I buy books and read the directions. I usually adapt it to what I want as I work.

I use pattern because, I am still new to quilt. I didn't know you can do without one! I know some day I will be so good with my quilting that I wont need pattern but, for now I use it. Thanks for topic.

I use a pattern most always.

I have over 30 quilting books I bought at a yard sale, nice hard back books, that I love to look through but I very rarely use a pattern. In fact, with the FWQ it is the very first time.

i dont use patterns most of the time they just confuse me. i'm more of see it done then i can follow.

I buy and use patterns. I never use the colors they use and I very seldom make it the size that the pattern calls for.

AS I've said so often I am just starting and I am really encouraged by the knowledge that so many design your own. I have played with some graph paper and you have given me encouragement. Question, what is EQ7? quiltmomo4 the quilt beside your message is so beautiful it takes my breathe away! Arwin

I have made my own patterns. But it takes me a long time sometimes so lately I have bought a pattern or two.

Several years back, I bought QuiltPro. It's good quilt designsoftware , although there are several other good ones. When I saw a quilt or block I liked, for example in a sewing machine ad, I would reproduce the pattern on my computer. After awhile, I began to understand the underlying principles of design and had more self assurance in creating my own. I also have about 1500 blocks I have entered in my data base, any 2 or 3 I can combine into new blocks, which I may then tweak. The computer is such an easy tool to use in searching for the right things to add to a project, without taking shelves and sheves of space or costing valuable fabric money.

Interesting topic! I just love quilting for many reasons - one of them being there is room for every type of ability, and the sky's the limit as to what can be created. I think it is interesting the way we are all "wired" differently - either strongly needing a pattern to follow or strongly doing our own thing. I am a pattern follower - and very grateful for all of you who can create and write them for me!!