Do you ignore patterns to make units your own way?
 

And I don't mean your method of making Flying Geese or HSTs. My issue is with the 6" border on a purchased pattern, all squares (on point), and half squares, "diamonds". I didn't like that the main colored 2" squares would be cut and probably end up as 2 fabrics, so I changed to a 'better' method. Didn't work, the border is 1" too short, so now I will try another way, which will make my MC small squares one color, and the larger square two background triangles. If that works I will have to un-sew all that I've done, a lot more unpicking than what has already been done. Also must admit that I didn't measure and trim so that may account for my stuff-up, but I'm sure the new way will be best. :cool:

Usually the pattern that I want to use isn't the 'right' finished size, so I either make more blocks to fit the pattern or play around a bit and make the blocks a larger size. I have never really cared for borders, as I like the look of all over blocks and just having binding. So if the pattern has a border or borders, I just do the number of blocks needed to get the size quilt I want using the pattern layout as a guide.

Yes, I do change up patterns to make units with less seams.

Two HST units can be combined into a FG or parallelogram depending on the pattern layout. I don't like to chop prints and with the slight change, you see more of the fabric pattern.

I too often use the pattern as a guideline to what I want the pattern to be. I make sure there are less seams (as Rhonda K describes - I do not like making Hsts) Add or subtract borders, Change layouts, paper piece where not called for and some time modify iron directions. !! It is clearly trickier if it is a Kit but still can be done.

Why not leave you blocks as is and some how modify the border to have more length??

I figure that the majority of pattern makers are a lot smarter than I am and leave the important decisions up to them. the only varience I make is the size of the border.

It depends on the sub-unit. Having done half-rectangle triangles (or whatever the term is for rectangles that are 2 different fabrics on the diagonal) the way a pattern told me to, one needed to be super accurate with the cuts. I gave up after a handful and broke out my Deb Tucker split recs tool. So for some things I "Tuckerize".

Very recently I took a class using the Stripology ruler to do some subunits like flying geese, and boy, was that fun to learn! I'll put that into play next time I have lots of geese in a pattern.

Depends.

Sometimes I will try the pattern writer''s way - and it is better than what I have been doing.

Sometimes I like "my" way better - the main reason is probably is that the method is familiar to me and old habits are hard to change.

I have learned that sometimes the pattern(s) do have errors - one of the advantages to having had some experience.

I have also learned to not cut the borders until the center is done. I will set aside fabric - with a bit extra - for the borders right away - with a label on them so the fabric does not get used for something else. Errors/Variances in unit/block sizes add up over the whole top. I learned that one the hard way!

Yes...and no. I will usually try one block the way the pattern is written. That way, I get to see how it all fits together. THEN I'll change things around if I know an easier way, or one that takes less fabric, or upsizing a difficult portion and then trimming to size. I've even been known to draw out portions of a block and paper piece.

It all depends on what works for me and that certainly might not be what works for you.

I quilt with a Quilting Ministry at church and I have the hardest time following the patterns. I’d rather look at a quilt and figure out how it is made. I find it a challenge, and good exercise for the brain. I have sometimes changed the blocks so I have fewer seams. I use Deb Tuckers tools and Bloc loc rulers too so I have to figure out yardage and what to cut. I enjoy doing that. For me it’s easier than reading a pattern. Must be some learning disability I am not aware of!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I treat sewing patterns the way I treat recipes…..as inspiration.
if it includes unfamiliar steps or techniques, I will follow the directions.
Otherwise, I generally do things my way.
Probably helps me and hurts me in equal measure over the long run!

Thats why I stopped participating in BOM’s and Mystery Quilts in 2025. I want to make the quilt I want to make.