I don't have an interest in learning to draft patterns, and I feel no need to come up with original ideas when there are so many beautiful patterns available. I love the process of starting with a pattern and envisioning it in my choice of fabrics; this is sufficient creativity for me.
The first thing I want in a pattern is no errors! Then I agree with Peckish -- "write and explain everything in detail. It won't hurt experienced quilters and will help beginners."
Originally Posted by
Iceblossom
Do you want actual construction details down to the "press seam toward" of each and every sub-unit? And then the order to connect the sub-units? And then the blocks, sashing, borders?? How do you then deal with different styles or construction techniques?
Do you want figured out yardage? Is yardage enough or do you need cutting diagrams? Is it the math, either in adding in seams or best way to cut that is confusing? Do you need to know when we say "take a square and cut it along the diagonal" that means the long diagonal edge is bias and the two outer edges are straight on grain and why that can be important? Is it the math that happens with diagonals?
Personally, I like everything spelled out for me in orderly fashion (what I will need, how I will cut it, how I will sew it, how I will press it). Diagrams are extremely helpful, because they confirm that you've understood the descriptive directions correctly. I never take a step in a Bonnie Hunter quilt without referring to the photos that accompany the clue.
I also prefer a photo of a finished, real quilt -- not just a corner of the quilt; for some reason, I find that particularly annoying. A photo of a whole quilt is a very useful reference point.
One thing I find very helpful is specifying what the fabric is for in the quilt. For example, in yardage requirements: 2 yd. dark pink (unit A, inner border, binding).
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Yes, please state the size of the sub-units, the finished unit and finished block!