Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
  • Pattern Directions - What do you look for? >
  • Pattern Directions - What do you look for?

  • Pattern Directions - What do you look for?

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 08-08-2019, 07:03 AM
      #1  
    Power Poster
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: May 2008
    Location: MN
    Posts: 24,645
    Default Pattern Directions - What do you look for?

    Some patterns are easier for me to follow than others.

    What is important to you?

    For me:

    Finished size is given
    Adequate fabric requirements
    Cutting directions are accurate
    Good illustrations

    If a particular ruler, notion, interfacing, etc., is necessary to make the item, that is noted - in easy to see fashion - preferably on the "front" of the pattern

    Examples: "Featuring the XYZ criss-cross ruler "
    "Need to use ABC lining for bag"

    Then - I would like the shop that is selling that pattern to have those things available.

    Another example:

    A bag pattern used magnetic snaps. Magnetic snaps not available where the pattern was sold. Skipped buying the pattern because I did not want the hassle of trying to find magnetic snaps.

    It's challenging to write good instructions. I applaud those that do.
    bearisgray is offline  
    Old 08-08-2019, 08:23 AM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    Watson's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Dec 2015
    Location: Ontario, Canada
    Posts: 4,368
    Default

    When I buy a pattern it has to have a picture of an actual quilt on the pattern, not a graphic of the quilt. I once bought a pattern that just had a graphic and I swear no one had ever actually made that pattern in real life.

    I also would like it if they made a note in large print if you need a special ruler, because that is often a deal-breaker for me.

    Watson
    Watson is offline  
    Old 08-08-2019, 11:45 AM
      #3  
    Senior Member
     
    Barb2018's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2018
    Location: North Central PA
    Posts: 329
    Default

    I like to see the individual block sizes.
    Barb2018 is offline  
    Old 08-08-2019, 11:50 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    osewme's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Apr 2011
    Location: Texas
    Posts: 5,546
    Default

    I look for all the above mentioned details. Plus, I like to know if it's a pattern for a beginner, intermediate, advanced quilter. It sort of tell me what I'm getting myself in to by knowing before I make it.

    Last edited by osewme; 08-08-2019 at 11:53 AM.
    osewme is offline  
    Old 08-08-2019, 12:02 PM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: Maple City, MI
    Posts: 2,135
    Default

    I want to know what level "beginner, intermediate, or advanced" quilter...and I am a visual learner...don't want a graphic...I want a picture!
    rusty quilter is offline  
    Old 08-08-2019, 03:21 PM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 5,963
    Default

    For me the main thing is can I adjust the size by adding or subtracting blocks or borders. I dislike square quilts for this reason. I like to make 54-60 x 72-76. So I am flexible, but some patterns aren't.
    toverly is offline  
    Old 08-09-2019, 03:11 AM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Northern Indiana
    Posts: 2,679
    Default

    Skill level, clear instructions (hopefully not pages of them), can it be made bigger or smaller, and a color picture.
    sandy l is offline  
    Old 08-09-2019, 03:29 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Posts: 1,592
    Default

    I like a pattern you can understand , and I don't like it when you have to cut 2 3/8'' or 5/8 .
    drives me crazy
    kittiebug is offline  
    Old 08-09-2019, 05:07 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Posts: 6,430
    Default

    I think not everyone can write pattern directions. I would have to get several folks to read, evaluate, and produce said pattern before I would offer it to anyone.
    carolynjo is offline  
    Old 08-09-2019, 01:42 PM
      #10  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Feb 2011
    Location: Grass Lake, MI and Bradenton, FL
    Posts: 785
    Default

    I like it when a pattern tells you which way to press the seam allowances
    janjanq is offline  

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter