Am I the only one that doesn't use a pattern?

So here is the thing. Although I like the thought of being told how many, and how much of each fabric I need, when I actually look at the pattern I get overwhelmed. Looking at a list a mile long with a hundred different sizes of a hundred different fabrics is so daunting I just forget it. I have just figured out some of the ones I have wanted to try, but as of now, if I can't figure it out just from looking at or watching a tutorial on it, I don't even bother.

So, does anyone else do this, or am I just brain challenged? Just wondering :) ~Karen

I do a lot of my own "designing" but I follow patterns too. Is that because I'm a Gemini????? Or maybe just crazy!

Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't. No law says you have to use a pattern.

If you want to start using patterns, pick a quickie. That way, it won't seem like a long row to hoe. Or, buy an already cut kit.

Otherwise, continue to enjoy figuring out the puzzles of "how do I do that!?!" It's all good.

I feel the same way! I was wondering if I am just loosing brain cells. I am working on a pattern now and stuck! Got to boost my brain power to get thru this one.

I have found books and magazines that have instructions that 'fit my brain". Usually the instructions are clear and concise. The ones that are 'wordy'...they make my brain turn off! I swear sometimes I cannot SEE them! My favorite designers are Terri Atkinson and Judy Martin. My favorite quilt magazine is Quiltmaker. I think sometimes they have their instructions or cutting requirements in a table. Less words works for me!

I get overwhelmed also, I want to enjoy quilting so I just do what I like and go from there. The first was ok but the second one was a disaster. I am not letting it go to waste. I am practicing on it with my long arm. But with the help of this board I have made a few that looked pretty good. :thumbup:

Karen, I get overwhelmed also. I love clear and concise!!
Many times I will just do a block I like and make the quilt w/o a pattern. I'm more into traditional patterns and then maybe add a little twist if I'm feeling creative :D:D
Lots of times you can do something extra cool just by the fabrics you choose.

I look at the pictures and do my own thing. As for me this is easier for me and I like the challenge of doing it myself.

I do get overwhelmed when there are lots and lots of different fabrics. I still use the pattern, but I buy as I go. Fortunately, I have a pretty good stash now, and so I don't have to buy much unless it's for a back. Just remember: No rules.

Are you kidding me??? I can't do anything without a pattern! I think I'm the one that's brain challenged.

I'm with you Minnie, I need a pattern too.

Oh no, not the only one. Sometimes when I see a pattern that starts with - cut 48 2 1/2 inch squares from the light fabric, 36 from the medium fabric, the room starts to spin! I have used an Eleanor Burns pattern from a book, but she is so specific I had no problems. I like the simple patchwork quilts the best, so I usually improvise from public domain squares.

I usually start with the pattern and then change it ---- I always do that --- it is a habit I developed when I used to crochet a lot and I just can't seem to help myself. LOL I think I have only followed one pattern all the way and it is a UFO right now. I've made up and improvised almost every project I have done.

You are not losing brain cells ---- you are developing artistic habits. Have fun with it!

I usually look at pictures and then make the pattern (directions) up on graph paper to suit my needs. That's how I did my avatar and I do a LOT of paper piecing and applique that way. I make my dd and my own clothes without a pattern too. To me they're just a waste of time. Every now and then I'll use one but not too often. I use patterns in classes if it's required. I used to be a whiz in math so I thought that maybe that's why I can look at a pattern and know how big to cut the pieces to make it the size I want. I was surprized to find out that there were people that couldn't do this because to me it's just natural.

I do both.

Most of mine are my own patterns or my take on theirs :D:D:D

I make my own patterns for the most part as I like to create patterns and have fun with the different fabric colors and fabric prints. This way I understand my own directions as some times the purchased patterns are to abbreviated and not easy to fallow. I like to be as original as I can be and some day maybe I will have enough patterns to make a book of patterns.

If I like a pattern, I note the squares and then go an make my own pattern. So many patterns give you absurd amounts of fabric. 4.5 yards of this 3.0 yards of that 2 yards of each of three colors. Hey, how many quilts are we making. No one quilt needs 13.5 yards for the top. I end up with all of this extra fabric..so I design and work out my own fabric needs.

I use a lot of "techniques" rather than patterns. I have not tried any complex patterns, I prefer to keep things simple.

When I first started quilting, I followed patterns to the letter. The longer I've been quilting, the less I have followed patterns. I start out with a pattern, but end up improvising along the way. Hmmm, I guess I am not really answering this question very well. Sorry, whatever works is what's right!

That's why I like to buy kits. The fabric is usually coordinated and the pattern is included. I am basically a beginner so I don't want anything that is too confusing. I bought a "raggy rail" kit last week and am so excited that it is almost done and it looks pretty good!!! :) I envy the beautiful quilts I saw this week end at the Sisters Quilt show in Oregon but, am not ready to tackle a huge project.

