What do you like in a quilt pattern?
#31
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 85
Pictures pictures pictures. I am really visual - if there isn't a picture of practically every step, I will be worried that I did something wrong. I could probably follow a pattern with all pictures and no words better than a pattern with all words and no pictures.
#32
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 83
1. Have the pattern tested by all skill levels
2. Pictures of several of the finished items. Use the quilts the testers made.
I like to get a feel for how the quilt will look with different color values in different places.
3. Clear concise directions with illustrations/pictures
4. Yardage information for all sizes.
5. A contact number or address if there are any questions or problems.
2. Pictures of several of the finished items. Use the quilts the testers made.
I like to get a feel for how the quilt will look with different color values in different places.
3. Clear concise directions with illustrations/pictures
4. Yardage information for all sizes.
5. A contact number or address if there are any questions or problems.
#33
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 66
I like cutting directions that minimize scraps. I made a quilt from a pattern this summer that I'll swear was written/ designed by someone who likes creating scraps for her stash as much as anything else. Efficient use of yardage and not having a bunch of leftovers is what I like.
#34
Clear spacing between instructions, particularly on the cutting, so I can check them off as I do them without losing my place - or my sanity.
I have Dyscalculia which is a specific disability in learning or comprehending arithmetic, difficulty in understanding numbers and how to manipulate numbers. Calculating yardage is great fun.......... lol.
Below is an example of the kind of instructions which give me a headache! (This was actually pre-cutting for a class I was going to attend and ended up NOT going to as I made so many mistakes in the cutting I gave up, exhausted and disheartened ).
From your main fabric cut:
8 x 2½” squares2 x 3¼” squares
3 x 5½” squares*
4 x 3¼” squares
2 x 3¼” squares
2 x 2½” squares
12 x 2⅞” squares
From the contrast, cut:
2 x 3¼” squares
2 x 2½” squares
12 x 2⅞” squares
and so it went on.
I have Dyscalculia which is a specific disability in learning or comprehending arithmetic, difficulty in understanding numbers and how to manipulate numbers. Calculating yardage is great fun.......... lol.
Below is an example of the kind of instructions which give me a headache! (This was actually pre-cutting for a class I was going to attend and ended up NOT going to as I made so many mistakes in the cutting I gave up, exhausted and disheartened ).
From your main fabric cut:
8 x 2½” squares2 x 3¼” squares
3 x 5½” squares*
4 x 3¼” squares
2 x 3¼” squares
2 x 2½” squares
12 x 2⅞” squares
From the contrast, cut:
2 x 3¼” squares
2 x 2½” squares
12 x 2⅞” squares
and so it went on.
#35
Glad I'm not the only one that has issues with the '5x3" square' instructions. I'm usually sitting there trying to make sure it isn't one 5" by 3" rectangle that they want and not five 3" squares. I used to always assume it was the later, until I ran across and issue in a table runner and was out of the fabric I needed the 5" by 3" square from. I ended up piecing a couple of pieces to make the rectangle I needed, but I am still totally annoyed when I look at the piece.
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
With patterns that have 1/2 sq triangles or 1/4 sq triangles--the fabric requirements and cutting instructions should include the method that is planned to be used--and maybe even give the measurements for a couple different methods (i.e. one where you are cutting the actual triangle out immediately and another where you are using the methods where you make a larger sq and cut down the middle) I find this really annoying as I have a preferred method and am not "mathy" enough to figure out the fabric requirements otherwise!
#40
I agree with Spacific. Clear, simple, consise instructions step by step are very important . Many patterns assume a person will know what they are talking about. Not so ! A good picture instruction is also so helpful. I am a quilter and have quilted for 11 yrs and still have difficulty with some patterns and even some tutorilas skip steps.
Best of luck and God Bless
Best of luck and God Bless
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Julie in NM
Links and Resources
8
11-10-2012 09:12 PM
oma66
Pictures
250
07-02-2011 03:21 PM
BarbaraTX
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
128
05-03-2011 02:55 AM
cmputerdazed
Links and Resources
3
03-30-2011 07:53 AM