Flying_V_Goddess

If you read my other post, you know I expressed an interest in publishing patterns for my designs. I gotta pass a few "road blocks" before that happens (the legal stuff, getting them made out first, etc.) But I got to thinking about it and I realized something......I don't really know what all goes into a published pattern. I know the actual pattern and step-by-step instructions to make it, but what else would be nessicary (or good to have)? I don't know. I've never bought a pattern before. Any suggestions?

Barb M

Why don't you take a class all about this at your local college? The best way to learn is education

Cordelia

Are you talking like a pattern book like Eleanor Burns publishes?

You'd have to find a publisher. I don't know how it works. Maybe you should look at the books for sale in the stores and see who publishes them.

That's a place to start.

amma

Do you remember the pattern that Patrice is publishing? She posted it in the classified section here a while back. She is on vacation right now, but maybe when she gets back you could ask her? It was made up into a packet, not a book.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/4746.page

Moonpi

At the very least, it should have at least one great picture of the finished quilt, yardages for various sizes, and clear, correct instructions. The most efficient methods should be used, and time factored in. If a quilt wastes my resources, it won't be one I'm likely to make.

I think most people like patterns where you can see some progress as you go along. Look through books by Eleanor Burns for examples of good, concise directions. She always finds the easiest technique and explains things thoroughly.

I have seen some that make you cut out hundreds of triangles, which could have been peiced together in less than half the time. Another thing I hate to see is a requirement for some fancy ruler that will add $$$ to a project IF you can even find it! I probably have more than a dozen rulers now, and seldom use more than a couple. And for some mysterious reason, I keep looking at the fancy new ones. When will this madness end?

Flying_V_Goddess

No, I was thinking more like indivual patterns instead of an entire book.

Moonpi

You would still need to write out clear directions. They need to be pretty basic, so anyone buying the pattern can understand them. You can't always count on people starting out with any level of experience.

donfel

You should also look into getting a copyright also.

Flying_V_Goddess

I already knew that, but thanks for reminding me. :) I think I could make clear, easy directions (diagrams/pictures included). But I think my main problem for coming up with directions would be finding the quickest way of piecing the quilt top together, espessily for those who do rotary cutting. Rotary cutting (and doing things the fast way) isn't exactly my forte. I mean, I can see where some shortcuts can be made on my designs, but I'd probably miss a lot of things. So there's another thing I have to do some research on. Not to mention actually making the quilt and figuring out all the trouble-shooting before typing up piecing directions.

amma

Don't get discouraged, you will get it figured out :wink: you know that when you get the process started we will all be here to help you in any way that we can :D