Writing Patterns

I love, love, LOVE making YouTube videos...but I frequently get asked "where can I get the pattern" when I showcase a project I'm working on. That's an easy ask when I'm using someone else's pattern, but when it's something I've just made up...not so easy to deliver. A couple years ago, I took a stab at designing and writing patterns, but put the endeavor on hold - and convinced myself that no one wanted a pattern I wrote. Until my 'Monica Quilt'. There was such an overwhelming request for a pattern, that I realized I had information people wanted! I wrote a beginner level pattern and made it available for free on my website and so many people downloaded it that I felt encouraged to do more! In today's blog post, I'm sharing three things I've learned starting this journey.

I Like to Design Electronically!

Ok, full disclosure - years ago, I bought EQ8 with the intention of designing quilts and writing patterns. And the software was difficult for me to navigate, and I could only design while sitting at my desk. It was cumbersome, and I didn't like it! I want to access my designs when I'm inspired - and not have to rush home to my computer. So, it was important to me to find easy to use software that was cloud-based so I could access it from a variety of devices. That's where Pre-Quilt comes in! It's robust enough that I can create my quilt layout, color it in the way I'd like, and then once I have my design done - I can start doing the 'quilt math' to write my pattern! If you're intrigued about Pre-Quilt

Do the Quilt Math (So Others Don't Have To!)

Let's face it - quilt math can be hard! There are so many variables that need to be taken into account when determining how much fabric you need, how to cut the fabric, and how to arrange the pieces together so that everything measures as intended. This is a skill that made me shy away from writing patterns when I first started - but I realized I was doing the work anyway! All of the math is jotted down quickly in a little notebook I keep - and, when something didn't work out, I take note of that as well. Knowing how much fabric to buy, how to cut it out, and how to arrange it is a bulk of what makes up a pattern. If I've taken the time to do all the calculations, and test it myself - then why not save others from the headache?

Quality...Check?

I want my patterns to be accurate and easy to understand. And...this is a little complicated because I want quilters with a variety of experience levels to understand my instructions. That's where testers come in!! Once I've drafted a design, wrote out some instructions, and am reasonably confident all the math works and the instructions are clear - I pass it on for others to make without a tutorial video or any hand holding. I want to know were my calculations accurate? Were the steps I laid out clearly understood? If they can make the project with minimal (or no!) clarifications, then I count that as a success! Spending time testing the pattern before launch helps me release a better quality product, and hopefully will reduce the frequency of pattern corrections!

Becca Shifflet

YouTube channel: Sew Becca