BlockBase+
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BlockBase+
- Windows and Mac Download
- License Card
From the pages of Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book, BlockBase+ brings over 4,000 quilt blocks to your computer screen. Barbara’s decades of research is available to you in this organized and user-friendly software for Windows and Mac computers. Packed with complete publication information for each block, robust search features, exporting and printing capabilities — it’s the perfect quilting tool for all skill levels! The same patterns that sold for 15¢ in 1928 are now yours for less than 3¢ each!
This software is a perfect companion to the Encyclopedia book!
(BlockBase+ is a stand-alone software for Windows and Mac operating systems. EQ software not required.)
Will BlockBase+ work on your computer? Check the System Requirements tab below before purchasing.
Not sure about the difference between Download or License Card? Click each button below to learn more.
$119.95
Details
Details
Over 4,000 blocks to print in ANY size!
Barbara Brackman’s classic quilter’s resource, the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book, is brought to life on your computer with this re-release of the Electric Quilt Company’s top-selling BlockBase+ software. Take a nice “scroll” through all the categories while viewing the blocks in gorgeous colorings, in grayscale values, or as line drawings.
This stand-alone software (for Windows or Mac computers) lets you easily print rotary-cutting instructions, templates, foundation patterns, export image files, or export SVG files at any size for all 4,000+ pieced blocks from Brackman’s Encyclopedia.
The most intuitive and inspiring block-printing software available!
- View blocks in color, grayscale, and as line drawings
- Perform advanced searches to find the perfect block
- Export blocks as JPG, PNG, and SVG files
- Print blocks as templates, foundation patterns, or rotary cutting charts at any size, with or without seam allowance
- Learn the published names and original sources of each block
- Preview blocks in pre-determined quilt layouts
- Link blocks to EQ8 software!
- Plus more!
View Blocks
Scroll through 4,264 blocks organized in categories of One Patch, Non-Square, Fans, Wheels, Stars, and many more! Zoom in on a block to see it in full detail! Learn the original published names for each block and from what source each was first published. Some blocks have multiple names and sources!
View the blocks in color, grayscale values, or as line drawings!
Find Blocks
BlockBase+ comes with advanced search features! If you have the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns from Barbara Brackman, you can use the search feature to find a block based on the Brackman ID listed in the book. Or you can search by keyword, source, or category (skill level, piecing style, etc.) to scour the database for blocks based on specific criteria.
Below are the search results for beginner blocks that are new to BlockBase+ and contain only triangles.
Print Blocks
BlockBase+ is a block-printing powerhouse! Choose to print a picture of the block, templates, rotary cutting chart, or foundation pattern. Each printing style comes with customizable settings so your printout fits your needs. Enter the desired finished size and seam allowance, then print!
Preview of Block and Foundation printouts:
Preview of Template and Rotary Cutting printouts:
Use the interactive print preview to move and rotate pattern pieces on the pages. Add new pages if necessary! Include a 1-inch scale square to ensure your printouts are true to size! Not ready to print and sew? Save your customized preview as a PDF file to come back to later!
See how the Print Preview works by watching the video:
EXPORT FILES
Every block can be exported as a low- or high-resolution PNG or JPG file to use in documents, on the web, or just to show your friends the next block you plan to sew!
If you have a digital fabric cutter, BlockBase+ can export SVG files for use in digital fabric-cutting machines. Choose the size and save the file for your cutter!
Preview of SVG template export for block 2948 with 1/4″ seam allowance:
Preview Layouts
Choose a block to view in 7 pre-designed quilt layouts. The selected block will display in a simple click-through dialog so you can preview that block in different settings. You’ll be amazed by the secondary designs created when some of these blocks are repeated in a layout! (These quilt layouts are for preview purposes only. There is no quilt pattern or project file for EQ software.)
See a preview of the Quilt Layout:
Link to EQ8!
