation Paper Piecing Patterns

    • Foundation Paper Piecing Design

    • Creating FPP Templates

    • Refining FPP Templates
  • 4

    Exporting, Resolution, and Additional Considerations

    • Image Resolution and Exporting Diagrams

    • Exporting Diagrams with Affinity

    • Troubleshooting Blurry Diagrams

    • Symbols and Icons

    • Next Steps