bearisgray

Make sure the illustrations go with the finished product. I got so hung up on a purse pattern when I was trying to make it look like the drawing - instead of looking at the photograph.

my-ty

Just used a pattern that used different naming for the yardage than in the instructions! I was worried that I had gotten the fabrics mixed up and would not have enough to finish it.

Helpful hints or pointers are great and we can also learn something new.

All of the suggestions have been really good ones.

cwessel47

I recently "published" a pattern for my Geese at the Cabin quilt in four different sizes. It isn't one that you can just add more blocks to as the Barn Raising aspect of it would be lost in adding more blocks. Neesie asked for directions on pressing seam allowances - another thing that is included in my pattern because it drives me nuts when I have to figure it out for myself. Pictures and/or drawings are a must. The idea of a pattern is to make it as easy as possible for others of all skill levels to follow. The more - the better! I think that having different sizes is very important and the fabric requirements for each size as well. I always give away a few patterns - so that I can ask for constructive criticism in return. I may be the first test sewer - but getting feedback from others is priceless. They can help you rate its difficulty also which some of us old-hands may have trouble determining.
Good luck in your venture - and know you are not alone in trying this idea out.

hopetoquilt

Numbered pages
clear, numbered steps
color photo
suggestions on quilting (not just quilt as desired)
Samples with different fabrics. (one thing that would be cool would be a sample in batiks, one in brights, one in novelty prints, etc)
A cool name for the pattern (don't ask me why that would draw me in, but it would...)

donnalynett

Very well said and I totally agree! Please keep directions simple and easy to understand.

Knitette

Clear spacing between instructions, particularly on the cutting, so I can check them off as I do them without losing my place - or my sanity.

I have Dyscalculia which is a specific disability in learning or comprehending arithmetic, difficulty in understanding numbers and how to manipulate numbers. Calculating yardage is great fun.......... lol.

Below is an example of the kind of instructions which give me a headache! (This was actually pre-cutting for a class I was going to attend and ended up NOT going to as I made so many mistakes in the cutting I gave up, exhausted and disheartened ).

From your main fabric cut:
8 x 2½” squares2 x 3¼” squares
3 x 5½” squares*
4 x 3¼” squares
2 x 3¼” squares
2 x 2½” squares
12 x 2⅞” squares

From the contrast, cut:
2 x 3¼” squares
2 x 2½” squares
12 x 2⅞” squares

and so it went on.

gollytwo

Sophistication in design, simplicity in execution

Quilt-Till-U-Wilt

I agree that some patterns dfon't give enough directions. I find it helpful to know what size each finished piece is supposed to be. Sure helps to find out before the whole block is put together that it's not right.

aeble

Thanks everyone. Your feedback is really helpful and I'm making myself a checklist so I don't miss anything.

joyce888

I think having a complete picture of the quilt either as the front photo or on the back of the package. I don't like to take the pattern completely out of the package to see what the quilt design is. Also skill level is important but I would also like to see what pieces you will be making that might be a deciding factor for example; the pattern has curved seams, flying geese, paper piecing, appliqué, Y seams, anything that someone would consider difficult or not their forte. I consider myself an intermediate quilter but have a lot of problems with flying geese.