For additional fun, link BlockBase+ to your EQ8 quilt design software. All the blocks in BlockBase+ will link to your EQ8 block library. Use these blocks to designs quilts or edit the blocks to create new variations! If you already own EQ8, you will need to make sure you’re on the most current version of EQ8 to link to BlockBase+. Check your version here >
(EQ8 software not required. Linking BlockBase+ to EQ8 only gives EQ8 access to the blocks. No other features from BlockBase+ will be added to EQ8.)
BlockBase+ Gallery
If you sew anything using BlockBase+, submit a photo to our gallery so others can see!
Why is it BlockBase “Plus”?
Whether you owned the previous versions or if you’re completely new to BlockBase, you’ll appreciate the new features added to this version! These features and enhancements are very much worthy of a “plus”. Check out our Comparison Chart to see the differences between the two versions.
See the System Requirements for complete information regarding operating system requirements and license information.
Copyright information for BlockBase+ is here.
FAQ
FAQ
The Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book goes hand-in-hand with BlockBase+ software, but you don't need to have one in order to use the other. The book is a wonderful resource on its own, and BlockBase+ is the perfect tool to print rotary-cutting charts, templates, and foundation patterns for the blocks from the book at any size! Watch a video for more information!
Purchasing Questions about the Encyclopedia and BlockBase+
Is there upgrade pricing for BlockBase+ software or the Encyclopedia book?
If you own previous versions, both are still great products! In March 2021, we offered special, introductory discounts on both products. This was a limited-time introductory offer. Check other stores for pricing or sign up for our emails to be notified of a future sale.
Can I purchase either product from my local quilt shop?
Yes, your quilt shop can purchase both products directly from EQ or from their favorite distributor and sell them in their shop. Ask for them!
I live in the EU/UK. Can I purchase BlockBase+ software?
We have resellers in the UK and EU that are selling both products. Please check them out as you could save on shipping costs buying from them instead of from us. We cannot sell downloads to customers in the EU or UK.
I do not live in the United States. Is the Encyclopedia book available for purchase from resellers in my area?
Ask for these products at your local quilt shops or check other online stores. (We sell to distributors all over the world!)
Product Questions about the Encyclopedia and BlockBase+
What exactly is the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book?
This book is a reference primarily on how to identify quilt blocks. In the intro to the book, Barbara explains that she used 20th century magazines and articles, mainly between 1920 and 1950, and mostly from the midwest, to attempt to put a name with a block and when it was first published. This book is the result of all her research. It is organized like an encyclopedia and a great way to figure out the name of a block. With SO many blocks to look at in this book, it's also a very inspirational tool for designing your own quilts. Watch a video for more information!
Is the Encyclopedia book digital or printed?
It is a printed, 4lb book. It has 522 full-color pages. The book is 8.5” x 11” soft cover with inside flaps.
In what format is BlockBase+ software available?
BlockBase+ software is a download from The Electric Quilt Company website. A gift option is available in a physical format. Click the License Card button for more information.
How is this third edition of the Encyclopedia book different from the first and second editions?
The book content does not stray much at all from the 1993 edition. One of the main enhancements is that the blocks are displayed in full color with a line-drawing version as well. The line drawing gives you the option to view the block’s piecing more easily, while not being distracted by the way it’s colored. Plus new blocks! Watch a video for more information!
Are there any new blocks in the Encyclopedia book and BlockBase+ software?
Yes! Barbara has added 161 new blocks to this version! The new blocks are also in BlockBase+ software.
Do I need the new Encyclopedia book if I have an older version?
That’s completely up to you! The same great content is included in the new version so if you love your original version of the book, terrific! Watch a video for more information!
Do I need the new BlockBase+ software if I have the older version?
Again, it’s completely up to you. The new version has been improved from the original to maximize the block view so you can see more blocks on your screen at a time. We have also made it easier to view source information for each block without having to dig for the information. Searching has been enhanced too! Blocks have been redrawn to make them more pieceable! And 161 new blocks have been added! Plus, lots of printing enhancements for rotary cutting, templates, and foundation patterns!! AND FOR THE FIRST TIME - you can export to an SVG file for digital cutting machines, embroidery machines, long arm software, and more. Watch a video for more information!
