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

Agree with Terry D -- There are so many "technique" books out there -- that is what I buy when looking for all the information I need on a subject. Then I use the patterns to make a specific quilt. I just purchased a book on applique -- it is over 120 pages of just instruction. I wouldn't expect to have that kind of detail in a pattern. Course that is completely frustrating to those who don't have the background!

Can you imagine the cost of complete instructions for each child that you birth? Kids are costly enough without having to pay each time we have another. Oh wait, we do pay each time ..... and there are a lot of books out there with "instructions" on how to raise a child. Personally, I think the first child should be a "throw away" to learn on and then the subsequent kids would get the benefit of that practice. Ha!

Ok, how many recipies do you find in cookbooks that tell you what to serve with the fancy new dish you just prepared so lovingly? Or clothing tags that suggest what you should wear with that new blouse? This is one of your "thinking" posts, right Bear? :)

Well, some magazines do picture complete outfits and complete menus! Some of my cookbooks have complete menus and how-to for elaborate table settings. Not that that will happen here!

This was actually the point of the post.

Thank you, Preeti, for "getting it"

The problem with that is that each kid presents us with different problems, so what we learned on the first one is absolutely no use with the second. (I think they do that on purpose.)

Sometimes I wish my clothes were Garanimals. Just sayin'. :D

I once saw a movie in which a girl referred to herself as "the first pancake." She explained that you use the first pancake as the tester and it usually comes out under or overdone. Being a "first pancake", I got a kick out of it.

OH, what a perfect answer: NO !! Seriously, there is such a difference between quilter's who use a Longarm and others who quilt using their DSM. It is very hard to do a LAQ all over design on a DSM.

The more paper they use the more the pattern will cost! I think I agree with your hidden statement.

I agree, the pattern maker is assuming that you know what to do with your quilt top...if they have to give us instructions for layer, quilt and bind, I'm pretty sure that the price of the pattern will be going up.

I don't think the OP was making anything other than an observation. And for people who are completely new, it would be nice to post on the pattern that it is for the top only. I do like to have the block layout(s) included. I've bought about 10 patterns and they've all been thorough enough. Sometimes being new I have to ask you guys for clarification on written instructions. I'm thankful for you more experienced ladies and men for your helpful responses.

But it does irritate me when a clothing pattern shows a whole outfit and then only the pattern for the very simple skirt is included.

It would be nice, though to know the level of detail included in a pattern before buying it.

I like it when the pattern references what design the quilter used. Quiltmaker magazine does that and also gives a sketch of the quilting design.

I always love "Quilt as desired".

I'm reminded of one of my recipes -- add the poultry seasoning until it smells right. I told a Home Ec teacher that, and she almost fainted! "If you can smell it, that's too much." I just answered back, "If you can't smell it, you can't taste it."

Lighten up ladies. Bear is the one who "winds the clock". She keeps the wheels turning.

Do you really NEED those instruction. Most of us know how to, or know what we want to do. Beginners can find such things elsewhere.

Haha. That always makes me laugh, too-Kinda goes without saying. I'm new to quilting, so would like a few "suggestions" sometimes, or maybe links to.... whatever.(But I also like picture suggestions for my meals and clothing)
That's one of the many things I love about this board! You guys always have lots of ideas and suggestions.

There are lots of instructions out there for free about how to 'layer, quilt and bind', so I can see that we really don't need that inclusion in each pattern. However, I do think it might be nice to have just one or two suggestions as to quilting designs that might be good for that pattern. All that would take is a couple line drawings to give the idea, I'm not suggesting complete quilting patterns to be included.

Oh, and PS: My kids did only come with those directions: have babies and raise to adulthood. LOL.

Well said, I'm in complete agreement here. If you are looking for a huge amount of detail for every step a book is your best alternative. The margin of profit made by the vast majority of designers is horrifyingly small!

Mine came with both a reference manual (Dr Spock) and an exceptional technical advisor/coach (my Mom). :o