patterns- Instructions
 

when I get a pattern, I prefer that it says to "cut 200 4inch squares of color A"
to instructions that say "cut 20 strips width of fabric, then subcut each strip into 4inch squares."

Do you have preferences to how things are written? Or that are easier for you to understand?

I prefer the second way, too - everyone cuts differently! I always read through the cutting directions before my rotary cutter touches the fabric - and usually re-write those directions to my liking. My patterns always have notes written all over them, lol!

Nice if it reads: cut 4" strips, subcut the strips into 4"squares - need 400 for pattern......or wording to that effect.

What at I really dislike is cutting fabric into odd fractioned measurements...I usually round up to next easiest number - whole or fraction, then trim down after constructed.

This: "cut 200 4 inch squares of color A" is what I would probably prefer, but either works.

I have notes all over the patterns and I also write directions on a notepad, just encase I want to make the pattern again.

I think the writer is concerned about the various widths of fabric. I still have some RK Kona cotton that is actually 45" wide. I usually do my own calculation and cut the number of strips.

I have my own "rules" and often re-write directions to suit me LOL. I like the 2nd option to cut in to rows, then subcut to squares. One reason is that if I have a long length of yardage, it quickly gives me an idea of how much to cut off first to make it easier to handle. I also prefer directions to be in list or bullet format, not paragraph. I like to check off as I go along, since I often get interrupted.

I agree that a list is much easier to deal with than a paragraph. I tend to 'speed read' thru directions and hate searching for a specific instruction amid all their wordiness. I have often re-written the directions for myself so that I too can check off each step as I complete it.

As far as cutting x amount of strips and subcutting or the total number of specific squares needed--I would actually like to have both pieces of info just in case I decided to make the pattern with more than the specified colours.

most of the patterns that I use are on the computer... i prefer not to have a lot of paper around. and with my eyes, reading the computer is easier than paper. i read through the pattern several times until i understand it. then i simply jot the cutting directions on a small slip of paper that i take to the cutting table. so, it doesn't really matter which way it is written, i'll always write it down my way.

I agree with Geri B.
"Make (200) 4" squares: Cut 20 strips width of fabric, then subcut each strip into 4" squares"

That way if my fabric is an odd width or I buy fat quarters or whatnot, I can make it work. Although I have to say, the worst pattern I've ever had was based on fat quarters. It said to cut strips from the fat quarters & then subcut equilateral triangles. I rarely buy fat quarters since it's nearly impossible to square them up. I spent an hour trying to figure out how much WOF inches I needed to cut into strips for each of the (15???) fabrics the pattern called for in order to make that 1,000 pyramid quilt. Never. Again.

I hate when the directions say to cut a square into 2 7/8. Why don't they just say to make hst's that are 2 1/2 inches? Would make life easier.

I have learned NEVER to cut out the entire project before making a block first. Sometimes I find a mistake in the measurements or directions. Sometimes I don't like the fabric(s) I picked and switch them out.

I agree Peckish -- sometimes those measurements just don't work. I prefer to know how many pieces are needed as well as the size of strips, but I have made a whole 3 color twin sized quilt and the largest piece was a fat quarter. If I find a fat quarter I like on sale I will sometimes buy several yards worth of fat quarters.

I prefer the second with the addition how many squares you need it total. The number of stripes helps me to decide if I have enough of fabric A especially if I'm using my stash.

Like Cindi, I do not cut anything until I have read through all the pattern and cutting instructions and I usually do as Peckish does... make a trial block before cutting all the fabric.

I took a class from Doug Leko last spring (designer for Antler's Design) wherein he had us precut all our fabric pieces prior to class... I crossed my fingers during the assembly but they came together nicely.

If you are working with a kit...better follow the cutting exactly....a Craftsy Fassett kit left me with a 16th of an inch slice off final strip.....that was scary. IF you are confident the pattern gave you "fudge" room, cut the way you want.

There are many things to consider when cutting the pieces for a quilt. I prefer that the pattern say I need 400 4 inch squares. I prefer to cut lengthwise borders on the lengthwise grain; therefore, when I cut crosswise pieces to subcut my tally will be different. Also, if I have scraps of that fabric I will try to cut pieces from the scraps before cutting into the bigger pieces. I carefully label all cuts and groups of cut pieces so I don't make silly mistakes as I work. I use plastic bags to store my labeled pieces in. When I have stitched components I put the labels in the upper left corner and use a bigger plastic bag to store them in. I need all the help I can give myself to avoid goofs. I keep lots of notes and reminders as I go.

