Printing a Foundation Pattern is done from the Design Quilt tab.

When you are ready to print, select the block with the Select tool, choose FILE > Print and then click Foundation Pattern. The Print Foundation Pattern box appears. You can also print a foundation pattern by clicking the Print tool on the top toolbar, then choose Foundation Pattern from the menu.

Numbering Tab

EQ automatically numbers foundation patterns for you. If you would like to change the numbers, you can by following the instructions below. If the foundation pattern is made up of multiple sections, each section will be outlined in green.

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To change the numbers on a foundation pattern

Click on the Change Numbers button. The current numbers will lighten to gray so you can use them as a reference.

  1. Click on the patches in the order you want them numbered. The new numbers will appear in black.
  2. If you want EQ to finish the numbering for you, click the Finish button.

To zoom in on a patch for numbering

If your pattern is complicated with many small pieces, like a complex pineapple, for example, you may want to zoom in to place numbers on patches.

  1. Click the Change Numbers button. This will enable the zoom tools.
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  2. Click the Zoom in printfound_zoomin tool. The block preview will automatically zoom. Whenever you click Zoom in, the Hand printfound_hand tool will become selected.
  3. Position the mouse cursor over the block and click and hold the left mouse button, and drag the block to expose the area you want to number.
  4. Click the Number printfound_number tool. Click on the patch to place the next number in the sequence.
  5. If you need to move to another section of the block, click the Hand printfound_hand tool again and drag to a new area. Then switch to the Number printfound_number tool to continue numbering.
  6. When you are done, click the Zoom out printfound_zoomout tool.

Sections Tab

Some paper piecing blocks (more complicated ones) need to be pieced in sections. Each section gets pieced separately. Then all the sections are sewn together to create the final block. EQ will automatically separate sections when necessary. You can change the sections if you like.

To redefine sections in a multi-section foundation pattern

When you click on the Sections tab, the current sections are defined by a blue line surrounding the patches of a section.

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  1. Click the Start Over button. All blue lines will disappear.
  2. Click directly on the patches that you want to be in a section. The patches will fill with gray when you click on them.
  3. When all patches for a section are gray, click the Group button. A blue line will surround the section. If at any time you make a mistake, click the Start Over button to begin creating all the sections again.
  4. Continue to create sections until all patches are included. Then go to the Numbering tab to check the numbering order. Each section will have a different letter associated with it.

If you don’t want EQ to help with sectioning or numbering of your pattern, put a check in I want to section & number myself without EQ’s help. You will need to section the parts of the block that you want to generate a pattern for, and you will need to number every patch. You are not required to section every part of the block. Only the sections that you define will appear on the printout.

Options Tab

Make sure all the options are set as you want before clicking on the Print button.

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Block Name

This is the name that will appear at the top of your printout. If it is a Library block, it will always have a name. If you added a plain block, you need to name the block in the Notecard otherwise this option will say, Worktable Block.

Block Size

Since you are printing a block from a quilt, check Use size from quilt for the actual size of the block from the quilt. The sizes will be displayed, but the controls will be disabled. If you decide you do not want the block in the size specified from the quilt, uncheck this option. Then you can type any size you want for the block. When you choose Use size from quilt, the block will preview in the shape and orientation from the quilt.

Seam Allowance

If you want seam allowance to print, check Print seam allowance and enter the width of the seam allowance. If you do not want seam allowance to print, make sure the checkbox is unchecked.

Line Thickness

Choose the line thickness you prefer for your printouts by clicking on the down arrow to display the examples. Then click directly on the line thickness you want, to select it.

Options

Choose from the following options.

  • Print numbering – Prints the paper piecing numbers on the pattern for you.
  • Print as many as fit – Prints as many patterns on a page as it can. If you plan to move or delete sections of the pattern in the Print Preview, this option must be unchecked.
  • Separate units – Prints multi-unit patterns as separate units with a label. If you plan to move or delete sections of the pattern in the Print Preview, this option must be checked.
  • Mirror – Flips the pattern horizontally.
  • Grayscale – Prints the pattern with gray shading if the block is from the library.
  • Print pattern name – Prints the pattern name on the printout for you.

Copies

Select the number of copies you want of the printout.

Note: If you plan to move or delete sections of the pattern in the Print Preview, make sure Print as many as fit is unchecked and Separate units is checked.