Do I need to uninstall my older version of BlockBase before installing BlockBase+?
No. If you have the original BlockBase installed, you can keep it on your computer or uninstall it to save space. BlockBase+ is a separate program.
Is EQ required for BlockBase+?
No. BlockBase+ is a standalone program for Windows or Mac computers. If you do own EQ8, you can link all the BlockBase+ blocks to the EQ8 Block Library!
Is there overlap between the BlockBase+ blocks and EQ8 blocks?
Between the 4,200+ BlockBase+ blocks and 6,700+ EQ8 blocks, there are probably a couple hundred duplicates, but those will be the more generic blocks like a 9-patch, Ohio Star, Bear’s Paw, etc. So, you’ll still have thousands of unique blocks to play with!
What is the copyright information for the blocks?
Copyright info for BlockBase+ is here.
System Requirements
System Requirements
System Requirements
BlockBase+ will not run on Chromebooks, iPads, or any other devices running Android or iOS. BlockBase+ requires Windows or macOS operating systems, as listed below.
If you have questions about BlockBase+'s compatibility with your device, contact us.
Windows
| Recommended | Minimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel i5 or higher, or AMD Ryzen series. | Intel i3, or AMD dual-core. |
| Operating system | Windows 11, or Windows 10 | |
| RAM | 16 GB or more | 6GB |
| Monitor resolution | 1920 x 1080 at 100% UI scaling | 1280 x 720 at 100% UI scaling |
| Hard disk space | 250 MB of available hard-disk space; additional free space required during installation | |
| Internet | Internet access required for downloading, activating, periodic validation, and accessing the support materials. You can be disconnected from the internet for general use of the software. | |
Click here for directions on how to check the specifications on your PC.
macOS
| Recommended | Minimum | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel and M series processors | |
| Operating system | macOS Sequoia (15), macOS Sonoma (14), macOS Ventura (13), macOS Monterey (12), or macOS Big Sur (11) | macOS Catalina (10.15), or macOS Mojave (10.14) |
| RAM | 16 GB or more | 6GB |
| Monitor resolution | 1920 x 1080 at 100% UI scaling | 1280 x 720 at 100% UI scaling |
| Hard disk space | 250 MB of available hard-disk space; additional free space required during installation | |
| Internet | Internet access required for downloading, activating, periodic validation, and accessing the support materials. You can be disconnected from the internet for general use of the software. | |
To find the specifications of your Mac, find the serial number printed on the underside of your Mac, then enter that serial number on the Apple Tech Specs page.
If you want to run EQ8 on BOTH platforms, you must purchase the EQ8 Migration Kit to get the installation files for the second platform.
Activation
Unlimited installations. Two (2) computers may be simultaneously active. Activations can be easily transferred between computers. Read more about activations on our Support Site.
Did you own the original version?
Did you own the original version?
Did you own the original BlockBase software?
If you've owned and loved the original version of BlockBase software, released in 1996, you will love this new version too! There is no upgrade pricing since this version is in a completely new format with new features. So it's up to you to decide if you need the new version or not.If you have the original BlockBase installed, you can keep it on your computer or uninstall it to save space. BlockBase+ is a separate program.
Click here to view a PDF of the differences in the old version vs. the new version.
Watch a Demo
Watch a Demo
Watch a Demo
See BlockBase+ in action in this demo! BlockBase+ lets you print templates, foundation paper piecing patterns, and rotary cutting charts for the 4,000+ blocks from Barbara Brackman's book, the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns.
Watch another demo here. Take a tour of BlockBase+ here.
Related Products
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Reviews
Reviews
29 Reviews
Leave a review!
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I found the BlockBase+ software very easy to use, after watching the video tour I could easily find my way around and do what I wanted to do without any extra help. So you don’t need to be really technologically savvy to get to grips with it.
