Best Pattern?
 

I was thinking about writing a proper pattern for one of my own quilt designs. I was brainstorming what best to include in it and came up with quite a few ideas. But I'm not sure they'd be appreciated.

What would you like to find in a pattern? Special advice? Fabric requirements? Do you prefer actual pictures or diagrams? etc.

I have always been visual, so a picture would always be appreciated by me. Also, it is a good thing to say how much fabric is needed for different sizes.

I always really appreciate pressing directions that nest seams.

I prefer diagrams to photos most of the time. The problem with photo's is that the lighting is not always the best to show exactly what you want to show.

I agree with the pressing directions so the seams will nest. I've bought patterns for that reason alone.

I also appreciate being told how big a particular unit is supposed to end up -- for example, your square in square unit should be X big. I may choose to use a different method to make that particular unit if I think my way is easier and that way I know what I should end up with.

On some patterns I prefer diagrams, but only if they are good enough at explaining the step. Sometimes I end up staring at them for ages because they just make no sense to me. Same with actual photos, if they aren't clear enough, then I don't find them helpful! Also, I think I would like it if each step has it's own picture, as sometimes it's just the tricky steps that have pictures and it would be easier to see the full process with a picture for each step.
Re: fabric requirements, I like to have a picture of how every piece of same fabric has been cut out of the requirements, as i'm sure everyone would do it slightly differently, and it would be very easy to get to the last piece and not have the right cut leftover because of the way the rest has been cut out. (hope that makes sense!)
I like a very clear layout for instructions because I have an illness that makes concentrating difficult, so having huge chunks of text is a no no for me.
That's about all I can think of for now, if I come up with anything else, I'll be back!
If you'd like feedback on your pattern once you've done it, I'd be happy to help :-)

Fabric requirements. Cutting instructions are nice vs. just a cutting list. I prefer diagrams/artwork to photos, but they need to be professionally drawn. I think the best thing you can do is give the pattern to several quilters of varying skill levels. Have them make the item without input from you and gather the comments/corrections.

I hate instructions that say refer back to this step or that step. Too confusing. Or we'll get to that in a minute. If it's in an introductory to the instructions of the pattern, that's one thing. I did go to a class once and the instructor was constantly interrupted. People were trying to get her to jump ahead to this and that and finally, she said; We are taking this one step at a time because there are beginners in the class. After each step, she went over briefly and asked if there were any questions. She also brought the previous steps together as she went along. It was the best class. She had the instructions for the pattern on paper. She was local and good. That would be something you might think about when putting the pattern on paper.

In addition to the previous comments I like to see some suggestions on quilting. Most just say "bind and quilt". I also like to see fabric suggestions in terms of light, dark, contrast, size of prints.

I really love patterns that give the measurements as one goes along. so trimming can be done. at least the inner pieces size if there are any. Block size is a given. Good luck.

Debbie Maddy has the best written patterns I've used. I would follow her format but add my own special details.

I have liked patterns which have all the cutting instructions up front, so you can choose your fabrics and get all the cutting done up front.

Right now I am doing a Sue Garman medallion quilt which was a BOM so the instructions are all spread out over 12 lessons, but I like her instructions. She puts in little tips which help improve accuracy in piecing, and she includes all the paper-piecing pieces I need for each row. She uses diagrams and give little instructions on technique.

Some of it I could have muddled through own my own, but I always learn from the designer when following a pattern.

Good luck!

All of the above suggestions are great!

My additional suggestions:

* cutting and sewing directions in a bulleted list, not in paragraph form (easier to check off as I go along)

* If there is anything special, call attention to it...Such as if you need to cut a FQ in a certain way to get all the pieces, make a diagram of that. Or if the pieces need to be cut in a certain order, that would be helpful.

*A text box with helpful hints or fabric selection tips to make the pattern show best would be nice.

*type-written, not hand written directions

*If you do photos for examples, use fabric samples that contrast enough so you can really tell what you're looking at.

*Suggestions for quilting would also be a nice touch

*an email address or contact info if someone has a question about the pattern or a place to check for corrections

*I would like to see ALL new patterns basing yardage on 40" wide rather than 44/45" wide since most fabrics are closer to 40" usable once you trim of the wide selvedges. :)

I always appreciate knowing in advance how complicated the pattern is: beginner-friendly, confident beginner, advanced, average skill level. Sometimes I'm looking for something simple and quick. At other times, I like to take on something a little challenging, but I hate find out after I've opened the pattern. You can't always tell by the photo!

I like to see photos of at least two or three finished quilts with different types of fabrics and levels of contrast. I like to see the measurements of any sub-units before they go into the blocks. I like pressing directions. I like suggestions about how the fabrics will fit together, e.g. "This unit is your focus fabric," or "Fabric A should have a lot of contrast with Fabric B." Good luck with your pattern writing. I hope all the suggestions here are helpful.

Darren

I agree with all the suggestions, but would be nice if a pattern would give some suggestions for quilting instead of quilt as desired I can get through the whole pattern have it layered then get stuck as to what type of quilting to put on it a few ideas would be nice.

I love step by step instructions with a picture ( Photo or drawn) of each unit and the size it should be before finishing.

Lots of patterns have finished sizes for units and blocks which makes no sense to me because you have to have the unit sizes right first.

Some patterns are made in a certain style to look hand done and homey but sometimes they can be very confusing and hard to follow. I do like this style, like it is grandmas own handwritten copy of a pattern, but they should be well thought out.

A chart for fabric amounts

A chart for cutting

I also like patterns that tell a story or have insights and jokes. I am not into serious perfection.

Hints on making or giving your pattern a personal touch. This gets people thinking and being creative with just a little information to get them started.

I do hope you give pattern writing a try and I would certainly volunteer to try it out!
peace

I think pattern testing is important.

What may seem obvious to the writer may be a big HUH? to the person trying to follow the directions.

I hate "refer to - " - especially when refer to is several pages away from where I am right now.

My complaint has always been that most patterns are throw or twin size and i like to make larger size quilts, and the directions and fabric requirements are seldom shown, would be nice to have the variety choices. good luck if you pursue your venture.

Thanks everybody for their feedback! You definitely gave me some good pointers!

It might take quite a few months before I finish the pattern. I've just acquired a new programme to draw it out, so it'll take some time to master that as well. Though I might get back to you about the pattern testing... :D

I agree with ALL the suggestions too. But nesting the seam is always overlooked by most patterns. Good Luck with your venture.

All, or most of the above mentioned points are incorporated in all of Eleanor Burns Quilt in a day books and most of her patterns..the most complete directions I have ever seen. Good luck with your pattern writing.........

I agree with nativetexan. Measurements if each unit is very helpful. I do a lot of mystery quilts and the ones without unit measurements are awful. Also, if a step is a difficult one, good illustrations are a must. Letting some quilters try the pattern first is a good idea because we all have different skills.

I like it when the pattern states what you need for various sizes, and then gives you directions on how to go about getting those pieces. For example, if you need HSTs, tell how many and in what size, so if the person wants to use a different technique than what's shown in the pattern, the end result is easy to find. Also, directions for one block, so if you want to make more blocks or less blocks, is something I like.

I too would appreciate quilting ideas , "quilt as desired" frustrates me! LOL Photos of the finished quilt in different color ways and maybe even a "quilter tested and approved" statement. I have seen quilt patterns online that don't include photos of an actual quilt, just a drawing of one, and wondered if anyone had ever made it!

I really like to have things that can be listed in list form instead of paragraph form - as katier825 said - it is so much easier to check things off that way.

It might use a bit more paper, but if the pattern is an e-document, I would prefer to use an extra page or two for the convenience.

Also - be aware of page breaks. I hate having a couple of words or only a line or two "orphaned"

After you have decided and written the pattern, have two people make something by following the directions exactly as written. Sometimes, something I wrote makes perfect sense in my head but doesn't necessarily translate to paper.

I agree with all of these (a tall order for you!) but the first thing I look at is the completed size of the quilt and the size of the blocks.

Also, if you can include variations for different sizes that would be great. It can be a lot of work to change a twin or crib pattern to a queen or king. It can take me days to chart and calculate if it's a difficult pattern. I've always thought that, if knitting patterns can include directions for various sizes, why can't quilt patterns at least give fabric requirements for other sizes.

Good luck in your venture!

Clothing patterns come in different sizes - sometimes only one size per envelope.

Perhaps a quilt pattern can also be drafted for different sizes and sold in different envelopes?

I know that knitted and crocheted items sometimes do have multiple sizing in the directions.

For some, following the instructions for the given size for a pattern is confusing. More options would just make it more problematical for them.

IF one decided to do multiple sizing for a pattern and several sizes came "in one envelope" - it would be reasonable to charge more for the "package"

For sure, I would like accuracy. I have encountered some patterns that give conflicting measurements. I appreciate the designer who reads and reads and proofreads their patterns. Visuals are also helpful.

Hurray for that instructor! As a beginner (and I count myself as that even though I've completed small projects, I've never completed a large quilt, although I'm now working my first queen-size) when those who are more experienced want to jump ahead, it just gets too confusing. I too agree that a pattern should list step-by-step instructions instead of referring back to previous steps.

I like to have fabric requirements on a pattern, a list of any special items/rulers/etc. if they are needed, cutting requirements. I like seeing diagrams of the project, with clear instructions for each part of the quilted item. I often see "quilt as desired", when some ideas for quilting are given, especially for newer quilters. Sisty88 has some good ideas for you. If you have a quilting friend, give them your instructions and get their feedback, can't hurt. Good luck.

I completely agree with everything Sisty88 said especially the pictures step by step and cutting layout pictures.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your idea, please give us a follow up or at least a picture of the completed quilt. I think you'll do great if you incorporate everything everyone has suggested here.

These are all great suggestions! I also like fabric requirements and suggested tone such as light, dark etc. because often I am trying to pull from my stash. But my biggest pet peeve is to not have the steps numbered or the pages numbered. Please do not charge me an arm and a leg for your pattern that I have to download and print off using my own paper and ink. You are saving printing costs. Please pass that savings on to me!

Just had another thought regarding pictures! If the plan would be to sell the pattern as a pdf, make sure the pictures would work well if printed off in black and white, rather than colour, as that could easily confuse matters!

Accurate fabric requirements. I recently purchased a pattern for a king sized quilt, which required 13 yards of yardage,plus 36 fat quarters. Really? 21 yards of fabric? I'm covering the bed, not wallpapering the walls! Upon cutting for the project, I found I had half of most of the fat quarters left , 2 yards of background and nearly half of the border fabric (4 yards) left. I won't be purchasing patterns from this company again!

I make up patterns for a quilting class I hold at our local Adult Education class. There are a lot of first time quilters and they appreciate when I include the order for cutting so they don't end up being short for the bigger pieces.

maryellen2u,,,AMEN to that...

Please do not charge me an arm and a leg for your pattern that I have to download and print off using my own paper and ink. You are saving printing costs. Please pass that savings on to me!