Me too. Like learning Algebra, the brain interprets the instructions differently.
Sandy

Lady Diana, I agree with you about the Craftsy kits. While very nicely priced (especially when you get them on sale), when the kit list says 3/8 yard of Fabric A, there will be exactly 3/8 yard and not a thread more. Very scary if you have to straighten the fabric too. I found myself actually skimping on strips--just by a thread or two each time--and I still had less than an inch left at the end of cutting 2 yards worth of strips.

Just a heads up for anyone planning on using their kits.

I don't like when a pattern assumes I'm using FQ's and tells me to cut a strip WOF or LOF then sub-cut. I have all different sizes of fabric so I have to add up all the squares then cut according to my WOF or LOF. I'd prefer to have them say "cut x number of 2" squares."

I prefer patterns written for strip piecing that is then sub-cut. I'm not fond of making 200 squares of each color, only to sew them together. I'd much rather sew the long strips, then cut them down to make pairs, then 4 patches or whatever.
I also have learned if I'm at a quilt shop and am interested in a pattern, I'll bring it to the desk and ask if I may open the zipper bag and look at how it's written. If it's all text and no diagrams, I'll leave it. Life is too short to try to figure out what a pattern designer means by slogging through page after page of text. Even a hand drawn sketch would be helpful. This is especially true of bag patterns... no thank you!

Me too! I have so many "My Way (name of patterns)". And I put the cutting measurements on an Excel Spreadsheet.

Oh no, please don't say this! I've always written my patterns from a "strip piecing" point of view, because I learned quilting from Mary Ellen Hopkins, one of the forerunners of the strip piecing/speed piecing teachers way back in the late '70s/early '80s.

How do you cut a single square at a time from yardage without making a mess of the yardage? Gosh, it seems SO much easier to me to cut a strip, selvage to selvage, then fold in half and cut that into squares!

Ah, well, you say potAtoes, I say potOtoes. :rolleyes:

Jan in VA

I go the Jan way. Much easier to manage strips and sub cut. But then the instructions could start off saying you will need 200 4" squares and then say use strips or whatever, but once you know how many you need you could go with your favorite method. The second choice in the example doesn't say how wide to cut the original strips. I guess one would assume to be 4" because the squares end up 4". But, once I see a pattern saying this many of that and that many of this, etc. I get dizzy and have to lie down!

Okay, reading all the posts has convinced me to begin to state the number of squares necessary before I state to cut strips and subcut. I often use remnants of fabric in odd shapes too; so I get it. :)

Jan in VA

How do you know how many strips to cut if you need 400 squares? Let the pattern do the math for you. I will cut all strips required from the fabric and then sub-cut the required pieces. That way I do not have to move the fabric and have to re-even up the edge. Also how over whelming to have to cut 400 squares instead of X# of strips. also I am one to read the direction s step buy step as I go. Even though I have been quilting for about 6 years I am not so experienced that I can put together and understand all the directions if I read them ahead. what ever gets your quilt done.

I prefer the first way - I like to know how many I need without doing the math. Then if they want to give me a helpful tip like cut so many strips then subcut so many squares, I appreciate that. Sometimes I change the color distribution so knowing (without doing the math :-) ) helps me there. I,, too, write all over my patterns and then some! I keep a pad of paper on my sewing table so I can write down what I did different or maybe what I think I should do different next time. Those notes get put with the pattern when I'm done.

Cutting strips and then sub-cutting eliminates the math, and is adjusted to the yardage.

I like mine written in a list up front with no surprises on the 3rd or 4th page. I always read the entire pattern now but I didn't always. Quite often now if the pattern is confusing I re-write it my own lingo. Then I have a good chance of getting it right! :)

I also strip cut and then subcut when I can. The reason for wanting the total number needed is so that I can guesstimate how much total fabric I need.

I prefer to make my first cuts on the length of fabric instead of width of fabric. The reason for that is that I think it improves the chances of having at least one direction be on- grain in the cut pieces.

