Reflecting on my blogging journey I have grown and learned so much as a person and as a quilter. The lessons include so many details of the quilting process, as a self- taught quilter this space as be invaluable. This blog also brought me into the quilting industry by writing quilt patterns. Initially this was writing pattern books with Martingale – which I loved doing, and learned so much too. Writing quilt patterns is different from what you see here on the blog. It’s a very technical style, that requires me to breakdown each step of the process. So that quilters have success when using my pattern.
Writing a tutorial on a blog, is a great way to gain experience around patterns. As you photograph and describe each step of your process, it can help you to distill your ideas and consider options – especially after you post it and start to get feedback. Most quilt patterns include illustrations instead of photos, for clarity, and typically have size limitations. This is true if you plan to print a booklet, or expect people to print a PDF. As we are all conscious of the amount of paper we use, limiting the number of pages in a downloadable pattern is also important.
Writing Quilt Patterns
When writing quilt patterns there a lot of details to be included. Each piece of fabric needs to be accounted for, assigned a color to coordinate with the list of cutting requirements. And then we do the math for how much of each fabric is required to make the quilt. Finally, all the step by step instructions need to be written as clearly as possible.
I’ve been writing quilt patterns for over 12 years now! With five books to my name, along with many magazine projects, collaborative book projects, and patterns for my shop too – I imagine I’ve written at least 200 patterns. The quilt math has never been a problem to do (I love quilt math!). Keeping it organized and ready to insert into a document was my challenge. I found myself doing the math multiple times to figure out what the numbers on my page meant. I was a wasting my precious time. (This may have been as much about having toddlers at home, as anything.)
Over time I have developed tools to use and help me keep track of all the details. They helped me to easily transfer details to a layout for a pattern. These have worked well but in the last couple of years also started to be a hindrence in my pattern writing practice.
I do consider writing patterns to be a practice. The more I do it the easier it is to get into that technical writing space. And the faster I’m able to produce a pattern. Most recently, I produced and shared a quilt block with a video each week for the Modern Quilt Block Series. Since it’s a quilt block and not a full pattern, it is more simplified. However, I was simultaneously producing two full quilt patterns a month at a minimum.
The Quilt Planner
The photos are a progression of my Quilt Planner that I developed and sell in my pattern shop. One thing I hear over and over from quilters is — “I love this pattern but I want to make it in ________ size. And it’s not included in the pattern.” The Quilt Planner helps that quilter, sort out the most common quilt math, and buy sufficient fabric before starting the project. It doesn’t replace the pattern that they purchased but allows them to more easily customize their project. And as a pattern designer it helped me keep track of details too.
Over the last four years I’ve been producing, with my partner, Christine – Curated Quilts on a quarterly basis. Included in the publication is up to three patterns which we have contracted (paid) contributors for. As the managing editor and in-house pattern guru, I’m often the one taking a first look at the pattern. I usually edit to clarify details, and simplify instructions while aligning with the style that we prefer patterns to have for publication, before it heads to our editor for a double check of all the details.
Write Better Quilt Patterns
It’s been surprising to me the patterns that are being written and I want to help! I’ve developed my own strategies for quickly taking those sketches and getting a framework to make a sample from. Settling into the technical writing space and easily writing a comprehensive, easy to use pattern quickly. I have a framework for a personalized course over 12 weeks that will teach you my methods as we develop your patterns together. And help you to write better patterns more efficiently.
We will have weekly calls to cover a topic, and apply it to your pattern. All with the goal to make it the best for your customer. Inspiring others is fun, but helping them create with success is even better! I have so many great reviews in my shop from customers who have enjoyed making my pattern and looking forward to purchasing the next one. And these loyal customers are your best fans, and often your biggest amplifier online and off.
I would love to work with you in streamlining your process and getting your next idea to a pattern quickly and efficiently to make the most of the time that you have. We are all busy, but it doesn’t feel like so much work when all the details are organized and ready to format into a viable pattern. Click the link above to learn more about the specific topics we will cover, and sign up to get started with me!
Amy
ps – if you just scrolled to the bottom – I’m offering a new way to work with me, and up level your pattern business too! Click the button above to learn more.
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