Originally Posted by
mom-6
What mystifies me is why you would need to buy a pattern for most of the quilts (or tote bags) I see posted on here or any other forum. All you need for the majority of quilt 'patterns' is a picture of the completed quilt. It can usually be quite easily figured out and redrawn on graph paper or in quilt design software (like EQ). Now some of the ones that are based on shapes other than a combination of squares, triangles and rectangles may be a little more difficult to figure out, but not impossible. As someone else mentioned earlier, I'm not going to waste my $$ on a pattern unless it is something extra special that I wouldn't figure out on my own.
Perhaps I can demystify you.
I always buy or download-free quilt patterns because that is how I am learning to construct a quilt: the correct layout to cut the fabric, the correct sizes for the pieces, how to choose attractive color combination, how to construct the blocks and layout and sew the rows or sections, and some patterns even have suggestions on attractive machine quilting as well as 'tips and hints' for ensuring an efficient process. Someday when I know all about quilting, or think I do
, perhaps I will be able to do otherwise. But for $5-$10 for a pattern, it is worth it to me to know how the designer envisions the construction.