RedGarnet222

I use patterns all the time! I also design them. But, there is nothing like just cutting sewing and finishing a lovely quilt in record time. All that creativity is fun, but, can be taxing.

CAS49OR

I'm surprised you feel "left behind". Using patterns is fun! Designing is too, but just getting inspired by someone's pattern and making it your own by your fabric choices and quilting design is fun!

I'm fairly new to quilting and recently have been trying to figure out piecing from a picture without a pattern and it is much more difficult than having the pattern.

I do usually add my own touches to patterns. Sometimes I've had to because the patterns had an error and I had to figure out how to make the blocks fit -- does that make me a designer?

smurfsmom

i use patterns for the same reason as Threadbanger. I love someone else figuring out the measurments and yardages. I do my own thing with fabric choices so it seldom looks like the featured quilt in that way.

riutzelj

i also use patterns, the one wall quilt that i have been working on which incorporates photo transfer, a Ryan panel, the Seven Sisters across the top is coming along very slowly since i haven't figured out exactly how to tie them all together. It being the memorial quilt for my son who died from suicide at age 24, it is special and i want it to look like it all fits together. I think patterns free me up to really focus on my piecing, applique and color choices

Sandy64

I use patterns most of the time. I sometimes use a pattern as the basis of the idea for a quilt and then change something here and there what ever fits the quilt best for the receiver. Some people seem to enjoy the designing of the pattern but myself, I'd rather use a pattern. Sandy 64

ILoveToQuilt

I do both. There are a lot of very talented pattern designers out there and many patterns that I love. Occasionally I will "think" up my own patterns, but I'd say 99% of the time I use patterns.

katesnanna

We all have our area of expertise. Doesn't mean some are better than others just different. I have so many quilt books & magazines from when I first started quilting around 9 years ago but haven't made too many quilts from those. I have made quilts from my own designs and just recently have bought a couple of patterns as well as two books on specific types of quilts I wish to make.
I still use the good old graph paper but sometimes a pattern is no more than an idea doodled on a scrap of paper. I consider myself lucky that I have never had a problem with maths but don't consider myself any better than any other quilter. Even beginners have the potential to design or make fabulous quilts.
I'm more grateful to my Mother and a neighbour who taught me how to sew & draft patterns at a very young age.

ube quilting

I make quilts and am proud of it! Some times I do change a pattern around or add a special border. It might be a design change but far from designing! Enjoy every stitch in every quilt you make.

Why not post some of your quilts to share!
peace

MimiBug123

Just do what makes you happy. If you want to design your own quilt, try 9 patch or 4 patch. Use charm squares or just use 2 or 3 fabrics. Quilting is a stress reliever--don't stress over it. Keep doing what you like to do.

hodgesquilter

I still use them. I make strip and scrap quilts with no pattern, but most others , I do use a pattern.
I would rather use a pattern some one else has gone to all the trouble of designing.
Thread hugs.
Linda C