When you think about how much money you spend on books full of quilt blocks, and the hours spent trawling the internet for the block design and size you have in mind having it all at your finger tips in an easily searchable, customisable and printable way is definitely worthwhile. If you are a keen quilter I would say BlockBase+ is worth the investment.
I collect block books, but to be able to have software that includes so many quilt blocks has made designing and creating projects a breeze.
Lissa Alexander
I am so excited about the NEW BlockBase+ I can hardly contain myself. I have been an EQ user from the very first release. I own the previous version of BlockBase, running it with my different EQ versions all the way up through EQ7. I love that there is a new, updated version to go along with my EQ8 software. My favorite thing? Pairing two blocks together to see what other interesting designs happen between the blocks. It’s magic! The only thing better than the NEW Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book – is the ability to have those blocks in BlockBase+, to go with my EQ8!
“I’m a visual learner” I hear this in just about every workshop I’ve taught. If that describes you then I expect you’ll be inordinately pleased with the Blockbase+ graphics and program. Its superb illustrations astonish and inspire me. It’s a candy shop full of sweet inspiration for quilters.
I love all of the inspiration to be found in Barbara Brackman’s book Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book. And now to be able to combine that inspiration with USING it with EQ8 is amazing. I feel like the quilt design possibilities are endless. And so much easier to achieve with much of the technical work all ready to go!
Okay BlockBase+ is bananas awesome and everything both an aspiring and veteran pattern designer should have in their arsenal. Heck every quilter needs this to help translate the ideas in our heads to manifesting in fabric form.
Every quilter should have a great tool to help them learn and design. BlockBase+ software is the perfect companion to the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book. Find a block you love, then use BlockBase+ and EQ8 to design a quilt with it. This software is super easy to use and you don’t need to have EQ as it is stand alone. I’m excited for this new version!
I love this software so much and can’t wait to share with my quilty friends!. It is the perfect companion to the book. I love that I can look up the block by the number you see in the book or search the software by name to find the the block. It makes my life so easy!
Block Base is an insanely good resource for quilters. Being able to browse over 4000 quilt blocks, print pictures or templates (individual or foundation paper pieced), and the rotary cutting instructions too at ANY finished size… Plus you don’t need EQ8 to be able to use it. So if you’ve wanted to dabble in quilt design, this is the place to start. I also am fascinated with the quilt history included for each block.
And if you do have EQ8, it integrates beautifully to massively expand the Block Library!
The new Block Base is incredible! I always loved the original Block Base and used it all the time with EQ but this never version is so much better! There are more blocks, more ways to search and find different blocks for all kinds of inspiration! The user interface is super intuitive so even a beginner to quilt software will find it easy to use. You can resize or customize any block to make it truly unique. I love the tools and how quick and easy it is to make changes to any block! Your imagination is the only limit because this new version of Block Base truly is the only quilt block software any quilter would ever need! I LOVE it and can’t recommend it enough.
I really enjoy using BB+ to browse through blocks and categories. It is a great companion to the book. I find it easier to flip from section to section than the book. I also like the extra information included as well as the view options. Lots to enjoy.
I updated my pc to windows 10 because I think your software package is awesome enough to warrant the change. I have purchased and imported blockbase+ to my eq8 on my windows 10 platform. No problems at all. Seamless and just a delight to have it install so well. Thank you for pushing me over the edge, lol. And most of all, thank you for such a great product of eq8.
I am a big fan of EQ8 and Brackman’s book. Putting the two together is great! In BlockBase Plus I really like being able to some quilt layouts instantly. That is a fantastic feature.
I love BlockBase+. It’s so easy to Print a block, pattern, templates (with or without seam allowances), and rotary cutting charts. We also have the ability to Export as a JPG, PNG and SVG. With BlockBase + integrated into EQ8, we can edit the blocks to make them your own, and use them to create wonderful quilt layouts. What is so amazing to me is the amount of research it took to provide historical information that is available for each block. BlockBase + is a wonderful resource on its own and a great companion to EQ8.
