I think having a complete picture of the quilt either as the front photo or on the back of the package. I don't like to take the pattern completely out of the package to see what the quilt design is. Also skill level is important but I would also like to see what pieces you will be making that might be a deciding factor for example; the pattern has curved seams, flying geese, paper piecing, appliqué, Y seams, anything that someone would consider difficult or not their forte. I consider myself an intermediate quilter but have a lot of problems with flying geese.