Problems With Free Patterns
 

Perhaps it shouldn't bother me, considering they're free patterns, but it does. I just paper pieced a block that was a free pattern, but the pattern stated that it was for a 10.5" block, and I got a 7.5" block. At first, I assumed my printer had messed up, but when I went to measure the 1" sample square included in the pattern, it was exactly 1". Does anyone else have these problems?

I have not had this problem, maybe you should send a message to whomever you got the pattern from & see if you missed something. I have found sometimes a pattern will say to enlarge by some percentage because the parts don't fit on a regular size page- maybe you missed that

I haven't had any problem with free patterns but even the patterns in quilting magazines have numerous mistakes.

I have found errors in patterns, free, magazines, and books. Very irritating, Some have been very easy to spot. I always try to read all instructions before cutting.

I just recently had my first experience with an error in a free pattern. I notice that sometimes the free download patterns include a caution to check for corrections before beginning the pattern, but I've never understood where one would check. When I tried to look up this pattern again, I couldn't find it, so I wondered if they'd removed it from the internet because they realized the mistake. In this case, they'd said to cut 4 3/4" squares, and cut those diagonally both ways, but the resulting triangles were too small. The 4 3/4" was the size it needed to be finished, not before sewing. Luckily I had enough fabric to cut more triangles.

Also with any pattern free or otherwise, cut one block of each block type and check for size and proper cutting instructions. Saves cutting fabric the wrong size. I would try to find the designer of the pattern to let them know there is a mistake. It helps the designers to change the pattern instructions. Luann

This is why I don't use patterns, never have. I get ideas, then I just plug in my own math and make it work! If it's too little, add some, if it's too big, cut some off! Like I said before, the quilt police would chew me up and spit me out! All that stuff gives me a headache anyway! I keep it fun.

Not everyone is able to do that.

Like some of us need written music - others can just play "by ear" -

I think it is like that with sewers - some just "can" without a pattern - some need a pattern and directions.

Oh I know, I have great admiration for some of the patterns ya'll do, I wouldn't touch most of those really intricate ones with a ten foot pole!

I've found that too recently. After I'd completed the block, it measured 13.5". From then on, I've checked at least 2 times. Then try to reduce on my scanner....

I always make one block to test....

No matter how good I am at reading a pattern, I still, always make a sample of a block/s using the directions in the pattern so I absolutely know my work is good and there are no mistakes or I can make corrections if needed.
peace

Gotta love having EQ. Or graph paper. Much easier to check for errors, at least on sizes cut. Directions are another matter.
I take at least a day to review all the directions before even making the trial block. Or so it seems.

I'm a visual learner; love youtube. It takes several re-readings for me to understand written directions sometimes and even then I'm not always sure of what I'm doing. So I wouldn't know a mistake in the pattern just by reading it. I would only think that I screwed up somehow. So for me it can be very frustrating trying to follow a pattern; therefore, I tend to do the MSQC video projects or like type video projects. I like Swoon patterns because they will have a video to watch of the project sometimes.

Were the seam allowances added to pattern or did you have to add them?

It was a paper pieced pattern with seam allowances included.

was the scale on your printer set at 100% when you printed the pattern?
That, of course, could be a problem......luckily, mine remains at that % all the time.......
I do a lot of PPing patterns from the internet.

When the pattern said 10.5" block, did it say finished size? Some times as someone else has said you might find a key or small print that tells you to enlarge pattern when printing, but it also may say to allow for seam allowance too. A lot of times they will print something up without showing room for a seam allowance.

It's not just free ones that goof up. I am working on one now that is a kit and it said to cut 6 of a size and I did and goofed on another piece and used the extra to correct a error I made and then sure enough the actual directions called for 11 of the one I used. Now have to get creative and do something else.

I've actually tried to write out directions - and it's so easy to miss something basic, or leave something important out. Only way to make sure they work is to have someone else try to follow them. Of course, it's the same for writing up any type of procedures. I find it often works best to have one person performing the work while another is writing down the steps needed - and then have a third person try to follow them.

If I'm paying for something, I hope the writer/developer took the extra time to troubleshoot the directions - if they are free, then I go with the flow and try to check through and count up and double check it all myself.

I look all over the internet for the same pattern, then compare. Try to stick with patterns that have instructions for the different sizes. Like Jinny Beyer has pattern for Hunter's star in 3 different sizes. that is what I look for. the videos are great because I can review and take notes. I do that often with Jenny Doan videos.

Not only have I found mistakes in free patterns but also in patterns I paid for. Bought a purse pattern at a quilt show a few years ago and found numerous errors in it. I emailed the designer of the pattern asking for clarification and never got a response. I will NEVER buy one of her patterns again. Anyone can make a mistake, but to ignore a plea for help in inexcusable.

I agree with your first response. Go back to the website and see if you are supposed to increase the size before printing. Sometimes things can really be aggravating. Hope you can solve the problem

The only time I had a problem with a free printed pattern I failed to add the 1/4 inch. It did not say to do that but when I did and made another block it worked out. I always keep scraps to try a new pattern before I cut into my fabric I have for the quilt.

Could it be that the pattern did not allow for the seam allowances?

I think the pattern designer would like to know if they made a mistake so I think I would contact them if there is a way to. Also she may have meant to say a 7 1/2" block instead of a 101/2". Either way there is a mistake somewhere. I haven't ran into that problem yet but I think I would contact her. ( or him) Good luck with whatever you do

Make sure you printer is on actual size not print to page. I have made this mistake several times

10.5" square paper pieced block won't print in full on a standard sheet of copy paper, I'm guessing there was a second page to print and then tape to the first.
Is the block cute at the current size? :)