What makes a good pattern/ directions for a quilt?

[Judy B.]

WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE IN PATTERNS?


WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN PATTERNS?

WHAT MAKE A PATTERN EASY TO FOLLOW?

WHAT MAKES PATTERN INSTRUCTION HARD TO FOLLOW?

WHAT KIND OF PROBLEMS HAVE YOU HAD WITH PATTERNS? ANY MAJOR CATASTROPHES?

WHAT ELEMENTS ARE A MUST IN THE PATTERNS YOU PURCHASE / ACTUALLY MAKE A QUILT FROM?

WHAT WOULD STOP YOU FROM TACKLING A PATTERN FOR A COMPLICATED QUILT?


A friend and I need to develop patterns for our guild activities and since we have never done anything like this we were trying to figure out ahead of time what elements are a must in a pattern.






.

[Judy B.]

Clear, easy to read and understand directions are the most important thing. Also accuracy. I don't want to cut out twenty five half square triangles of the wrong size. I like visuals to refer to as well as the written words as I tend to use the visuals more than the written directions at times. I think taking the time to test your pattern is well worth the effort.
Cindy

[Judy B.]

Everything Cindy said is correct. It is very important that the pattern is clear and easy to read and direct with the instructions. I enjoy a good diagram also, especially if its labled, ie the signage for pressing directions, direction for grain of fabric. Are there any volunteers available to test the pattern?

Do either of you have a favorite pattern you make, what makes it easy for you to follow? What made it easy to complete?

best of luck...

[Marion D.]

Most patterns are merely repeats of things I already have in the quilting books I have, so if I purchase a pattern it has to be new and different and complicated. Easy patterns I will draft myself.

Good Directions! With Pictures! If you are writing them yourself, test them out on a friend. I used to write procedures for chemical analysis, and that step was absolutely essential.

If a quilt was too complicated, I would only buy it if I was taking a class. For example, Judy Niemeyer's patterns were way too daunting until I took a class from her.

Good luck!

[Eileen K.]

If I can make the quilt, the directions are good.

[Hannelore N.]

So true, Eileen!

If possible, a pattern should be tested by several very different quilters to see if it works. What's clear to one quilter may be totally incomprehensible for another.

And the perfect situation for me would be if the pattern designer would come and visit me, so that I could watch him/her making the quilt, taking notes for myself. I'd then like a weekend straight after with nothing else to do, so that I could make the quilt whilst all the instructions are still fresh in my mind.

If I wait 6 months, even my own notes sometimes don't make sense anymore.

[Hannelore N.]

I have the most problems understanding the cutting directions. To me it is essential that it be easily understood / even have pictures/ graphics of what the patches would look like. The sizes have to be easily understood. Multiple sizes in a different table or separate from the original directions. The more detailed the instructions are the happier I am and the easier it is to do the pattern. I do not like it when the cutting instructions are all lumped together. Magazines do this to save space... but that is why I rarely / never make quilts from magazines.

If there are different components in the block.... there should be square up or size statement so that you know if you are sewing accurately. I once made a block that included a four patch that was in a square in a square unit then was then placed in side another block. The center unit was suppose to be 6 -1/2 inches the directions should say so... if there are flying geese around the block the directions should be clear on what size they should be. Accuracy in components result in better block construction and achieving an accurately sized block.

I really dislike when a quilt is based on a traditional block but the author changes the name of the block. I think we should be honoring our heritage of previous quilters and at least acknowledge the traditional names of the blocks. The quilt itself can be called by whatever the quilt maker wants to call it.

I agree I love when a pattern has PRESSING DIRECTIONS... it makes it so much easier to put the blocks together. It takes a lot of stress off the piecer / quilter.

Thanks for your input but keep the suggestions coming please.






Lady Rags,

.

[Margo C.]

Lorchen, that's why I love this quote:

"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand."
Chinese Proverb -

[Hannelore N.]

Oh yes, Margo, those Chinese are full of wisdom......... just like you!

[Hannelore N.]

I got so much good advice about patterns here and at some of the other forums I belong to.... I turned it into a podcast. Take a listen if you get the chance....

Happy Quilting...
Nonnie
AKA LADY RAGS ....



http://nonniesquiltingdreams.podbean.com/
Nonnie's Quilting Dreams- Podcast

********
http://nonniequiltingdreams.wordpress.com/
Nonnie's Quilting Dreams - Blog