I've done a fair bit of pattern testing, as well as piecing probably 40-50 quilts from patterns, roughly 10 of those being queen or larger.. All of the above are valuable items to consider. The other thing I'd like to throw in - please use either #'s or Letters to identify the different fabrics. (7 fabrics numbered 1-7 or lettered A-G, etc. It's frustrating to me to see a pattern made from a specific line using the 'name' of that fabric in the instructions instead of a generic identifier! That forces me to either 'name' my fabrics on a chart so they match the pattern, or go thru and 'edit' the pattern to capture #'s.

IF you're going to have PDF downloads available, and if you are including color photographs of fabrics, top, etc.; be sure you print your pattern in grayscale so you can see how much difference/variation there will be as not everyone has a color printer at their disposal! BUT do show several options using tone, hue, prints, etc.

Good Luck and will be interested to see what you come up with!

Another idea has just popped into my head! I like to plan how I place my colours in a quilt by colouring in graph paper. So perhaps you could include a line drawing of the pattern that could be used to help plan?

Wow! Look at all these ideas!

I think my pattern is going to be at least 50 pages long...:D

I like to see a sample of the whole quilt done up front/first. Even if it's a EQ pic.
Then lots of instructions/pictures like the others said.

Post it when you're done and we'll go test it for you! Or do some drafts here?

If it's going to be sold as a PDF - why not? Be sure to have the pages numbered.:p

Number 1 for me - pressing directions. I am once again trying to put together a quilt where none of the seams lay in the way they should. I have a terrible problem of not thinking out this step before I get started and it messes me up every time. I should learn to press them all open to save myself the aggravation, but it just takes so much longer.

Get ahold of a copy of Publish Your Patterns: How to Write, Print, and Market Your Designs by Nancy Restuccia. It's the best resource available for anyone contemplating marketing their own patterns, whether they're to be self-published or professionally done.
http://www.amazon.com/Publish-Patter.../dp/0971450137


You might also want to collect sample patterns from as many different quilting magazines as you can lay your hands on. They will show you what is 'generally accepted' by 'the masses'. The editors have an excellent understanding of what their readers want when it comes to pattern instructions and they make changes to their format to adapt quickly when needed.

Look at one or two of your current patterns Be sure to include finished size, fabric requirements and suggested color combination. Lots of diagrams and after you have it written, be sure to have someone make a quilt from tht pattern as a tryout. You may find something you omitted