Mfg. Patterns ?
 

I'm working on a quilt top for a friend who is opening her new quilt shop this weekend. She is using the mfg. patterns to showcase the fabric lines she is selling. The pattern that I was given has had numerous errors in it which has caused me to (1) need more fabric and (2) to have to rip out and alter seam lines to make the blocks (templates) go together correctly . It's been frustrating and time consuming to say the least. When I notified my friend to let her know why the top hasn't been returned to her in a timely manor she told me that there have been errors in most of the patterns that her other friends are stitching up too. I just wondered if many of you have run into the same issue when using mfg. patterns? Fortunately, I will be able to get the top to her in time, barring anymore problems.

my goodness, try looking up the company online for corrections. I should think they would be available somewhere.

I've never run into that trouble with any of my patterns. Some haven't been written clearly enough for me to understand but that was the only problem. If several people were having the same trouble with a specific manufacturer, I don't think I would carry those patterns myself.

I have 'tested' patterns for different quilt shops. I supply my own fabrics, and I follow all instructions as written. When I find something that doesn't work, I keep track and notify the owner. I received 2 patterns. One was for a tote (which I haven't done) and the other is for a baby blanket using a specific fabric panel. Among the things that I suggested was to not specify a panel because that limits the use of the pattern after the panel cannot be purchased because it's no longer printed. At the end, I was approached by the owner to purchase my sample (the patterns were mine to keep) and I would be reimburesed at my cost. I decided to keep the quilt top. I did however, send all changes that I had to make to the instructions to be able to finish the quilt. Not everyone has the minds eye to see if their instructions are correct before printing. Any changes that you make, I would notify the company listed on the pattern so they could update their website for any changes. Good luck.

Okay here is the scoop! I am a pattern designer. I have my written instructions proofed as well as someone else besides me make my pattern exactly as it is written. This is easier said then done. I know that the designers that are giving free patterns away on the fabric web sites, probably do the same. Now if one of the staff workers writes a pattern it may not be proofed as much as a contemporary quilter would. So yes your friend should check with the company, but she may also wish to use a different pattern for the fabric. The combo of pattern and fabric usually sells the line. That is what my friend did when she was part owner of a quilt shop. The sample and patterns flew out the store. So maybe she can concentrate on any pattern that goes well with the fabric. Luann

Happens to me all the time. Everything from wrong measurements to total wastes of fabric. My sister sews all the time and she says the same thing about sewing patterns. IF the designer had to actually buy the fabric, they would cut it much much differently.

I used to make samples for a quilt shop, tablerunners, wall hangings and purses. The mistakes in patterns is almost unbelieveable and these patterns were not just to sell a certain fabric line either. Most of the mistakes were in the purse patterns.

I have had the same problems with quilt patterns and also with sewing patterns. The big problem is, in my opinion, you have to remember these companies save a bundle of money if they go to a non English speaking country to have them done...Well, having spent some time in China and other places.....translation is a horror if they have no idea what you're talking about and have no word to translate to.... This is soooo sad that we have to "translate" for ourselves.
Another problem is this...No proof readers! No one ever has a proofer anymore and if they do, they don't understand the quilting language! Consider this as well!

I have had relatively little problems with commercial patterns, until recently, and have an unfinished purse and an unfinished lap top bag that were so uncomprehensible I gave up, and I have been sewing with patterns for 50 years. I will go back to them and use my common sense to try and salvage the projects, both used fabric I loved and wanted specifically for those purposes.

quite often visiting the manufacturers web site is a good idea- they generally have a link for 'corrections' for all of their patterns.
often the fabric manufacturers have someone who uses a software program and puts together a quilt pattern to 'compliment' a fabric line- people then download those free patterns- it is only after a few have started (trying) to put them together that the errors are found- then they are listed on the 'corrections page' of the website. fabric designers are often not quilters

To me it is the ones that don't have any idea how to write a pattern that can be followed by the average person. They need to hire a formwe teacher to edit their direction. Most know how to give directions that can be followed.

I looked at the two websites listed on the pattern cover and found that neither of them had corrections links. I sent the info that I have to both of them. I hope that they'll take the time to add a link for corrections. I was quite surprised to find that the actual designer of the pattern I'm working on was a 20 year editor at a major quilting magazine and now does this design work for fabric designers, pattern companies, major magazines and has co-authored a pattern book. I'm shocked with this much exposure that no one is testing the patterns before they are released. What a shame when we can't even trust the work of the "pros".

As a consumer and new quilter I would be pretty frustrated if a pattern I purchased was full of errors that stopped me from completting the project. I would more then likely go back to the quilt shop were I bought the pattern and ask for help. If they couldn't figure it out I would request a refund either from the LQS or the manufacturer and if it was the manufacturer ask for a refund on the fabric I bought to make the project.

lot of the patterns from fabric lines will have not yet been tested. Also often for shop samples we don't prewash so as we construct the steam and heat from iron as we press can alter the dimensions it only takes a fraction to go from precise to OMG WHAT HAPPENED! LOL I also really read and sketch out and use the calculator to make sure the pattern makes math sense before cutting. Once the pattern is workable I send the questions and my solutions along to the contact email for the particular fabric. Of course this is why I have come up with my own patterns too.

I have made a lot of quilts, I have never found a problem with the directions. I guess I'm just lucky. The only pattern I had a problem with is the Bow Tuck Purse, and that was a user problem. After I figured out the directions, I was fine and made 2 purses.
Sue

I too have had problems with patterns. It can be a nightmare. I re-drew what the author had done as it was incomplete in what she showed in the pattern.

I have rarely found as many mistakes as stated here. I find that many times it is in the interpretation of the instructions. Sometimes just reading them a few times, or getting a friend to read it out loud helps. I may not cut or make it as the pattern says, but usually the pattern is correct.