I love BlockBase+! I am a modern quilt designer, so you may wonder why I use and recommend this software. Well, some of my designs include traditional blocks as part of the overall design. BlockBase+ saves me a lot of time drawing the traditional version of the blocks it’s linked into EQ8 as one of my libraries. I know that I’m starting my design process with an accurately drawn block–and then I can alter it and make that block as modern as I please!
I’ve had BlockBase since its initial release and BlockBase+ is such a wonderful improvement. Some of my favorite additions are the Favorites tab. Each of us has a style of block that just speaks to us and with the Favorites section, you can add (or delete) blocks that you are most likely to play with. Right now mine is full of stars, Lemoyne stars, Ohio Stars, Variable stars, etc. I can go through BB+ add stars and blocks with similar grid structure so they go together so nicely.
My other favorite addition is the rotary cutting directions AND the ability to say how many blocks you will be constructing for your project. You will get the total number of each patch for your project and… how many strips to cut for each patch; Cool!
Block Base Plus, a great stand alone program that is an exceptional addition to a quilters toolbox. It is especially useful for the quilter who wants to greatly expand their block pattern library. The program supports Barbara Brackman’s renowned book “Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns” doing the work of drafting all the blocks in the book, showing each block in three different colorways. A favorite features is the Quilt Layout button, which takes any block and in seconds allows you to see it in seven different preset design layouts. So many quilts I now want to make, so little time. The ability to choose from any of the over 4,000 blocks, selecting the size and print either the templates, foundation piecing patterns or rotary cutting charts makes for quick work so you can get started sewing your next quilt.
For EQ8 users you will like the ability to bring the blocks into EQ8 and let EQ8 do the magic with changing colors, adding fabrics and creating complex design ideas. You will also like the ability of making changes in EQ8 to the BB+ blocks whether you would like to simplify or add more complexity to a given block.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced quilter, use BB+ as a stand alone or a seasoned EQ8 user this will be worth your investment in time and money.
As a stand-alone application, Block Base+ is an intuitive, easy to use program. You can browse more than 4000 blocks by category. After selecting a block you like, you can print the block, print templates, or print rotary cutting instructions. You can also preview a quilt using that block, with the block set horizontally or on point.
Although Block Base + can be used with no additional software, if you do have EQ8, you can import the blocks and use them to design a custom quilt, deciding if you want borders/shashing, and auditioning fabrics and colors.
I usually start in Block Base+ to choose a block and get cutting instructions for that block. Then I use that block in EQ8 to decide on the final layout along with fabric choices and color. When I am done on EQ8, I have cutting instructions and fabric yardage, and am ready to start the quilt, knowing in advance exactly what the finished quilt will look like.
I highly recommend this product, especially when it is paired with EQ8.
I absolutely love this software. It is the perfect companion to the book. If I can’t find the block I’m looking for in the book, the software search is fast, easy and comprehensive. You can look up the block by the number you see in the book or search the software by name to find the the block, you can then refer to it in the book. Best of all the blocks are all there in your EQ8 library for easy placement in your quilts.
As a quilt maker and pattern writer, I am over the moon about this new BlockBase from Electric Quilt. Not only can I choose and export blocks from Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, but I can combine the blocks, and it’s easy to visualize new combinations for my quilts. I really like the Zoom and the Quilt features that allow me to see possibilities for each block, as well as the history of the blocks I choose.
I am also enthusiastic about SVG export; however, I don’t use it for a cutting machine. Instead, I use this export with my digital design software, which allows me to be more creative in mixing and matching parts of blocks by swapping them out digitally. BlockBase also exports blocks so they can be Foundation Pieced, Rotary Cut or just viewed as regular Piecing Templates. A most versatile program that is part of a modern quilter’s set of tools.
