I've heard that some designers are known for easy to read/understand patterns?

And vice-versa?

I read all the way through. Some patterns are easy to follow others I cut enough for one block and follow it step by step if I still have trouble I find someone who has done it, check at the LQS or I have a friend that has lots more experience than me and she can help. (We feed off each other and figure things out.) If a technique is the problem I google for a tutorial.

If I have a problem, I either get out the graph paper and draw it then disect it and rewrite it my way, leaving extra room for trimming.

Otherwise I can use my EQ6 to draw the design and it will print the pattern, the templates, the rotary cutting directions, and/or the paper piecing pattern.

Can you tell I used to teach math?

I don't even want to try to tell you how I do the Square in a Square!

ali

Thanks so much to all of you who replied. There seems to be a running answer and that is to read the pattern "over and over" again until it makes sense. I like the idea of making a scrap sample first. I've got lots of scraps! I will try this and hope for the best. If I have a problem I know where to go. LOL

When I used to make clothing I had no problem with following the directions, but with quilt patterns they sometimes totally befuddle me.....maybe the loss of some brain cells in my old age! lol Anyway, I have a LQS that is always helpful in explaining instructions to me. For that I am soooo thankful.