I think I have figured out why Knitette had trouble with the math in those blocks. It was the "x". 8x2 1/2 squares means cut 8 of the 3 1/2 squares. The word SQUARE is the key. This was no place for an "x". That usually means "by", as in 8x2 1/2 means a piece 8 inches by 2 1/2 inches.
I am also confused by the terminology on this site. I have figured out a lot of it, and a lot of it doesn't matter. LOL
I took a class last year with a pattern that asked to "furl" the seams on a 4 patch. I couldn't figure out why, so I asked the instructor. She really didn't know, so I just nested the seams normally. When I got to sewing the rows together, I found that the seams underneath were facing toward the needle, and needed to be coaxed into going under the needle without flipping back. When I added to the quilt later, I furled all those seams so that all seams went the same way as you went around the square. That one seam just pops open as you coax it with the iron. Then you end up with a teeny four patch in the middle of the wrong side of the 4-patch. Too bad I can't give you a picture of this. When I sewed the new rows together, all the seams were facing the correct way.

Being a very visual person I like to see pictures when directions are written out.

I do think that you should make a real effort to write clear directions so that anyone can figure them out. So often gifted designers don't know diddly about writing clear directions. If necessary, get a "sewer" to proofread for you. Good luck on this exciting venture.

I like GOOD illustrations. That means color and computer rendered, not something hand drawn. Have actual pictures of the finished quilt, not just the computer rendering. Make sure your cutting directions are CLEAR. If you can have a cutting sequence, I like that, too. Ive seen patterns that I like that will tell you what to cut and then subcut to make the most of the fabric , rather than just list how many pieces of a certain size you will need. If you include templates, make sure they are actual size, even if they have to be folded, rather than make the customer increase the size themselves. Separate out the "basics"- like directions on how to use a rotary cutter or how cut and sew binding, so those who know how to do those things don't have to wade through them just to get the specific quilt instructions. And it will help the beginners because all the instructions that apply to any quilt will be grouped together . And put everything in an actual zip lock bag, not one that was fused together so it never recloses, or a flimsy paper envelope. Good luck on your endeavor! I saw someone else mentioned this, but have all levels of quilters test the pattern for accuracy and ease of use.

I second that! Some of us "get it" when we "see it".

Again, I second that - with fabric prices going up & up, frugal use of yardage is a must. One's scrap stash multiplies fast enough without any help!

I like patterns that tell you not to do something. because I tend to want to short cut and that does not always work. I want to know how to stop a long strip from warping when sewing and how to press to stop the same Many patterns say nothing if there is a trick tell me.

I agree, Neesie. I just redirected some seams in a quilt I am making. Fortunately, it is a small quilt. I love Eleanor Burns' directions. She tells you which way to press the seams.

Usually, I am first drawn to a pattern based on the colors it's shown in. Then I try to break it down into blocks to see how complicated it might be. Showing a pattern in different color combos really sells me on it.

I like straight forward directions in quilt speak. Good diagrams. Also, no surprises once you purchase the pattern...like the need for special rulers or piecing triangles. Looking forward to seeing your patterns. Good luck to you!

I collect patterns as well as fabric. My kids' inheritance is tied up in quilting stuff.:D

keep in mind that referring to someone else's video, it could be deleted or copyrighted. making your own video would be ideal.

Cutting diagrams have been very useful for me, but in the pattern I used this summer, it just seemed to me like the overall design was set up to generate scraps.

You need to cater for the visual and word learners. Photographs of the process and a full picture of the finished quilt are good for the visual. By them short and clear instructions in words.
I wish more patterns had ideas for quilting, not just the line finish quilt in normal way , or sandwich and quilt.
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I so agree with that. They just give a few lines and your left trying to figure it out for yourself. Definitely a video would be helpful too.

This one

(that's all I wanted to say, for some reason I have to add more because it's flagged "too short")

If you have to make units--like half sq. triangles--include the size to which they should be squared up. Always remember that a novice may be using your patterns.

I like patterns that tell you what size the units should be when put together also...every step of the way. Lots of pictures is good, and I like the suggestion of giving quilters alternate ways of creating things like HSTs, but then you would have to alter the cutting directions for each way and that would be confusing. I love Judy Martin quilts but I hate the way her directions are given - too confusing and frustrating, flipping to the back of the book to find a template, just give me the size of the square, triangle, rectangle in the directions.

When you have your testers make the quilts, ask them to do different color ways that could be used in the photos. You could also ask them to quilt them in different ways - E2E free motion, panto, custom - so buyers of your patterns could see the different possibilities. I know so many quilters who choose to make a quilt in the exact same colors/materials as the pictures on a pattern.

If you are using a new method of creating a pattern (like strip-sewn stars) that need detailed drawings/photos, don't skimp on them because the cost more money to produce, but they are essential to the success of your buyers...they fail with the first quilt designed by you, they won't be buying more.

I hate having typos and errors in a pattern - a good editor is important. It there are typos, I figure the person was in too big a hurry to get the pattern out to care about quality...and I wonder what else was rushed and wrong!

Ditto for me!!! I am a visual learner. I also prefer patterns that are printed on "photo paper" rather than regular printer paper. Makes for better quality all the way around. Also not on one big piece where you have to open it up, prefer it to be more like a book type if that makes sense.

I agree with KrisB. Note on the pattern the rate of difficulty. I'm a newbie and I'm not ready to go back easy/beginer. Also, agree with having yardage info for everything from lap to king AND easy to follow directions for those of us who are challenged by just reading instructions--we like easy.

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to give me there feedback. The information you've provided above is really going to help me make a better pattern. I'm so glad this board exists for gathering feedback like this.

I also prefer when the pattern is availble as a PDF. I hate ordering online and waiting for it to arrive!