Incomplete? Instructions
 

I've seen a lot of patterns for quilts that end something like this:

Layer, quilt, and bind.


Makes me think of this:

Have baby. Raise to adulthood.

I hear you :-) The title should (ideally) say - Pattern for Quilt Block or Quilt Top.

LOL! I agree! A few patterns give quilting pattern suggestions/info, but VERY few!

But there are so many ways you can quilt a given item - I think they are trying not to leave you too constrained by how to quilt a top. It also allows people with different skill sets to quilt in a way they are comfortable.

It would be nice to see a few sample quilt designs offered.

Of course, then you get to the paralyzed by indecision state - where I am with several tops.

Cheers, K

I always like the "Quilt as Desired"!

Do you really want to find instructions on how to layer, quilt, and bind your quilt in every pattern that you buy?

I understand your frustration. However, having spent 15 years in the printing and publishing field, I can tell you it is a ton of work to both write and illustrate clear, accurate directions. If a pattern designer were to include every single step in his/her pattern, the trade-off would be additional cost borne by the consumer to pay for the additional time spent to include those steps, plus the cost of additional paper and ink to produce the pattern and possibly additional postage/shipping costs if additional sheets of paper are required.

Also, as a former quilt shop employee, I heard many complaints about the prices being charged for patterns and I can say with utmost certainty that many of those same people would refuse to pay any more to have those steps included. I also understand that there are probably quilters out there who wouldn't mind it, which is to say that it would be difficult to please everybody, but even finding a middle ground might be difficult because we're all so different regarding our preferences.

Thankfully, we have quilting reference books to turn to for instruction on quilting, binding, etc.

Just another perspective....

Not really. I just laugh when I see it. It kind of strikes me funny- now!


Good, clear pictures and/or illustrations of what I am trying to emulate are helpful.

I agree - it is very difficult to write a pattern that is error-free and idiot-proof!


It would be nice to have some indication on the outside of the pattern of how much detail is in the instructions.

Maybe something like:
Cutting instructions only - you are on your own!
You know how to cut and piece accurately - piecing diagrams included!
If you know nothing about piecing - don't even consider this pattern!
Very detailed instructions included - with references to other sources!

:D

Some can just look at a picture - and they are good to go.
Some do need very very very very detailed instructions.

Just an observation.

very well said Terry D

I agree with Dunster and, well said, Terry D. In my experience as a quilt shop owner I found many customers to ubber 'thrifty' and would have a fit if the cost of a pattern went up. Yes, good thing this kind of information is available in our quilt books - - - -

Jane