Wow, I am excited about Electric Quilt’s revolutionary Blockbase+ add-on! I can access a huge selection of impeccably organized historic blocks into my quilts. Not only that, I am thrilled to be able to export block templates as an SVG file! Now I can use my Cricut Maker to accurately cut the pieces for my blocks. I am not limited to a pre-defined block size because I can select what works in my quilt! My world has just become limitless. Thank you, EQ!
I love this program … and best of all, I can use it in my EQ8
There are so many different blocks I need to try out, perhaps in a sampler quilt or a brand new jacket/coat for myself to use in the spring/fall jacket
You can in your print option, choose if you want to FPP, rotary cutting or templates for hand sewing.
It is not just a “nice to have”, it’s a “need to have” program
As a new user of Block Base+, I found the historical information on the blocks fascinating. It is fun to see different quilt layouts that are possible for the blocks. The ability to link it to Electric Quilt 8 is a HUGE bonus for me, but it is a great stand alone program as well. Being able to print templates, foundation piecing, and rotary cutting directions for the blocks is amazing! You can even export svg files to use with electronic cutters! What a great program!
I have the original CD of BlockBase but I love this newer version. As an educator and pattern designer, I can easily select the level of quilting expertise and the style of the quilt block construction and immediately find what blocks fit with this level of students. I use this feature in creating quilt kits for my local store. I can write on the package lessons what level of quilter this quilt pattern kit is best suited for. This is an excellent feature!
My friends know me as an old school quilter— drawing my blocks with colored pencils on graph paper instead of using a computer quilt program. Not anymore. I tried BlockBase+ and was thrilled with how easy it was to use.
Now I browse through either the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns book (a gift from my husband) or the BlockBase+ program’s listings to find the block I want. More often than not, my browsing leads to blocks I didn’t know existed but would work well with the project. The writeup about each block’s history reminds me that the quilt I’m making today connects the past to the future.
BlockBase+ lets me easily search, print, and save blocks. It allows me to customize the size and select from 3 ways to make most blocks—foundation pieced, templates, or rotary cut. I can’t go back to the old paper and pencil way of doing things. I’m enjoying this new way very much. So easy, so accurate, so much fun.
I have the Encyclopedia and I think it is an amazing reference book. When I am looking to design a quilt and searching for the right blocks that suit my fabric and my design I like to be able to go to a book and leaf through the pages until I find what I like. The encyclopedia has the blocks laid out by categories which is very helpful. The colour photos give you an idea of colouring’s and where to put the light, medium, dark fabrics. Once you find the blocks you like you can just go to the BlockBase +, look up the blocks, choose the size block you want and then print the patterns you want or the rotary cutting instructions. You can also see some suggested quilt layouts using the block you have chosen.
Blockbase is a wonderful companion to the Barbara Brackman book. If you like to design your own quilts this software is a great resource. You can either just use the blocks as presented or can modify them to suit your needs. The brand new MacBook Pro M1 running Big Sur utilizes the software seamlessly and fast. Hope to use this as a design tool for many years.
This software is such fun! Exploring the various types/styles of blocks can become all-consuming, and paired with the new book of the same designs makes it even better. It’s so easy to print templates, change the blocks to foundations, or get cutting instructions. I can hardly wait until it’s able to “pair” with EQ8.
I love the previous version of BlockBase , and this one is even better! More blocks, very easy to navigate, lots of options for printing and using the blocks.
I can search in a number of ways to find blocks. One of my favourites is to search by key words in titles. I was able to find interesting blocks to go with various themes in a family quilt project. Or I can just browse. But this is dangerous, as I keep finding blocks that look interesting and before I know it I have another quilt designed!
I appreciate the fact that the default size of each block is one which gives reasonable sizes for the pieces. For example, I found a Feathered Star that suggested 19″. It would have taken much experimentation to determine that size on my own. The templates, rotary cutting options, foundation piecing options are very easy to use and give me plenty of ways to actually make the blocks I discover.