How many of you actually use a pattern?

Reply Subscribe

Page 4 of 22

« First

Last »

Thread Tools

01-25-2011, 06:47 PM

#31

0tis

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Northern California

Posts: 2,644

I use patterns - sometimes I alter them but I mostly follow the patterns except I usually use a different color choice .

01-25-2011, 06:53 PM

#32

Linda Loo

Junior Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Round Rock, Tx

Posts: 172

Quote:

Originally Posted by sewbizgirl

I quilted off and on during my life, mostly off these last 10 years or so, and have recently come back to it. What I'm wondering is, how many people actually purchase and follow a pattern for a quilt? I have never used a pattern. Some times I look through books or mags for some design ideas, but most quilts are simple enough to do without patterns (squares, rectangles, triangles, etc...) so except for the most intricate ones, are patterns even really necessary? How often do you use them?

I have posted a quilt or two here and the first question that always pops up is: Where did you get that pattern? Do most people piece from patterns?

I'm like you, I don't use patterns, BUT I still consider myself a newcomer to quilting, only 4 years or so. I like simpler quilts, love Gee's Bend quilts and do "a variation on a theme" when I see quilts I like. No one I've ever given a quilt to has asked what pattern I used!!

01-25-2011, 06:55 PM

#33

kiesh

Junior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: MN

Posts: 111

I usually use a pattern but I always end up changing it.
Adding more rows, using more colors, moving blocks around, etc.
Patterns are a starting point and then I go wherever I want from there usually making it up as I go.

01-25-2011, 06:56 PM

#34

BKrenning

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Lake Wales, FL, USA

Posts: 1,554

Even when I try to follow a pattern I change something around or run out of a particular fabric and end up having to re-figure all the math to make it work.

01-25-2011, 08:04 PM

#35

LucyInTheSky

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: Seattle

Posts: 1,743

I make my own. Or I'll look at a picture and figure it out. I have trouble following patterns :(

01-25-2011, 08:13 PM

#36

kateyb

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Grand Junction, Colorado

Posts: 2,247

I do both. There are some blocks that I follow the pattern, especially the more complicated ones. I don't necessarily follow an entire pattern. I will use parts of several.
I create as I go and sometimes make my own pattern.

01-25-2011, 08:18 PM

#37

quiltersince2007

Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: United States

Posts: 10

I started quilting and not using a pattern but have recently begun using them. I have found that there is some difference in making the picture in my head happen and following a pattern. The biggest is less waste ... my head isn't always accurate.
I am currently making mini log cabins for a charity quilt.

01-25-2011, 08:19 PM

#38

Jim

Super Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Bardstown, Kentucky

Posts: 2,156

I look at patterns for guidance not as a rule...I draw alot of mine out on my own or look at a quilt and tweak out my own rendition

01-25-2011, 08:19 PM

#39

Ladyjanedoe

Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Pacific NW

Posts: 649

I find that I really want a pattern when I'm attempting something I've not done before.

01-25-2011, 10:47 PM

#40

trisha

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Northwest Ohio

Posts: 1,851

If I hadn't used a pattern for my French Braid quilt, it would have ended up looking like Mashed Potatoes! LOL I just can't imagine what some of my stuff would look like without one. Although I have made my own way on a lot a lot of quilts, sometimes following the book helps a lot, and am trying to think mo0re out of the box. You guys are very inspiring.