That's why I like to buy kits. The fabric is usually coordinated and the pattern is included. I am basically a beginner so I don't want anything that is too confusing. I bought a "raggy rail" kit last week and am so excited that it is almost done and it looks pretty good!!! :) I envy the beautiful quilts I saw this week end at the Sisters Quilt show in Oregon but, am not ready to tackle a huge project.

I'm with you....I've stopped buying books and patterns because I don't end up following them. I now work out patterns on graph paper that I figure out from a picture. I can't even tell anyone how much fabric I use for a quilt because most of mine are scrappy so yardage isn't an issue.

Most of the time I start with an idea and then go from there. Sometimes the idea comes from a picture of a finished quilt, a single block, or a pattern.

Honestly, I have never started with a pattern and finished the quilt using that pattern. Somewhere in the quilt pattern I decide I would rather do something else than what the directions say and off I go.

So...If you don't want to use a pattern, you don't have to, except if you are taking a class. They typically want everyone to do the same thing.

Classes are great. If you haven't taken a quilt class, you might like to think about trying one just to get into reading and using patterns.

I have never used a pattern. Mostly I just wing it. I don't understand most of the directions anyway. By not fallowing a pattern, I just have to guess at the yardage. So I tend to over buy fabric, which is fine by me. I'm not having any problems using up the leftovers.

I prefer a pattern. It just works well for me. If I want to design a quilt I do it on EQ 6 and there is a pattern for me.

Are you talking about the shapes and order of the pattern pieces or the colors that are used in a sample? I have to follow the pattern to make sure that my star doesn't end up looking like a wedge cutter, but I pick my own colors. Sometimes I change size and layout too - sometimes I follow the rules. It all depends.

It all frustrated me to be honest! I have tried to pick my own fabrics, and then I can't decide what I want to use for which, and therefore I am still standing there like a dumb-dumb not being able to figure out how much I need of which :) So, I pick what I like, and see what happens! I made a Turning Twenty that I really liked (oops, I didn't buy the pattern, just figured it out from the pic!) and and tube quilt, and d9p, and a few simpler designs, and they mostly turn out how they are supposed to! Glad I'm not the only one pattern challenged!

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.

LOL----I just bought a pattern for a woven-look quilt that is made from either 48 or 56 log cabin blocks, no two alike. Cool looking quilt but do I have the patience to do THAT perfectly?????? Um.....not quite! So my next challenge is to figure out an easier way to piece it.

I, too, am a Gemini! I have made about 20 quilts (baby and large) and have only used a pattern on one of them. I am copying a pattern I saw on here and just figured my own measurements. I have the first block sewn and it looks great. My numbers worked as well. I, too, get lost in all the list of pieces you need to cut in a pattern. Is it just us Gemini who have to go it our own way?

I make a list in a table, with the cut size at the top, the color down the side. Then, each one goes in a plastic folder with a labelled size, and the quilt it is for. This is then placed in an A4 folder, with the pattern at the front.
When I lay them out, I label each row (1, 2, 3,) and column (1a, 2a, etc) pin that to the the square, then sew it to the block as a thread saver.
Then it joins the rest of my really well organised UFO collection. :lol: :lol: :lol:

I have yet to actually use a pattern per se. Just tend to play it by ear and do my own thing. It is nice to have the dimensions of the pieces in the block you're doing spelled out in EQ7 however. And of course I've modified the block from the 'stock' block anyway...and it still comes up with the dimensions for me...whoohooo!

Patterns are just a starting point for me even in regular sewing. I'll take this from that one and that from another one and make it how I want it.

I tend to start with the fabric, figure out which ones play together nicely, what proportions I want of each, how big the focal fabric needs to be, then go from there.

So far I haven't done anything with little bitty pieces (smaller than 2-1/2" squares or 1-1/2" strips) except for playing around with scraps and sewing them into strips for future use.

kbedierman, I do that too. I usually look at the design and figure it out for myself. I haven't been buying patterns, as I can look at a quilt and make it my own way. Eiltcoq.

I make quilts both ways. If it is a pieced quilt I usually have to use a pattern unless it is a crazy patch or something like that. If it is an applique I may use a pattern or not. I may draw my own pattern or just start cutting. It just depends. I find some patterns very confusing and have to read them so many times I lose interest in the quilt.

I don't use patterns. I have one time and it was a disaster. The seams did not match up very well, and it was difficult to follow. I buy books and learn how to make a block, and then create my own quilt.

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm always looking for a block that I like and looks to be something I can handle. The hardest part of knowing how much to buy is that I often change my mind about how I'm going to put it together or lay it out. Much less frustrating than trying to figure out some of their instructions and then they use different colors in the display and tell you to buy other colors. What's with that?

I'm one that likes to look at other's ideas and then do my own thing. I do use patterns, but I like to do my own too.

My sentiments also. I look at something, if I like it, I do what I like to do with something

Alot of those patterns are made to sell a fabric line.
so every fabric in the line is used.
Sometimes I make the pattern but use the fabrics I like,sometimes alot fewer than suggested!