I have a gridded field memo pad that I stole from my hubby. LOL I have never used an actual pattern to make a quilt - I see an idea that I like and map it out how it suits me on paper. DH's memo pads work great for drawing out a single block or a couple of blocks to make a pattern with measurements, colours, yardage needed, blocks needed, etc., noted under it. Once I have that "perfected" I use a large sheet of graph paper to map out the whole quilt. Then I pin it to the support beam beside my sewing table.