I also might be using fat Quarters or odd- sized pieces instead of yardage.

I also prefer lists to be " bulleted" instead of in paragraphs. Much easier for me to follow. I know it might take up more space on the page, but I am willing to pay for that extra sheet of paper. I also like a bit of space left between each item for my notes.

Making a test block before cutting all the pieces is always a good idea.

I also like to have everthing needed on one page.

I do have a problem with directions saying to cut a border to an exact length. I would like to see something like " reserve. 5 x 60 inches for the border. The target length is 5 x 58-1/2, .

That would probably be confusing to a beginner - but almost everthing was confusing to me when I was a beginner.

The idea of bullets is a great one. In the past most of my patterns have been written for the use of students in my workshops where I am there to lead them to the next step. They also usually cut some of the fabric before class to save time on work day. A few members here have made some of my patterns and their feedback is invaluable as well.
So, as a pattern designer, I'm learning a lot from this discussion and will be considering changes as I go on.
Jan in VA

I also like steps to be numbered and illustrations.

Cut, or don't cut. There is no subcut. :D

What is "subcut"? Does this mean wishy-washy cutting? That you're sort of cutting? Or are you cutting something underneath the fabric? Why are they using "subcut"? Why not use the term "cut"? And "strips widths"? What?

I'm a technical writer. Writing and editing instructions is part of our flair and considering the number of poorly written instructions I come across outside of my technical writing job, people should use them more often.

It really depends on the audience the directions are written for.
If it's not for a very basic beginner, then telling them to cut 200 four inch squares is the better way. A more advanced quilter is going to know how to cut out 200 squares of a determined size. To explain to them how insults their intelligence and will cause them to miss a step as they skim over information they don't need.
If this is for a very basic beginner and teaching them how to make a quilt, then it should walk them through it a bit more. So either could be correct in the direction they're taking though both are poorly written.

"Subcut"? "Strips widths"? Those are not a thing. That's naughty writing. :P

The entire document is likely too long and in the dreaded "wall of text" format, I bet. But I haven't seen it.

It does take skill to write good instructions.

Different people seem to have different ways of processing/ understanding information/instructions.

sometimes one has to accept what seems to be " common usage" for a term in a given field - even if the literal interpetation seems to make little sense.

The phrase she used wasn't "strips widths", it was "strips width". Width is singular. It could have read "cut 20 strips the width of the fabric". I've even seen it written "20 strips WOF" which means they're assuming you know what WOF means. Subcut seems to be one of those terms that people think clarifies the instructions; it implies that you cut the fabric, then cut it again.

However, I'm not disagreeing with you. I'm not a technical writer, but it drives me crazy when I see poorly written instructions published - especially when I paid for them.

One of the most useful and important lessons I learned in my high school English class was how to write an instructional paper. The assignment was to write an essay on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and assume the person reading it was from Mars. We all thought it was an easy A, and we laughed it off. But the teacher demonstrated how many assumptions we students make about our readers by attempting to make an actual sandwich from our instructions. It was hilarious and very enlightening.

Wow, I read it three times and still read the extra s. I must need a break. Now you see why I do my editing first thing in the morning lol!
Even singular, if the instructions are for a beginner, jargon shouldn't be used without first explaining what the term means.

I had to do the same PB&J experiment in high school as well. It was fun.

Okay, until this part of the discussion I was "on the same page". Now I'm not even in the same room. :shock:

I use "cut so&so strips; subcut those into so&so squares" in all the patterns I write. I write mostly for workshop students, of ALL skill levels. I have never had a person complain about the clarity or sensible-ness (how's that one for ya?) of what they have read.

I teach rather like I learned -- strip piecing and speed piecing. I tell my classes i am the laziest quilter on the block; I know a hundred ways to keep my bottom on that chair before I have to get up to cut or press. :o

If you want perfect technical English, don't come to me for patterns. :rolleyes:
Thank heavens I don't have to please everybody!! There are a lot of us of like mind out there, and we get along just fine in the world in general. :thumbup:

Jan in VA

I do this too. I've started keeping them all in a three ring binder. When I finish a quilt, I put pictures of the quilt in with the finished pattern and notes I wrote while making it. I just envision my future grand-daughter finding it one day and feeling like she discovered some lost treasure. Maybe I'm romancing it a little...:)